Abstract

Background: Pauline teachings on Christian marriage and ecclesial leadership have remained foundational in shaping church structures and moral expectations across Christian traditions. In Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, the encounter between Pauline insistence on monogamy and marital fidelity, as reflected in 1 Timothy 3:2 to 5 and Titus 1:6 to 9, and the enduring cultural practice of polygamy within Igbo society, presents significant theological and pastoral tensions. This tension directly affects church stability, leadership selection, and communal unity.

Methods: The study employed an integrative research design that combined theological exegesis of relevant Pauline texts with qualitative interviews involving church leaders and members in Ikwo. In addition, a quantitative survey was conducted to assess patterns of interpretation and application of Pauline instructions within local congregations. This multi method approach enabled a contextual analysis of how biblical teachings are negotiated within an African cultural environment where polygamy remains socially embedded.

Results: Findings reveal divergent ecclesial responses. Some churches maintain strict monogamous requirements for leadership in alignment with literal readings of Pauline texts, thereby excluding polygamous individuals from leadership positions. Other congregations adopt a more pastoral and inclusive approach, permitting polygamous members to serve in leadership provided they demonstrate commitment to Christian virtues and moral integrity. Evidence from the field suggests that congregations practising a pastoral inclusive model tend to experience greater unity and institutional continuity, whereas rigid exclusionary approaches risk alienating members and weakening church cohesion.

Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of contextual hermeneutics in navigating the complex relationship between biblical fidelity and cultural sensitivity. Balancing adherence to Pauline theology with pastoral responsiveness to African marital realities is crucial for sustaining church stability in Ikwo. It therefore recommends increased pastoral sensitivity, inclusive leadership frameworks where appropriate, and sustained scholarly engagement with the realities of polygamy in African Christian contexts.