Project – The Impact of Pentecostal Churches on Evangelism and Church Growth in Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Christian evangelism has remained a central mandate of the Church since the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 28:19–20. Evangelism involves the proclamation of the gospel with the aim of winning souls for Christ and nurturing believers into mature disciples. Over the decades, the methods, scope, and effectiveness of evangelism have evolved in response to social, cultural, and technological changes. In Nigeria, one of the most significant developments in contemporary Christianity has been the rise and influence of Pentecostal churches.

Pentecostal Christianity emerged in Nigeria in the early 20th century, but it gained remarkable momentum from the 1970s onward, particularly in urban centers such as Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. Lagos State, being Nigeria’s commercial and cultural hub, has become a fertile ground for the proliferation of Pentecostal churches. These churches emphasize spiritual gifts, divine healing, prosperity teachings, vibrant worship, and aggressive evangelistic outreach (Ojo, 2006). Their dynamic approach has significantly reshaped the religious landscape of Nigeria.

Pentecostal churches have introduced innovative evangelistic strategies that differ from those of mainline churches. These strategies include crusades, revival meetings, house fellowships, media evangelism through television, radio, and social media platforms, as well as youth-oriented programs and music ministry. Through these approaches, Pentecostal churches have been able to reach diverse populations, especially youths, urban dwellers, and the working class (Marshall, 2009). As a result, many Pentecostal churches have recorded rapid numerical growth, increased church planting, and expanded global missionary activities.

Church growth, which refers to both numerical increase and spiritual maturity of members, has become a key indicator of effective evangelism. Scholars such as McGavran (1990) argue that successful evangelism naturally results in church growth. In Nigeria, Pentecostal churches such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Winners’ Chapel, and Christ Embassy have experienced exponential growth, establishing branches across the country and beyond. This growth has raised scholarly interest in understanding the relationship between Pentecostal evangelistic practices and church expansion.

Despite the visible growth of Pentecostal churches, debates persist regarding the depth, sustainability, and spiritual quality of such growth. Critics argue that some Pentecostal evangelism overemphasizes prosperity, miracles, and material success at the expense of sound doctrine and discipleship (Gaiya, 2014). Others question whether numerical growth truly reflects genuine conversion and long-term commitment to Christian values. These concerns make it necessary to empirically examine the actual impact of Pentecostal churches on evangelism and church growth within specific contexts.

This study therefore focuses on the impact of Pentecostal churches on evangelism and church growth in Nigeria, using three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos State as case studies. Lagos provides an appropriate setting due to its religious diversity, high concentration of Pentecostal churches, and exposure to modern evangelistic tools. By examining these churches, the study seeks to contribute to scholarly understanding of Pentecostalism’s role in contemporary Nigerian Christianity.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Evangelism remains the heartbeat of the Christian mission, yet many churches continue to struggle with declining membership, ineffective outreach, and lack of spiritual commitment among converts. While Pentecostal churches in Nigeria appear to be growing rapidly, there is limited empirical research that critically examines how their evangelistic practices directly influence church growth, particularly within specific local contexts such as Lagos State.

Although Pentecostal churches employ various evangelistic strategies, questions arise concerning their effectiveness, authenticity, and long-term impact. Some observers argue that the rapid growth of Pentecostal churches may be driven more by social factors such as unemployment, poverty, and the search for miracles than by genuine spiritual transformation. Others contend that competition among churches has led to commercialization of evangelism, thereby weakening the core message of the gospel.

Furthermore, there is a lack of comparative and case-based studies that analyze how specific Pentecostal churches conduct evangelism and how these practices translate into measurable church growth. Without such studies, it becomes difficult for church leaders, theologians, and policymakers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Pentecostal evangelism in Nigeria.

The problem this study seeks to address is the insufficient scholarly evaluation of the impact of Pentecostal churches on evangelism and church growth in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. This study therefore investigates whether and how Pentecostal evangelistic practices contribute to church growth, using three selected Pentecostal churches as case studies.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Pentecostal churches on evangelism and church growth in Nigeria, with specific reference to three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos State.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. examine the evangelistic methods used by selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos State;

2. assess the extent to which these evangelistic practices influence church growth;

3. evaluate members’ perceptions of the effectiveness of Pentecostal evangelism;

4. identify challenges facing evangelism in Pentecostal churches.

1.5 Research Questions

1. What evangelistic methods are commonly used by Pentecostal churches in Lagos State?

2. How does Pentecostal evangelism influence church growth?

3. What are members’ perceptions of Pentecostal evangelistic practices?

4. What challenges affect evangelism and church growth in Pentecostal churches?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between Pentecostal evangelistic practices and church growth in Lagos State.

1.7 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to church leaders, pastors, theologians, and Christian educators by providing insights into effective evangelistic strategies. It will also contribute to academic literature on Pentecostalism and church growth in Nigeria. Additionally, the study may guide policymakers and religious organizations in understanding the role of Pentecostal churches in social and spiritual development.

1.8 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos State, Nigeria. It focuses on evangelistic activities and their impact on church growth within the selected churches.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

• Pentecostal Churches: Christian churches that emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and charismatic worship.

• Evangelism: The proclamation of the Christian gospel with the aim of converting individuals to Christianity.

• Church Growth: Increase in church membership, spiritual maturity, and expansion of church activities.

• Nigeria: A West African country with diverse religious expressions, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions.