COLLABORATION WITHIN THE ‘ECOLOGY OF MISSION’: AN AFRICAN CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Collaborative ministry concerns the dynamics of relationships between the clergy, consecrated persons and lay faithful, that is, how they are able to work together as Christian ministers, each in his or her own right, being mutually supportive and acting in fellowship with the wider church1. However, in recent times, the issue of collaboration in ministry has become one of great importance with the passage of time, especially, as continuing cultural, economic and political changes have brought present conditions to such a point of development that completely new delicate and complex problems have arisen. This paper discusses not just the issue of collaborative ministry, but introduces an innovation as it colors the discourse with an African cultural perspective. The major question looming at the horizon of this work is: what has the African worldview to offer in the evolving discourses on collaborative ministry? In response to this question, this piece has explored the African background for African categories that would make discourses on collaborative ministry more meaningful to and at home in Africa. Having discussed the African worldview and developed models for collaborative ministry in Africa, this piece strongly submits that collaborative ministry studied from the African cultural perspective enriches the concept and makes more meaning to the African. For the purpose of this research, the contextual method of inquiry would be employed as it emphasizes circumstances and experiences of each people for the appropriation of the Christian faith. The complementary approach would also be patronized, especially as it expresses the nature and rhythm of the African universe.