Integrity: A Vital Tool for the 21st Century Church Leaders in Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing level of moral decadence such as rape, fraud, covetousness, sexual misconduct, character assassination, cultic activities, bloodshed, idolatry, syncretism among some church leaders in the 21st century has caused lots of reproach to the sacred order and arose varieties of questioning to the sanctity of the call of some church leaders in the present age. More worrisome also is the fact that while some church leaders in the 21st century spend more effort in theological formation, little or no attention is given to moral discipline. What should be the attitude of church leaders in matters of morality at home, society and church? Shouldn’t the church leaders be honest and consistent in all things? Pauline discourse on the qualification of church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is used as a guide. The paper employs phenomenological and historical-critical method. The essence of the paper is to remind church leaders in the 21st-century church that a high level of moral responsibility is demanded of them if they must thrive and be a voice in the present age.