Paul and Church Leadership: Towards an African Transformational Interpretation of Titus1:1-9 for the Rwandese Church

Abstract

The scripture text from Titus 1:1-9 is a model that provides guidelines for selection and qualification of leaders in church administration. The purpose of this paper is to investigate leadership based on the scripture according to Titus through the lens of an African transformational interpretation and in light of the Rwandan church leadership. The evidence that challenges the leadership of the church in Rwanda can be drawn back from the 1994 genocide attack committed against Tutsis where some church leaders were unable to resist the tragedy while others participated in it. This is contrary to Titus 1:1-9 vis –a- vis the qualities of a leader. Through the African transformational interpretation applied to Titus 1:1-9, Rwandan church leadership must select and appoint leaders without reproach who can make an influential move using the similar core Christian characters shown in the scripture. This can serve as an apostolic manual for building a church that will survive in whatever circumstances that portrays the glory of God.