Full Project – The effect of revival in the behavior of church members. A case study of churches in Onitsha

Full Project – The effect of revival in the behavior of church members. A case study of churches in Onitsha

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the Study

The revival phenomenon has been a significant aspect of church activities, particularly in Onitsha, and has been observed to have a profound impact on the behavior of church members. Revival, in a religious context, refers to a specific period of increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of a church congregation or a society, often during times of special meetings or services. It is a time when church members are encouraged to renew their commitment to God and the teachings of the church (Smith, 2010).

The effect of revival on the behavior of church members is multifaceted. According to a study by Okafor (2015), revival meetings often lead to increased church attendance and participation in church activities. This is because the heightened spiritual atmosphere during revival periods often encourages members to be more involved in the church. The study also found that revival periods often lead to increased giving and financial support to the church, as members are often moved by the spiritual fervor to give more to the church.

Furthermore, revival periods often lead to a transformation in the moral and ethical behavior of church members. According to a study by Eze (2017), revival periods often lead to a decrease in immoral behaviors among church members, as the teachings during revival periods often emphasize the importance of living a righteous life. The study found that during revival periods, there was a significant decrease in cases of adultery, theft, and other immoral behaviors among church members.

However, the effect of revival on the behavior of church members is not always positive. According to a study by Nwankwo (2018), some church members often feel pressured to conform to the heightened spiritual expectations during revival periods, leading to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. The study found that this often leads to a decrease in self-esteem among some church members, as they feel they are not living up to the spiritual standards set by the church.

In conclusion, the effect of revival on the behavior of church members is complex and multifaceted. While revival periods often lead to increased church participation and a transformation in moral behavior, they can also lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy among some church members. Therefore, it is important for churches to be mindful of the potential negative effects of revival periods and to provide support to members who may be struggling during these times (Nwankwo, 2018).

Despite the mixed effects, revival remains a significant aspect of church activities in Onitsha, and its impact on the behavior of church members cannot be overlooked. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex dynamics of revival and its impact on the behavior of church members.

 Statement of the Problem

The problem of the effect of revival on the behavior of church members is a complex one, particularly in the context of churches in Onitsha. The revival phenomenon is often associated with a surge in religious fervor and commitment among church members. However, the specific behavioral changes that occur as a result of revival are not well understood. This lack of understanding is problematic because it hinders the ability of church leaders to effectively plan and implement revival activities.

One of the key issues is the lack of empirical research on the subject. Most of the existing literature on revival is anecdotal or theoretical in nature, making it difficult to draw concrete conclusions about its effects on behavior. This gap in the literature is particularly pronounced in the context of Onitsha, where the revival phenomenon is a significant aspect of church life.

Another issue is the diversity of the churches in Onitsha. The city is home to a wide range of denominations, each with its own unique approach to revival. This diversity makes it challenging to generalize about the effects of revival on behavior.

Furthermore, the concept of “behavior” itself is multifaceted, encompassing everything from attendance at church services to moral conduct. The lack of a clear, universally accepted definition of what constitutes “behavior” in this context adds another layer of complexity to the problem.

Finally, there is the issue of the temporal dimension. The effects of revival on behavior may not be immediate, and may change over time. This makes it difficult to measure the impact of revival, and to determine whether any observed changes in behavior are directly attributable to it.

The problem of understanding the effect of revival on the behavior of church members in Onitsha is multifaceted, involving issues of empirical research, diversity of churches, definition of behavior, and temporal dimension. Further research is needed to address these issues and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. 

  • Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of revival in the behavior of church members. A case study of churches in Onitsha.  The specific objectives of the study are:

  1. To examine the impact of revival on the frequency of church attendance among members.
  2. To investigate the influence of revival on the level of participation in church activities and community service.
  3. To assess the changes in the spiritual commitment and faith of church members following a revival.
  4. To evaluate the effect of revival on the moral and ethical behavior of church members in their daily lives.
  • Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

  1. What is the impact of revival on the frequency of church attendance among members?
  2. How does revival influence the level of participation in church activities and community service?
  3. What changes occur in the spiritual commitment and faith of church members following a revival?
  4. How does revival affect the moral and ethical behavior of church members in their daily lives? 
  • Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the is stated below:

Ho: Revival has no significant impact on the frequency of church attendance among members

H1: Revival has significant impact on the frequency of church attendance among members

 Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the effect of revival on the behavior of church members is manifold. Firstly, it provides a deeper understanding of the role of religious revivals in shaping the religious practices and behaviors of church members. Revivals are often seen as periods of intense spiritual awakening and renewal, and understanding their impact can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of religious communities. This study could shed light on how revivals influence the frequency of church attendance, the level of participation in church activities and community service, and the spiritual commitment and faith of church members.

Secondly, this study could contribute to the broader field of sociology of religion by providing empirical data on the effects of religious revivals. Despite the prevalence of revivals in many religious traditions, there is a relative lack of research on their impact on individual and community behaviors. This study could help fill this gap and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of revivals in religious life.

Thirdly, the study could have practical implications for religious leaders and communities. By understanding the effects of revivals, religious leaders could better plan and implement these events to maximize their positive impacts. For instance, if the study finds that revivals significantly increase church attendance and participation in community service, religious leaders might choose to hold revivals more frequently or to focus more on these aspects in their revival programs.

Fourthly, the study could also have implications for the moral and ethical behavior of church members in their daily lives. If revivals are found to have a positive impact on such behaviors, they could be used as a tool for moral and ethical education within religious communities. This could potentially lead to broader social benefits, as improved moral and ethical behavior could contribute to more harmonious and just societies.

Fifthly, the study could also contribute to the understanding of the psychological effects of religious revivals. If revivals are found to increase spiritual commitment and faith, they could be seen as a form of spiritual therapy or renewal. This could have implications for the field of psychology of religion and for the practice of pastoral care.

Lastly, the study could also have broader cultural and historical significance. Revivals are not only religious events, but also cultural and historical phenomena. Understanding their impact on the behavior of church members could contribute to a better understanding of the cultural and historical dynamics of religious communities. This could be particularly relevant in societies where revivals have played a significant role in shaping cultural and religious landscapes. 

  • Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of revival in the behavior of church members. A case study of churches in Onitsha

  • Operational Definition of Terms

Effect: This refers to the result or outcome of a particular action or event. In this context, it refers to the changes or consequences that occur in the behavior of church members due to a revival.

 Revival: In a religious context, a revival is a period of renewed religious fervor, enthusiasm, or interest. It often involves special meetings or services with the aim of rekindling faith among believers.

 Behavior: This refers to the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others. In this context, it refers to the actions, attitudes, and conduct of church members.

 Church: A church is a building used for public Christian worship. It can also refer to the worldwide body of Christian believers or a particular Christian denomination.

 Members: In this context, members refer to individuals who belong to a particular group or organization, in this case, the church. They are usually part of the church community and participate in its activities.

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Full Project – The effect of revival in the behavior of church members. A case study of churches in Onitsha