Project – ACCESSING THE PRESENT CHURCH IN NIGERIA: THE BELIEVERS’ ASSIGNMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The Church in Nigeria, particularly the Pentecostal movement, has undergone tremendous transformation over the decades. Pentecostalism, characterized by its emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, divine healing, prophecy, and fervent evangelism, has become one of the fastest-growing segments of Christianity in the country. This dynamic expression of faith has redefined the Nigerian religious landscape and influenced socio-cultural, moral, and political life. However, as the Church continues to expand, concerns have emerged regarding its true spiritual focus, believers’ responsibilities, and the alignment of modern church practices with biblical teachings.

The present-day Church faces challenges of materialism, moral compromise, and dwindling commitment to discipleship. Many believers tend to focus more on prosperity, miracles, and fame rather than holiness, service, and kingdom advancement. In this context, assessing the Church’s current state becomes crucial in understanding how believers can realign with their divine assignment—to serve as light and salt to the world. The believer’s responsibility is not limited to attending services but involves personal evangelism, social engagement, moral integrity, and the demonstration of Christ-like character in all aspects of life.

Refiner Worship Center and Pentecostal Church in Asaba, Delta State, serve as a microcosm of the wider Nigerian Pentecostal movement. The churches represent both the vibrancy and the challenges of modern Pentecostalism. They are marked by passionate worship and evangelism but also face internal struggles concerning doctrine, discipleship, and the practical manifestation of Christian love and integrity. This study, therefore, seeks to evaluate the present condition of the Church, with a focus on believers’ roles and responsibilities in sustaining true spirituality and impactful Christian witness.

1.2 Beginning of Pentecostalism in Nigeria

Pentecostalism in Nigeria began in the early 20th century and was significantly influenced by revival movements in the United States, especially the Azusa Street Revival of 1906. The movement found its way to West Africa through various missionaries and indigenous believers who embraced the Pentecostal experience of the Holy Spirit. One of the earliest Pentecostal expressions in Nigeria was the Faith Tabernacle Congregation, which later merged with the Apostolic Church from the United Kingdom in the 1930s. This collaboration birthed The Apostolic Church Nigeria, one of the first organized Pentecostal bodies in the country.

The 1930s revival led by Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola further strengthened indigenous Pentecostalism and gave rise to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). Subsequent decades witnessed the establishment of several Pentecostal groups such as the Assemblies of God, Foursquare Gospel Church, Deeper Life Bible Church, and later, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Winners Chapel, and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries. The 1970s and 1980s saw an explosion of charismatic and neo-Pentecostal churches led by young, educated Nigerians who emphasized prosperity, healing, deliverance, and vibrant worship.

Today, Pentecostalism has permeated every facet of Nigerian life. Its influence extends to politics, education, entertainment, and the economy. However, this growth has also been accompanied by challenges, including doctrinal inconsistencies, commercialization of the gospel, leadership struggles, and moral lapses among some ministers. The movement’s strength lies in its adaptability and its capacity to engage with the culture, yet it must remain anchored in the Word of God to maintain its integrity and spiritual relevance.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The rapid expansion of the Pentecostal Church in Nigeria has brought about visible growth in numbers, infrastructure, and influence, yet this outward success has not always translated into corresponding spiritual maturity among believers. The proliferation of churches across cities and rural areas signifies the zeal for evangelism and the power of the Pentecostal message; however, many congregations struggle with maintaining the depth of discipleship that characterized the early Church. While church attendance continues to rise, evidence suggests that many believers lack firm grounding in biblical teachings and sound doctrine. This gap between numerical growth and spiritual maturity poses a challenge to the true essence of Christian living, as faith becomes more of a social identity than a deeply transformative relationship with God.

In many contemporary Pentecostal assemblies, a growing number of Christians appear to be spectators rather than active participants in kingdom work. The emphasis on charismatic leadership and sensational worship experiences has sometimes led to a dependency culture, where members rely heavily on pastors and prophets for spiritual direction instead of developing personal intimacy with God. Consequently, believers who should be agents of transformation in their communities often become passive observers, failing to engage meaningfully in evangelism, discipleship, and service. This spectator mindset weakens the spiritual vitality of the Church and undermines its collective witness in society, as the call to serve, give, and influence the world positively becomes secondary to personal convenience.

Furthermore, materialism, moral decline, and doctrinal confusion continue to threaten the credibility of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria. The pursuit of prosperity and success, though not inherently wrong, has often overshadowed the core message of the gospel—righteousness, holiness, and selfless love. In some cases, the prosperity gospel has been misinterpreted, leading to greed, manipulation, and a transactional view of faith. Doctrinal inconsistencies and false teachings have also emerged, causing divisions and spiritual disillusionment among believers. As moral standards decline within the Church, society’s confidence in Christian institutions diminishes, raising concerns about the integrity and authenticity of modern Pentecostalism.

This situation calls for a deep and honest reassessment of the believer’s assignment and responsibility in sustaining the Church’s true mission. Every believer is called not only to receive from God but also to serve as a vessel for His kingdom purposes. There is a pressing need for renewed emphasis on discipleship, personal holiness, and community service among members of the body of Christ. The present study, therefore, seeks to explore how believers in the contemporary Nigerian Church understand and fulfill their God-given roles. By examining the case of Refiner Worship Center and Pentecostal Church in Asaba, Delta State, the research aims to provide insight into how believers can realign their priorities with biblical mandates and contribute meaningfully to the spiritual growth and effectiveness of the Church.

1.4 Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of this study is to assess the present Church in Nigeria with specific reference to believers’ assignments and responsibilities in Refiner Worship Center and Pentecostal Church, Asaba. The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the historical background and growth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.
2. Identify the core responsibilities of believers within the modern Church.
3. Evaluate how effectively believers in the selected churches perform their spiritual and social duties.
4. Explore the challenges hindering believers from fulfilling their divine assignments.
5. Recommend strategies to strengthen believers’ commitment to the true mission of the Church.

1.5 Research Questions

1. What is the origin and development of Pentecostalism in Nigeria?
2. What are the main assignments and responsibilities of believers in the Church today?
3. How effectively do members of Refiner Worship Center and Pentecostal Church, Asaba, fulfill these responsibilities?
4. What factors hinder believers from carrying out their assignments effectively?
5. What can be done to enhance the commitment of believers to their roles in the Church?

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it deepens the understanding of the spiritual and social responsibilities of believers within contemporary Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. In a time when the church’s influence extends beyond the pulpit into politics, education, and culture, understanding the believer’s role in sustaining moral and spiritual integrity becomes essential. By exploring how believers interpret and carry out their divine assignments, this study highlights the areas where the church must return to its biblical foundation of holiness, service, and genuine discipleship. It emphasizes that the strength of the church is not merely in its numbers but in the quality of its members’ faith and their active participation in fulfilling God’s mission.

For pastors and church leaders, this study offers practical guidance on identifying and addressing weaknesses in discipleship and Christian education. Many church leaders face challenges in nurturing spiritual maturity among members due to the overwhelming focus on prosperity messages and emotional worship experiences. The findings from this research will help leaders re-strategize their teaching approaches to emphasize character formation, stewardship, and spiritual accountability. By doing so, leaders can cultivate congregations that not only grow numerically but also reflect Christlike values in their daily lives. This makes the study a vital tool for leadership development and effective ministry within the Pentecostal movement.

For individual believers, the study serves as a strong reminder of their divine calling and the need for personal spiritual growth. It underscores that Christianity is not a passive faith but a call to active service, sacrifice, and witness. In today’s church climate, where many believers are more focused on receiving blessings than being a blessing to others, this study reawakens the understanding that true Christian living involves responsibility and obedience to God’s word. By rediscovering their roles in evangelism, community service, and moral leadership, believers can become true ambassadors of Christ in their families, workplaces, and society at large.

Furthermore, this study contributes significantly to theological scholarship and Christian education in Nigeria. Theological institutions and seminaries will find the insights from this research useful for developing contextual teaching materials that address the realities of the modern Nigerian church. By integrating its findings into pastoral training and curriculum design, Christian educators can prepare ministers who are better equipped to disciple believers holistically—spiritually, morally, and socially. This integration strengthens the theological framework that undergirds Pentecostal practice and ensures that future ministers are grounded in sound doctrine and practical ministry ethics.

The research also holds importance for scholars, policymakers, and Christian organizations seeking to strengthen the moral and spiritual fabric of the Nigerian society. The church remains one of the most influential institutions in the country, and when believers understand and fulfill their responsibilities effectively, positive social change becomes inevitable. The study therefore bridges the gap between religious theory and social practice by showing how individual believers contribute to national development through moral uprightness, compassion, and responsible citizenship. This broader societal relevance makes the study not only a theological contribution but also a socio-cultural intervention.

Finally, this study will serve as a valuable reference for future research on church development, believers’ engagement, and spiritual renewal in Nigeria. It provides a foundation upon which future researchers can build, exploring related issues such as leadership accountability, youth involvement in ministry, and the ethical challenges facing Pentecostalism. By documenting the current realities and responses of believers in Refiner Worship Center and Pentecostal Church, Asaba, this research preserves a snapshot of the Nigerian church’s spiritual journey in this generation. Ultimately, it calls for continuous reflection and reform so that the church can remain faithful to its divine mandate in an ever-changing world.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to Refiner Worship Center and Pentecostal Church in Asaba, Delta State. It focuses on the assessment of believers’ assignments and responsibilities within the context of Pentecostal practice, leadership, and discipleship. The findings, however, may be relevant to other Pentecostal congregations across Nigeria.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

• Church: The collective body of believers in Christ who assemble for worship, fellowship, and the advancement of the gospel.
• Believer: An individual who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and seeks to live according to Christian teachings.
• Pentecostalism: A Christian movement emphasizing the experience of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy.
• Assignment: The divine duty or purpose given to every believer by God to fulfill within the body of Christ and society.
• Responsibility: The moral and spiritual obligation of believers to live righteously, serve others, and promote the gospel of Christ.

Project – ACCESSING THE PRESENT CHURCH IN NIGERIA: THE BELIEVERS’ ASSIGNMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY.