Christian Theological Education and Discipleship Panacea to Nigerian Church Challenges

Abstract

Christian theological education and discipleship have been veritable mediums for instilling the appropriate spiritual virtues and characters in new converts. Previous scholarships on Christian theological education in the African context have underpinned the contributions and possibilities of theological education in African contexts to explore the connectivity between Christian theological education and discipleship to underscore what they portend for resolving the church’s challenges and engendering development and transformation. Using analytical and historical approaches, the paper discusses the significance, challenges, and prospects of Christian Theological Education in Africa. It highlights the failures of the Church and how theological education and discipleship can serve as a panacea in tackling them. Finally, it argues for repositioning of theological education towards mission, socioeconomic, and justice dimensions, especially in the Church and the state.