Clergy-Laity Synergy for Healthy Congregational Polity

Dualism and rivalry has been perceived as part of the challenges confronting clergy-laity relationship in the church. This seems to have been fueled by the perceived misinterpretation of the concept of priesthood of all believers most especially in Baptist Church with congregational polity. This dichotomy and rivalry is alien to the birth of the New Testament, but having subtly crept into the church, became a historical virus to the interpersonal and functional relationship that exists between the clergy and the laity. This poses a great threat to the unity, growth, strength and health of the church. The clergy-laity synergy through mutually valued relationship is a force that determines the identity, strength, functionality and the future mission of a local church. It is indeed a vehicle that drives a local church and determines her speed and destiny. This book is an in-depth exploration into the interplay between the priesthood of all believers and congregational polity as it affects clergy-laity relationship among the Baptists. The book is a unique resource material for students and teachers in Theological institutions, as well as members of the church in search of knowledge.