Interpreting 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 in the light of church building and probity in Nigeria

Abstract

So much has been said about church building in Nigeria, whether among the mainline churches, African Indigenous churches, or the new  generation churches, especially in regard to accountability vis-à-vis attitudinal tendencies among the various builders, that is, the  leaders and their associates. Given some unchristian attitudes amidst some church leaders particularly in relation to wealth pursuit, breakaways, and some other social and moral misdemeanour, several onlookers believe that „church in Nigeria is a business venture‟  regardless the standpoint of parishioners. Meanwhile, the average church person believes that churches are founded in order to  accomplish God‟s divine mandate on earth. The study, therefore, was poised to address these two conflicting notions about the church and church building in Nigeria as St. Paul‟s concept of church building and accountability in his first epistle to the Corinthians particularly  the third chapter was assessed using theological and hermeneutical approach in the course of the study. Essentially, the chosen text was  appraised and the result of the exegesis was used to analyse the issue of church building and accountability in the nation. It was  established that church building in Nigeria is marred with one social malady or another, including unhealthy rivalry. The Christian  Association of Nigeria is therefore enjoined to decisively and objectively address such as to have a befitting church in the country