Kenosis in Philippians 2:6-11 and It's Implications for Church Leaders in Nigeria addressed the rising degree of leadership tussle, lack of selflessness, humility and servant attitude that characterize leadership in the church today using Jesus' kenosis viz selflessness, humility, and servant attitude to challenge them.

Abstract

This paper addressed the rising degree of leadership tussle, character assassination, sometimes diabolism, materialism, and individualism in the church arising from the understanding of leadership in the church as a position and title rather than opportunity to serve. It investigated the leadership problems and lapses in the Nigerian church, investigated the kenotic life of Jesus which he expects the disciples and the Nigerian church to embody and replicate as herald of the gospel, and stimulated the practice of kenosis by the leadership of the Nigerian church. It adopted a historical-critical exegetical. One of the major findings is that for the contemporary Nigerian church to ensure effective and efficient leadership they must see Jesus as a role model of selfless service, appropriate the sacrificial model of Jesus, imbibing humility as a trait, and see leadership as an opportunity to serve. Leadership in the Nigerian church system should not be a reward for long service in the church, rather it should be preserved for people of selfless character as seen in Philippians 2:6-11. This article contributes to changing the present wrong notion of leadership among some church leaders and leaders in general as it focuses on the formula or proper model that Jesus has set as an example in Philippians 2:6-11 as well as dealing with the leadership problems in the church and the society (Nigeria).