PAULINE TEACHING ON DIGNITY OF LABOUR (2 THESSANONIANS 3:7-12): AN EXAMPLE FOR NIGERIAN CONTEMPORARY CLERGY

Abstract

The commercialization of the Gospel has taken different forms in present-day Nigeria. The call to pastorality has significantly shifted from a spiritual vocation to a gainful enterprise. In this regard, the Pauline model as presented in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is particularly apt. Relying on 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12, this study argues that Nigerian clergy should embrace their pastoral calling as it ought to be, following the Pauline example. The study emphasizes that the vocation to the priesthood is fundamentally a call to service rather than a means of exploitation. The Pauline idea of the dignity of labour challenges Nigerian clergy to embrace self-reliance, ministry as service, ethical responsibility in work, the right use of authority, and a balanced theology of vocation. This work adopts virtue ethics theory and the Pauline model of the shepherd as analytical frameworks for examining the issues raised. It concludes that it is imperative for Nigerian clergy to view ministry and pastorality as service to God and to the people. Ministry should be understood as a sacred vocation reserved for the genuinely called, rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.