Project – Urban mission as catalyst for church growth: towards a missional strategy in Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) Jos Plateau State Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Urbanization has been one of the most defining socio-economic phenomena in the 21st century, with a significant shift of people from rural to urban areas. In Africa, including Nigeria, the trend of urban migration has been particularly marked, with cities experiencing rapid population growth and increased diversity (Tuyizere, 2017). The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Regional Council (RCC) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, situated within this urbanizing context, has witnessed both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, urban areas provide an expansive mission field with new opportunities for outreach, while on the other, they present unique challenges that include cultural diversification, socio-economic disparities, and the erosion of traditional religious values (Oyebola, 2019). As the urban environment evolves, so too must the church’s approach to evangelism and discipleship, requiring the development of innovative missional strategies that go beyond traditional methods.

The concept of urban mission emphasizes the church’s role in engaging the complexities of urban life, focusing on holistic community transformation, addressing both spiritual and socio-economic needs. A “missional church” is one that sees its primary purpose as participating in God’s mission to the world, particularly in urban contexts where the church can have a significant impact (Guder, 2000). Urban mission, therefore, offers a platform for churches to engage with social issues, such as poverty, unemployment, educational inequalities, and healthcare disparities, while simultaneously preaching the gospel of Christ. Within the context of RCC Jos, the church faces the dual challenge of expanding its mission while grappling with the growing complexities of urban life in Plateau State.

In the case of the Church of Christ in Nations RCC Jos, an exploration into urban mission as a catalyst for church growth is pertinent. The church, historically focused on rural evangelism, now finds itself in the midst of urbanization, grappling with how to adapt its ministry strategies to meet the growing needs of the urban poor, youth, and emerging subcultures within the city (Nwoke, 2020). The changing demographic and socio-economic dynamics require a re-imagining of what it means to be a missional church in an urban setting. Understanding the patterns of church growth within such a context and how mission-driven strategies can contribute to sustainable growth is central to the success of RCC Jos’s ministry in the region.

The rapid urbanization in Plateau State has not only led to increased population density but also to the diversification of religious affiliations and a growing indifference to traditional religious practices. This demographic shift challenges RCC Jos to rethink its approach to outreach and growth. The church must engage with the increasingly pluralistic urban environment, where numerous worldviews coexist, and the faith community is often viewed with skepticism or indifference. Hence, adopting a missional strategy that integrates contextualization, relationship-building, and community engagement is crucial (Newbigin, 1989). It is within this framework that this study seeks to understand how urban mission strategies can serve as a catalyst for church growth and transformation within RCC Jos.

Furthermore, church growth in urban contexts cannot be solely measured in numerical terms; it also encompasses spiritual, social, and cultural transformation. Urban mission is intrinsically tied to social justice and community development, making it essential for churches like RCC Jos to evaluate how their mission strategies address the root causes of issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. Research into urban mission strategies will provide insights into how the church can leverage its influence to foster holistic growth—spiritually, socially, and economically—within the urban setting (Snyder, 2002).

Finally, this study proposes that a well-articulated urban mission strategy could significantly enhance the capacity of RCC Jos to engage both the spiritual and practical needs of urban communities, while also fostering church growth. By integrating urban mission principles into the church’s theological and practical frameworks, RCC Jos could better align its ministry efforts with the realities of urban life, providing a model for other churches facing similar challenges in urban settings across Nigeria and beyond. As such, the study seeks to contribute to the ongoing conversation about mission strategies in urban settings, focusing on how such strategies can serve as catalysts for church growth and holistic community transformation in Plateau State, Nigeria.

• Statement of the Problem

The rapid urbanization of cities in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, poses significant challenges and opportunities for the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Regional Council (RCC) in Jos. With urban centers growing in size and diversity, RCC Jos, which has traditionally focused on rural ministry, faces the urgent need to adapt its missional strategies to effectively engage the urban context. The question arises as to how urban mission can serve as a catalyst for church growth in a city like Jos, where religious pluralism, socio-economic inequality, and rapid demographic shifts create a complex environment for evangelism. Without a clearly defined and effective urban mission strategy, RCC Jos risks failing to reach the growing and diverse urban population, thereby missing a significant opportunity for holistic growth and transformation in both the spiritual and social realms.

As the city of Jos continues to urbanize, the church is encountering a shift in the socio-cultural and religious landscape, where traditional ways of ministry no longer resonate with many urban dwellers, especially the youth, middle-class professionals, and marginalized groups. The rapid influx of people into the city from rural areas has also contributed to increased socio-economic disparities, with many urban dwellers living in poverty and experiencing a lack of access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and affordable housing. These challenges raise critical questions about how RCC Jos can integrate urban mission strategies that address both spiritual and practical needs, ensuring that its evangelistic efforts are not only reaching people but also contributing to the holistic development of individuals and communities. Without understanding how to balance these demands, RCC Jos risks losing relevance in the lives of urban inhabitants.

The concept of urban mission as a catalyst for church growth remains underexplored within the context of RCC Jos. While many churches in urban areas have adopted outreach programs, there is a lack of research on the specific strategies that have led to sustainable growth in such contexts, particularly within the RCC denomination. The problem, therefore, lies in the absence of a comprehensive missional strategy that incorporates both evangelism and social transformation as integral components of church growth. The church’s existing framework primarily focuses on traditional forms of outreach, such as evangelistic crusades and community services, without fully engaging with the underlying issues that shape urban life, such as cultural diversity, economic hardship, and the complexity of modern urban lifestyles. As a result, RCC Jos faces a challenge in developing a strategy that speaks to the unique needs of an urban congregation while fostering long-term growth.

Further compounding this issue is the changing nature of religious engagement in urban settings, where the younger generation, in particular, is increasingly disengaged from traditional religious practices and institutions. The rise of secularism, combined with the emergence of new belief systems and alternative spiritualities in urban environments, has created a competitive landscape for churches like RCC Jos. While the church has long been a pillar of the community, its ability to attract and retain urban youth is diminishing. Many young people in Jos are more drawn to secular and entertainment-driven activities, making it difficult for the church to engage them in meaningful spiritual formation. Without a clear understanding of the urban context and a targeted approach, RCC Jos risks alienating a significant portion of the population that holds the key to future church growth.

Moreover, RCC Jos must confront the challenges posed by interfaith dynamics in an increasingly pluralistic society. The city of Jos, situated in the heart of Nigeria, is home to a diverse population, with significant numbers of Muslims, indigenous religious groups, and adherents of Christianity living side by side. While this diversity offers opportunities for interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding, it also complicates the church’s mission efforts. Tensions between religious groups, as well as competition for followers, often create barriers to effective engagement and outreach. In this context, RCC Jos faces the problem of developing a missional strategy that not only promotes evangelism but also fosters peaceful co-existence and social harmony in a religiously diverse urban environment.

In light of these challenges, the need for a comprehensive study on how urban mission can serve as a catalyst for church growth in RCC Jos becomes evident. The absence of a tailored missional strategy that addresses the specific realities of urban life in Plateau State, Nigeria, leaves the church vulnerable to stagnation or decline. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring urban mission strategies that can facilitate church growth, foster meaningful community engagement, and address the socio-economic challenges that hinder spiritual development. Only through a thoughtful and strategic approach can RCC Jos harness the potential of urban mission to impact the city for the gospel, while promoting sustainable growth both numerically and socially.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Urban mission as catalyst for church growth: towards a missional strategy in Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) Jos Plateau State Nigeria. The specific objectives are:

1. To analyze the current state of urban mission activities within the Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
2. To identify key factors that contribute to church growth in urban settings within the region.
3. To explore the role of missional strategies in fostering church growth and community engagement in urban areas.
4. To assess the effectiveness of existing urban mission initiatives within the Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) in Jos Plateau State.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the current state of urban mission activities within the Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria?
2. What are the key factors that contribute to church growth in urban settings within the region?
3. How does the role of missional strategies foster church growth and community engagement in urban areas?
4. How effective are the existing urban mission initiatives within the Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) in Jos Plateau State?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Missional strategies will not foster church growth and community engagement in urban areas.

H1: Missional strategies will foster church growth and community engagement in urban areas.

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant in that it seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how urban mission can serve as a catalyst for church growth within the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Regional Council (RCC) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. In a rapidly urbanizing context like Jos, where demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and religious pluralism are increasingly shaping the environment, this research is critical for identifying missional strategies that are both contextually relevant and effective. By focusing on how the church can strategically engage urban spaces, this study offers an opportunity to enhance RCC Jos’s mission and evangelistic efforts, ensuring they are aligned with the pressing needs and realities of modern urban life. It also provides a timely contribution to the broader conversation about church growth in urban Africa, where urbanization and church dynamics are evolving rapidly.

The significance of this study lies in its potential to transform the way RCC Jos approaches its mission work. As churches in urban areas face growing competition from secular influences and other belief systems, a strategic shift to urban mission could provide RCC Jos with the tools to attract and retain urban dwellers, especially youth, who are often disconnected from traditional church activities. By understanding the unique characteristics of the urban population in Jos—such as cultural diversity, socio-economic disparities, and shifting spiritual needs—this research will offer the church practical strategies for making its ministry more accessible, relevant, and effective in reaching people who might otherwise be indifferent to or disconnected from the gospel. This is particularly important as RCC Jos seeks to remain relevant in a context where traditional ministry models may no longer suffice.

Another key significance of this study is its potential to encourage holistic church growth. Church growth should not be viewed merely in terms of numerical expansion but also in the context of social and spiritual transformation. Urban mission strategies, by their very nature, engage with the broader social issues that urban communities face, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate education. The church, as a missional community, can contribute to addressing these issues while simultaneously fostering spiritual growth among believers. This study, therefore, holds the promise of reshaping RCC Jos’s approach to growth by emphasizing not only evangelism but also social justice, community development, and discipleship as integral components of church life. This approach will ultimately help the church to become a more integral part of the urban community, promoting both spiritual and social renewal.

The study also holds significance for other churches in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa that are facing similar challenges of urbanization and rapid demographic shifts. While RCC Jos is the focal point of this research, the findings and strategies developed could have broader implications for churches in similar urban contexts across the region. The church growth challenges in Jos are reflective of a larger trend in many African cities where urban migration, economic inequality, and cultural diversification create complex environments for evangelism and ministry. By exploring the potential of urban mission in Jos, this study could serve as a model for other churches seeking to engage urban populations effectively and develop missional strategies that are both biblically faithful and culturally relevant.

Moreover, the study provides an opportunity to contribute to the academic conversation surrounding urban missions and church growth in Africa. Much of the existing literature on church growth and mission in Africa has focused predominantly on rural contexts or has not sufficiently engaged with the specific challenges posed by urban environments. By investigating the intersection of urbanization, church growth, and mission in Plateau State, Nigeria, this research fills a critical gap in missiological studies. It adds to the scholarly understanding of how churches in rapidly urbanizing contexts can effectively engage the changing spiritual and social dynamics of cities, particularly in a country like Nigeria, where urbanization is expected to continue at a rapid pace in the coming decades.

Finally, the significance of this study lies in its potential to enhance interfaith dialogue and social harmony within the urban context. Jos, as a city with a religiously diverse population, presents both challenges and opportunities for interfaith relationships. The study can contribute to developing a missional strategy that not only focuses on evangelistic efforts but also fosters mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration between different faith communities. In a time when religious tensions and conflicts are prevalent, particularly in northern Nigeria, the church can play a pivotal role in promoting social harmony. This research, by focusing on urban mission strategies, will highlight the role of the church in bridging divides and contributing to peaceful community development in a religiously pluralistic environment, thereby promoting a holistic vision of church growth that extends beyond the boundaries of the church to embrace the broader city community.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The scope of the study is to examine Urban mission as catalyst for church growth: towards a missional strategy in Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) Jos Plateau State Nigeria.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Urban Mission: Urban mission refers to the church’s intentional efforts to engage and serve communities in urban environments. It encompasses the proclamation of the gospel, the establishment of Christian communities, and the transformation of urban life through both spiritual and social means. In the context of urban mission, the church is called to address the unique challenges and opportunities of city life, including issues such as poverty, cultural diversity, migration, secularism, and religious pluralism. The goal of urban mission is not just to evangelize but also to contribute to the holistic well-being of the city by promoting justice, peace, and social transformation while fulfilling the church’s mandate to be a witness to Christ in the world (Snyder, 2002).

Catalyst: A catalyst is something that initiates or accelerates a process or change without being consumed or permanently altered in the process. In the context of this study, a “catalyst for church growth” refers to strategies, actions, or conditions that stimulate and drive church growth, helping the church to expand its reach, influence, and impact. A catalyst can include new approaches to ministry, cultural engagement, social action, or theological shifts that enable the church to grow numerically, spiritually, and socially. For RCC Jos, urban mission strategies are envisioned as the catalysts that could help the church grow by effectively responding to the unique challenges of the urban setting.

Church Growth: Church growth refers to the increase in the number of people who identify with and participate in the life of the church. While numerical growth is often a key indicator, church growth also encompasses spiritual development, the deepening of faith among existing members, and the fostering of vibrant, diverse, and sustainable church communities. Church growth can be understood in both qualitative and quantitative terms—spiritual growth within individuals and communities, as well as the expansion of the church’s influence and membership. In the context of urban mission, church growth is closely tied to the church’s ability to address the unique needs of urban populations while remaining faithful to its missional calling (Stetzer, 2006).

Missional Strategy: A missional strategy is a deliberate plan or approach that the church develops to fulfill its mission in the world, particularly in specific contexts. It involves a comprehensive, contextualized approach to engaging with people, cultures, and communities, ensuring that the church’s message of the gospel is communicated in ways that are relevant and meaningful. A missional strategy integrates evangelism, discipleship, community outreach, and social justice, aiming to transform lives holistically. In the context of urban mission, a missional strategy would include understanding urban dynamics, addressing social issues such as poverty or inequality, and developing programs or initiatives that are tailored to the specific challenges of city life. This strategy is rooted in a theology of mission that emphasizes the church’s role in participating in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Church: The term “church” can refer to both the institution (the organized body of believers) and the community of people who are committed to following Christ. Theologically, the church is understood as the Body of Christ—a community called to worship God, share the gospel, make disciples, and serve others. The church is not just a building but a living, dynamic community of believers united in faith, love, and mission. In the Christian context, the church is seen as both a local expression (e.g., a congregation) and a universal entity (the global body of believers in Christ). It serves as a place for spiritual formation, community building, and social transformation, playing a vital role in fulfilling God’s mission in the world

Project – Urban mission as catalyst for church growth: towards a missional strategy in Church of Christ in Nations Regional Council (RCC) Jos Plateau State Nigeria.