Project – Impact of Social Evangelism on Church Attendance in five selected Churches in Lagos.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Social evangelism refers to the outreach activities conducted by churches to share the gospel and engage communities through both spiritual and social interventions. These activities may include door-to-door evangelism, community service programs, social media campaigns, youth outreach, charitable initiatives, and public crusades. In recent decades, Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in Nigeria have increasingly adopted social evangelism as a key strategy for growth and engagement, particularly in urban centers such as Lagos (Ojo, 2010).

Lagos, being Nigeria’s most populous city with diverse socio-cultural groups, presents both opportunities and challenges for church outreach. Churches in Lagos face stiff competition for congregants’ attention due to the presence of multiple denominations and secular influences such as media, entertainment, and economic pressures (Adebayo, 2014). To remain relevant, churches have expanded social evangelism programs aimed at creating visibility, building relationships, and attracting new members. Such initiatives are believed to positively influence church attendance by fostering personal connection, spiritual awareness, and community trust.

Social evangelism not only focuses on preaching but also addresses societal needs. Churches now organize free medical camps, educational seminars, youth mentorship programs, and humanitarian assistance, which serve both evangelistic and social purposes (Ukah, 2016). These programs are designed to demonstrate the church’s commitment to the community, potentially enhancing attendance and member retention. Despite these efforts, some churches report mixed outcomes, where increased outreach does not necessarily translate to higher attendance, raising questions about the effectiveness of social evangelism strategies.

Several studies suggest a positive correlation between social engagement and religious participation. For instance, Asamoah-Gyadu (2018) observed that churches combining spiritual teaching with social services experience higher engagement among urban youth. Similarly, Adogame (2013) noted that Pentecostal churches using innovative outreach methods in African cities reported measurable growth in membership. However, these studies often do not quantify the direct impact of social evangelism on actual church attendance, leaving a research gap that this study seeks to fill.

This study focuses on five selected churches in Lagos: Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Omega Fire Ministry, Christ Embassy, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and House on the Rock Church. These churches were chosen due to their active social evangelism programs and their prominence in the Lagos metropolis. The study examines how social evangelism affects church attendance, highlighting both challenges and effective strategies for increasing participation in church activities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Church attendance remains a critical indicator of church growth, spiritual engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Despite significant investment in social evangelism programs, many churches in Lagos report inconsistent attendance patterns. While outreach programs are often assumed to boost participation, some churches experience minimal impact, raising questions about the effectiveness and implementation of such initiatives.

Challenges include urban distractions, economic pressures, and the proliferation of alternative religious and secular activities, which may reduce the responsiveness of individuals to church outreach programs (Ojo, 2010). Additionally, some social evangelism strategies may focus more on quantity rather than quality of engagement, leading to superficial attendance rather than sustained participation (Ukah, 2016). There is also limited empirical evidence linking specific social evangelism activities to measurable changes in church attendance in Lagos.

Therefore, this study seeks to address the following problem: to what extent does social evangelism influence church attendance in selected churches in Lagos, and which forms of outreach are most effective in attracting and retaining congregants?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To examine the types of social evangelism programs implemented in the selected churches in Lagos.

2. To assess the impact of social evangelism on church attendance in the selected churches.

3. To identify challenges associated with social evangelism in urban church settings.

4. To recommend strategies to enhance the effectiveness of social evangelism for increasing church attendance.

1.4 Research Questions

The study is guided by the following research questions:

1. What types of social evangelism programs are implemented in the selected churches in Lagos?

2. How does social evangelism affect church attendance in the selected churches?

3. What challenges hinder the effectiveness of social evangelism in attracting church members?

4. What strategies can be adopted to improve the impact of social evangelism on church attendance?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study tests the following hypothesis at a 5% level of significance:

• H₀: Social evangelism has no significant impact on church attendance in the selected churches in Lagos.

• H1: Social evangelism has a significant impact on church attendance in the selected churches in Lagos.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial in several ways:

1. Church Leaders and Administrators: The study provides insights into which social evangelism strategies are most effective in increasing church attendance and sustaining member engagement.

2. Church Members: By understanding the impact of outreach programs, members can actively participate in church growth initiatives and community service.

3. Academia: The study contributes to the growing body of literature on church growth, urban evangelism, and religious participation in Nigeria.

4. Policy and Planning: Denominational bodies can use the findings to design structured social evangelism programs and evaluate their effectiveness.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of social evangelism on church attendance in five selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos State: Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Omega Fire Ministry, Christ Embassy, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and House on the Rock Church. The study examines outreach activities conducted within the past five years and evaluates their influence on weekly and special service attendance. The scope is limited to Lagos due to its diverse urban population and the concentration of active Pentecostal churches.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Social Evangelism: Outreach activities conducted by churches that combine gospel preaching with social services such as community development, charitable initiatives, and youth engagement (Ojo, 2010).

• Church Attendance: The regular presence of members or participants in church services, programs, and activities.

• Pentecostal Churches: Christian churches emphasizing spiritual gifts, charismatic leadership, and evangelism as core tenets (Adogame, 2013).

• Urban Outreach: Evangelistic activities specifically targeting urban populations with programs designed to address social and spiritual needs.

• Church Growth: The increase in church membership, attendance, and active participation in church programs over time.

Project – Impact of Social Evangelism on Church Attendance in five selected Churches in Lagos.