Pages: (59-76 )
Abstract
The concept of the body of Christ, as articulated in Pauline theological thought serves as a foundational framework for church administration. The body metaphor in Paul’s letters underpinned the nature, unity, diversity and organization of the church. It provides the internal dynamic and complexity that subsists between the church and the profound wisdom that governs church administration. The church is made of many parts within the same body. In the context of Nigeria, the church is polarized by various diversities such as the cultural, social, and theological dynamics therefore understanding and applying this concept becomes crucial. The purpose of this study is to explore Paul’s theology of the Body and its implications for Church administration. The study employs the documentation method which involves the exploration of Pauline’s letters such as 1 Corinthians, Romans and Ephesians. The study also includes critical analysis of data gathered from sources like articles, books, commentaries and digital publications. The findings of the study reveal that Pauline theology of the body underpins the diversity, unity and complexity of the church as one living organism. It underscores the relationship and the dynamics that subsist within the church such as interdependence, mutual respect and individual uniqueness as important to church administration. The study concludes that Pauline theology of the body explicates unity in diversity, interdependence, respect and mutual care which are vital to effective church administration and vital to solve administrative conflict in the church.
Keywords: Body, Church Administration, Pauline Theology, Unity and Nigerian Church,