African Monarchism and Biblical Leadership: A Theological Evaluation of the Use of Authority in Church Governance

Abstract

This article explores the theological and cultural intersections between African monarchism and biblical principles of servant leadership particularly in the context of church governance. It addresses African monarchism’s influence on church leadership highlighting both congruencies and tensions between traditional monarchic authority and the Bible’s model of humility and service. A broad cultural perspective is employed comparing African monarchic systems with other global monarchies such as those in medieval Europe and Confucian Asia to underscore varied approaches to divinely sanctioned leadership. The study further examines the diversity within African monarchism itself drawing on examples from Ethiopian, Yoruba, and Luba monarchies to illustrate regional variations in governance, ritual authority, and power distribution. Historical insights into early Christian and Jewish leadership practices provide additional context revealing how servant leadership principles subverted the hierarchical norms of the Roman Empire and aligned with the Old Testament’s covenantal ethics. Through a critical analysis of (Matt 20:25-28 and 1 Pet 5:2-3), the article argues for an adaptive biblically rooted church leadership model that respects African cultural heritage while fostering transparency, service, and humility. This paradigm aims to support spiritually robust and community-centred church leadership that aligns with scriptural values.