Nexus between Church and Society: An Appraisal of the Role of the Church in Society from a Wesleyan and Biblical Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the close relationship between the church and society and argues that they are interdependent. Drawing on theoretical research and a literature review, this paper will briefly survey the church’s historical relationships and then evaluate its role in society through the lenses of Wesleyan and biblical theology. It will appraise the arguments for the separation of church and state and of church and politics. The article argues that the church is the conduit of biblical, godly living in love, holiness, and justice, as God expects for society as a whole. Secondly, the article examines the church’s role in African societies and assesses its contribution to African social transformation and governance. It further argues that the church’s role in society is pivotal as salt and light. The article concludes by providing an analytical evaluation of the African church’s impact on society, given the shift of Christianity into the majority world and the global south, and offers necessary recommendations.