Study About Leadership for a Suffering Community: A Reading of 1 Peter 5:1-3 in Northern Nigeria Context

1 Peter 5:1-3 text is a case study that provides guidelines for addressing contexts to leadership in a suffering Christian community in Northern Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to speak to these leaders where Christians are suffering due to religious conflicts caused by the Boko Haram insurgency and Fulani Herdsmen who appear tyrannical and selfish, contrary to the teachings of 1 Peter 5:1-3. The Socio-Historical method of leadership helps disseminate Peter’s thoughts to these leaders for a better society that God required. The application of this model allows in decongesting the (greedy or selfish) and (domineering or lording over) nature of leadership gaining ground in Northern Nigeria. The study concludes that leaders must be role models in providing oversight devoid of hegemony, dictatorship and clamouring for financial gain. At the same time, members should listen to them through submission and humility as a benchmark for cordiality and tranquillity in society. Therefore, the paper seeks to supply church leaders with a better understanding of the theological message of 1 Peter 5:1-3; and how it can deal with the diverse contemporary, political, social, economic and religious issues surrounding leadership.