Integrity Challenge Among Contemporary Nigerian Church Leaders

Abstract

Corruption, though a global phenomenon, has become endemic and systemic in both the public and private sectors of Nigeria and has eaten deep into the moral fabric of Nigerian society. This has affected the integrity of both the secular and religious institutions including the church and its leadership. Previous studies on corruption in Nigeria have largely focused on its conceptualisations and assessment in its varied forms, xraying its causes, effects and solutions, and policy formulations. However, this study sets out to examine the challenge of integrity among Nigerian church leaders concerning the subject matter of corruption. Church leaders and church members were the primary sources of data while books, journal articles and internet materials were the secondary sources of data. Data was gathered through phenomenological and documentation methods of research and they were analysed using the content analysis method within the ambit of consequentialism theory. Clerical corruption, perpetrated mostly by Pastors and church elders through the unbridled pursuit of material possessions and wealth is on the increase. And only exemplary lifestyle by the church leadership in collaboration with the state will curb this evil menace. It is recommended that the pastors and church members should be trained in ethics and spiritual formation.