A critical analysis of pastoral and bishopric appointment and self-appointment in the African Pentecostal church in Ndola Zambia based on 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Abstract

The case for pastoral appointment or self-appointment within the African Pentecostal church in Zambia highlights a current contemporary challenge in indigenous Pentecostal and charismatic churches in Africa. While considering the subject a critical issue, very little has been done to address the challenges it poses. This study explores 1 Timothy 3:1-7 with the view of reconciling it with the current praxis of bishopric and pastoral appointments and (self)-appointments within the African Pentecostal church in Ndola, Zambia. The text is discussed from the perspective of its first recipients and suggested author. Various principles are drawn from the New Testament text that are applied to a specific ecclesiastical circumstance. Varying usage of the concept of elder within the Old, New and intertestamental period is considered. The emergence of bishops within the church and their subsequent roles within judicial and political arenas are covered. The issue of gender restriction within the broader evangelical body and the African Pentecostal church is covered extensively. The position of mainline evangelical bodies on the role of women in assuming pastoral and bishopric office(s) is presented. The case of female ordination as presented by proponents and opponents of the concept is discussed in detail. This study argues the urgency and need of formulating a concise document on the appointment or self-appointment of clerical leaders in the African Pentecostal church. The study indicates that the African Pentecostal church in Ndola lacks a well-defined structure and policy on the appointment of clerical leaders. The primary reason for this challenge is the absence of theological trained clergy within the church who promote theological formation. The study concludes with a summary of the relevant constraints. Possible recommendations for further studies in New Testament and contemporary systematic theology are highlighted.