AN EXEGETICAL APPRAISAL OF JOHN 21:20-22 AND ITS IMPLICATION TO ADDRESSING INTRA-MINISTERIAL RIVALRY AMONG THE CONTEMPORARY ANGLICAN CLERGY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Intra-ministerial rivalry among contemporary clergy in the Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria) represents a significant ecclesiological and pastoral challenge that undermines the unity and mission of the Church. Unhealthy competition for recognition, influence and power among contemporary Anglican clergy have become prevalent in the Church of Nigeria, threatening the church’s spiritual, administrative, and missionary health. This research seeks to examine intra-ministerial rivalry among contemporary Anglican ministers and proposes a biblical-theological response through an exegetical appraisal of John 21:20-22, where Peter was contentiously concerned of what becomes of John (the beloved apostle) in competition for influential position of primacy. The research work adopts a qualitative research method, combining biblical exegesis, theological analysis, oral interviews, personal observations and empirical insights from scholarly works. The findings of the study demonstrate that the root of rivalry lies in comparison and the desire to measure one’s ministry against that of others. A critical analysis of the text John 21:20-22 reveals its theological implications for ministerial conduct. The researcher argues that Jesus’ response to Peter – “What is that to you? You follow me” in John 21:22 provides a timeless corrective framework that emphasizes personal vocation, servant leadership and non-competitive but collaborative ministry; calling Church leaders back to faithfulness, humility, and focused obedience to their divine call. The research recommends that a healthy response to intra-ministerial rivalry in the Anglican Diocese of Umuahia requires transparent leadership, fair preferment, clear communication, prayerfulness, humility in service, collaborative ministry and a renewed commitment to servant leadership. Hence, ministry is not a competition for superiority but a vocation of service.