Project – Impact of Teaching The Word On Christian Maturity in Some Selected Churches in Afenmai District of Assemblies of God Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
The teaching of the Word of God plays a pivotal role in nurturing and developing Christian maturity within the church. Christian maturity, often understood as a believer’s growth in faith, character, and service, is largely influenced by the consistent and sound exposition of Scripture (Willard, 2002). In the context of Nigerian Pentecostal churches, particularly within the Assemblies of God denomination, teaching is not merely informative but formative—it shapes the spiritual identity and behavioral conduct of congregants (Ojo, 2006). Biblical teaching is therefore foundational for equipping believers for discipleship and effective ministry (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Studies have emphasized that Christian maturity is marked by spiritual discernment, ethical behavior, doctrinal stability, and active participation in the life of the church (Boa, 2001; Blackaby & King, 2004). Theological education and systematic Bible study are seen as crucial tools for achieving these outcomes. In Nigerian churches, Sunday School, Bible study groups, and leadership training sessions serve as platforms where believers are taught the Word in depth. Ajayi (2015) highlights how churches that prioritize these avenues tend to produce more spiritually grounded and ministry-oriented members compared to those that do not.
Specifically, within the Afenmai District of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, teaching the Word is often conducted through structured discipleship programs and preaching series focused on doctrinal truths and Christian living. These teachings aim to help believers move from spiritual infancy to maturity, as evidenced by increased prayer life, evangelism, and involvement in church leadership (Ojo, 2006). Anecdotal evidence from local pastors and church reports suggest that members exposed to consistent biblical instruction show greater commitment to holiness, stewardship, and community service.
Scholars have also pointed to challenges that hinder the effectiveness of Bible teaching in fostering maturity. These include lack of trained teachers, limited theological resources, and the influence of prosperity-oriented preaching that may downplay discipleship (Adeyemo, 2009). In such settings, the depth and transformative power of the Word can be compromised, leading to shallow Christian experiences. Ukah (2008) argues that many Pentecostal churches in Nigeria must balance emotional and charismatic expressions of worship with the intellectual rigour of scriptural teaching to achieve holistic maturity.
Furthermore, the role of contextualization in teaching the Word cannot be overemphasized. Teaching that addresses local realities—such as cultural beliefs, socio-economic issues, and communal practices—tends to resonate more deeply with congregants and fosters genuine transformation (Tiénou, 1990). In Afenmai communities, where traditional beliefs often intersect with Christian faith, relevant and applied biblical teaching helps believers navigate spiritual conflicts and uphold biblical standards in their daily lives.
In conclusion, literature suggests that teaching the Word of God significantly impacts Christian maturity when delivered consistently, contextually, and doctrinally sound. For the Afenmai District of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, investing in teacher training, developing contextual curricula, and prioritizing discipleship pathways will likely enhance the spiritual growth and maturity of church members. Future empirical research in this specific district would provide deeper insight into the measurable effects of Word-based teaching on Christian life and ministry.
- Statement of the Problem
Despite the central role that teaching the Word of God plays in Christian development, many churches in the Afenmai District of the Assemblies of God Nigeria appear to experience stagnation in the spiritual growth and maturity of their members. While the Bible emphasizes the importance of sound teaching for spiritual formation (Ephesians 4:11–14), a gap often exists between the delivery of scriptural instruction and the observable transformation in the lives of congregants. This raises critical concerns about the content, methods, and consistency of teaching the Word in local assemblies.
There is an observable trend in some churches within the district where emotionalism and charismatic expressions are given more emphasis than sound biblical instruction. While spiritual gifts and expressive worship are vital to Pentecostal identity, they may become detrimental if not balanced with proper scriptural grounding. Consequently, many church members may exhibit outward religiosity without corresponding depth in biblical understanding or Christian conduct, indicating a form of spiritual immaturity (Hebrews 5:12–14).
Furthermore, the lack of trained Bible teachers and structured discipleship programs in some churches has contributed to inconsistent teaching patterns. In several congregations, sermon content is often repetitive, shallow, or overly focused on prosperity messages, which may hinder holistic spiritual growth. Without intentional, doctrinally sound instruction, members may lack the discernment to navigate contemporary moral and theological challenges. This deficiency impacts their ability to function effectively within the church and society.
In the Afenmai context, where traditional beliefs, cultural pressures, and socio-economic struggles intersect with faith, the role of the Word becomes even more critical. When teaching is not contextualized or applied meaningfully to everyday life, it risks becoming irrelevant to the lived experiences of believers. The absence of practical and applied teaching often leads to a dual allegiance, where members profess faith but revert to traditional practices when faced with real-life issues.
Another pressing issue is the inconsistency in Christian maturity among members of different churches in the same denomination and region. While some churches produce spiritually grounded members who demonstrate Christlike character and leadership, others struggle with indiscipline, lack of commitment, and doctrinal confusion among members. This inconsistency suggests that teaching practices vary significantly across churches and that a systematic evaluation of the teaching process is needed.
Therefore, the problem this study seeks to address is the apparent disconnect between the teaching of the Word of God and the level of Christian maturity among believers in selected churches of the Afenmai District. Understanding the nature, effectiveness, and limitations of current teaching practices is essential for developing strategies that can foster deeper spiritual formation and discipleship. Without such evaluation, churches may continue to experience spiritual stagnation despite regular Bible-based activities.
1.3. Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to examine Impact of Teaching the Word On Christian Maturity in Some Selected Churches in Afenmai District of Assemblies of God Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the effectiveness of teaching the Word in promoting Christian maturity among members of selected churches in Afenmai District.
- To identify the key teachings or messages that have the most impact on the Christian maturity of individuals in the churches studied.
- To evaluate the level of engagement and participation in Bible study and teaching activities within the selected churches.
- To explore the relationship between consistent exposure to the Word and spiritual growth and maturity among church members.
- Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it addresses a critical area in Christian development—spiritual maturity—and explores how teaching the Word of God contributes to it within the Assemblies of God churches in the Afenmai District. In an era where many church members struggle to reflect Christlike values despite regular church attendance, the need to understand the effectiveness of teaching practices has become more pressing. This study will shed light on how the consistent, contextual, and doctrinal teaching of Scripture can lead to genuine transformation in the lives of believers.
For church leaders and pastors, the findings of this study will serve as a valuable tool for evaluating and improving their teaching methods. It will help them understand the direct link between scriptural instruction and spiritual growth, allowing them to assess whether their current approach is producing mature Christians who can rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). By identifying strengths and weaknesses in their teaching structures, leaders can adjust their strategies to be more discipleship-oriented and spiritually enriching.
The study also holds significance for theological educators and Bible school administrators. Understanding the impact of teaching on maturity will inform curriculum development and teacher training programs, ensuring that those preparing for ministry are equipped not just to preach but to teach with depth and clarity. The insights will encourage institutions to emphasize not only theological knowledge but also the practical skill of nurturing Christian character through teaching.
Additionally, this research will benefit members of the Assemblies of God and other Pentecostal denominations in the region. By revealing how effective Bible teaching contributes to their spiritual growth, church members may become more committed to participating in discipleship programs, Bible studies, and personal devotion. It will also empower them to take personal responsibility for their spiritual development, recognizing the value of being grounded in the Word.
Academically, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on Christian education, discipleship, and spiritual formation in African Pentecostal settings. There is a relative lack of region-specific research on the Afenmai District, and this study provides data and insights that may inform future research, comparative studies, and policy-making within the church. It fills a gap in knowledge about the relationship between teaching and maturity within a unique cultural and denominational context.
Finally, the broader Christian community in Nigeria may find the results of this study useful as a model for evaluating their own teaching practices and discipleship outcomes. The study highlights a replicable process that can be used in other districts and denominations to assess whether church teaching is fulfilling its biblical mandate. Ultimately, it promotes a more mature, equipped, and impactful body of believers who can influence society through godly living and faithful witness.
1.5. Scope of the Study
The study examines the Impact of Teaching the Word on Christian Maturity in Some Selected Churches in Afenmai District of Assemblies of God Nigeria. The study is limited to Afenmai District of Assemblies of God Nigeria.
1.6. Limitation of the Study
This study is geographically limited to the Afenmai District of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, which may affect the generalizability of its findings. While the research provides valuable insights into how teaching the Word influences Christian maturity within this specific district, its conclusions may not fully apply to other districts or denominations with different cultural, administrative, or spiritual dynamics. Factors such as leadership style, teaching methods, congregational background, and socio-economic conditions unique to Afenmai may have shaped the outcomes in ways that differ from other regions.
Additionally, the study is restricted to selected churches within the district, which may not capture the full spectrum of teaching practices and maturity levels across the entire Afenmai District. The selection of churches was based on accessibility and willingness to participate, which could introduce a degree of bias. Furthermore, limitations in time, resources, and data availability may have constrained the depth of analysis and the scope of responses from church members and leaders. Despite these constraints, the study provides a foundational understanding of the relationship between teaching and Christian maturity within the context studied.
1.7. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- How effective is teaching the Word in promoting Christian maturity among members of selected churches in Afenmai District?
- What are the key teachings or messages that have the most impact on the Christian maturity of individuals in the churches studied?
- What is the level of engagement and participation in Bible study and teaching activities within the selected churches?
- What is the relationship between consistent exposure to the Word and spiritual growth and maturity among church members?
1.8. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Consistent exposure to the Word has no impact on spiritual growth and maturity among church members
H1: Consistent exposure to the Word has impact on spiritual growth and maturity among church members
1.9. Definition of Terms
Impact: Impact refers to the measurable or observable effect, influence, or outcome that one factor has on another. In the context of this study, “impact” refers to the degree to which teaching the Word of God influences or contributes to the spiritual growth and maturity of church members.
Teaching: Teaching is the act of imparting knowledge, values, skills, or information through instruction, explanation, or demonstration. In a Christian context, it specifically refers to the systematic and intentional delivery of biblical truths to guide believers in faith and practice.
Word: “The Word” typically refers to the Bible, which Christians believe is the inspired Word of God. It includes all Scripture and represents God’s revealed truth, used for teaching, correction, guidance, and spiritual growth (2 Timothy 3:16).
Christian Maturity: Christian maturity refers to the process and state of growing in faith, character, and obedience to God, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is evidenced by a deeper understanding of Scripture, consistent spiritual disciplines, Christlike behavior, and active participation in the mission of the church.
Churches: Churches, in this study, refer to local congregations or assemblies of believers who gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, and ministry, specifically within the Assemblies of God denomination in the Afenmai District of Nigeria.
Project – Impact of Teaching The Word On Christian Maturity in Some Selected Churches in Afenmai District of Assemblies of God Nigeria.
