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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Church organization and administration in the early Christian era and its implications for the contemporary Church in Nigeria
Author:Fatokun, S.A.
Year:2009
Periodical:Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies (ISSN 0030-5596)
Volume:41
Issue:1
Pages:177-193
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Church
clergy
Abstract:This paper presents a historical appraisal of the organizational and administrative structures of the early Church in relation to the contemporary Church in Nigeria, identifying those features retained and those modified, as well as areas of complete departure from organizational and administrative foundational structures set by ancient Christianity. The Church in Nigeria is chosen as a case study because of the extensive proliferation of its denominations - especially in the Pentecostal Church. The paper is based on bibliographical as well as field research. It shows that, while there is much similarity between the administrative structure of the early Church and most mainline denominations in Nigeria, there is much disparity in the administrative structure of most African Independent Churches, especially the indigenous and the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches, where more and new offices with different ministerial titles have been created. This disparity in offices can be largely attributed to Africans' love for titles and offices. The paper stresses the need for contemporary churches in Nigeria, especially the Independent ones, to go back to the past in order to put things right in the present. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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