Project – The Theology of Thanksgiving and Its Influence on the Spiritual Growth of Christians in Nigeria: A Study of Selected Churches in Abuja, FCT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Thanksgiving occupies a central position in Christian theology and practice because it reflects believers’ acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty, goodness, faithfulness, and providential care. Throughout the biblical narrative, thanksgiving is portrayed not merely as an expression of gratitude for received blessings but as a spiritual discipline that deepens believers’ relationship with God and strengthens their faith. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, thanksgiving is consistently presented as an act of worship that recognizes God’s redemptive works, sustains believers during adversity, and nurtures spiritual maturity. Consequently, Christian theology regards thanksgiving as an indispensable aspect of worship that transcends emotional responses to favorable circumstances and becomes a lifestyle rooted in faith and obedience (Brueggemann, 2014; Wright, 2019).

The concept of thanksgiving originates from the biblical understanding that all blessings emanate from God. The Hebrew Scriptures contain numerous references in which God’s people offered thanksgiving through songs, sacrifices, prayers, and communal worship after experiencing divine intervention. The Psalms, in particular, constitute one of the richest theological sources on thanksgiving, emphasizing praise for God’s steadfast love, mercy, justice, and faithfulness. Psalm 100, Psalm 103, and Psalm 136 repeatedly exhort believers to “give thanks unto the Lord,” establishing gratitude as a defining characteristic of covenantal relationship with God. According to Goldingay (2020), thanksgiving in the Old Testament was inseparable from Israel’s understanding of God’s covenant faithfulness and served as a continual reminder of divine deliverance throughout history.

In the New Testament, thanksgiving assumes an even deeper theological significance through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ consistently demonstrated gratitude to the Father before significant miracles, including the feeding of the five thousand and the raising of Lazarus (John 6:11; John 11:41). Likewise, the Apostle Paul frequently encouraged believers to cultivate thanksgiving regardless of life’s circumstances. Passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15–17, and Ephesians 5:20 portray thanksgiving as a defining mark of Christian maturity and spiritual resilience. According to Moo (2021), Paul’s theology presents thanksgiving as an essential response to God’s grace rather than merely a reaction to material blessings, thereby shaping believers’ spiritual identity and ethical conduct.

Christian theology further understands thanksgiving as a spiritual discipline that transforms the inner life of believers. Spiritual disciplines are intentional practices through which Christians cultivate intimacy with God, develop Christ-like character, and experience continual spiritual growth. Alongside prayer, fasting, Bible study, worship, and meditation, thanksgiving enables believers to focus on God’s goodness instead of life’s uncertainties. Foster (2018) argues that consistent practice of spiritual disciplines, including thanksgiving, gradually transforms believers by redirecting their affections toward God and strengthening their dependence on divine grace. Consequently, thanksgiving is viewed not simply as verbal appreciation but as a transformative habit that shapes attitudes, values, and behaviors.

Spiritual growth remains one of the principal objectives of Christian discipleship. It refers to the continuous process through which believers mature in faith, develop biblical knowledge, demonstrate Christian virtues, and deepen their relationship with God. Spiritual growth encompasses increasing conformity to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit and faithful participation in spiritual disciplines. According to Willard (2021), genuine spiritual growth involves the progressive transformation of the believer’s character, resulting in greater obedience, humility, love, holiness, and commitment to God’s purposes. Thus, thanksgiving contributes significantly to this transformative process by cultivating humility and trust in God’s providence.

The relationship between thanksgiving and spiritual growth has attracted increasing scholarly attention within contemporary Christian theology and psychology of religion. Studies indicate that gratitude positively influences emotional well-being, resilience, optimism, interpersonal relationships, and religious commitment. While secular literature often discusses gratitude from psychological perspectives, Christian theology extends the discussion by emphasizing gratitude toward God as an expression of faith and worship. Emmons (2020) observes that gratitude enhances psychological flourishing and strengthens positive attitudes, whereas theological perspectives emphasize that gratitude ultimately directs believers toward deeper communion with God and faithful discipleship.

Within Christian spirituality, thanksgiving also serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, fear, pride, materialism, and dissatisfaction. Contemporary society increasingly exposes individuals to economic uncertainties, social instability, insecurity, and psychological stress. Such realities often tempt believers to become discouraged or develop self-centered attitudes that undermine spiritual vitality. However, biblical teachings encourage Christians to maintain thankful hearts irrespective of external circumstances because thanksgiving reflects confidence in God’s sovereign control over every situation. According to Wright (2019), Christian gratitude expresses hope grounded in God’s redemptive purposes rather than temporary material conditions.

Nigeria represents one of Africa’s largest Christian populations, characterized by remarkable denominational diversity, vibrant worship traditions, and increasing expressions of public religiosity. Churches across Nigeria organize numerous thanksgiving services, annual harvest celebrations, testimony sessions, family thanksgiving programs, and national thanksgiving events. These practices have become integral aspects of Christian worship across Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Indigenous churches. According to the Pew Research Center (2022), religion continues to exert profound influence on social values, moral behavior, and public life across sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria remaining one of the continent’s most religious societies.

Despite the widespread practice of thanksgiving within Nigerian churches, theological concerns have emerged regarding the understanding and motivation behind thanksgiving offerings and celebrations. In many congregations, thanksgiving is increasingly associated with financial prosperity, miraculous breakthroughs, business success, political appointments, academic achievements, and other material accomplishments. While Scripture certainly encourages thanksgiving for God’s blessings, some theologians argue that excessive emphasis on material prosperity may obscure the broader biblical theology of gratitude rooted in salvation, redemption, divine grace, and covenant relationship with God. Keller (2020) contends that authentic Christian thanksgiving should primarily arise from appreciation of God’s saving work in Christ rather than solely from temporal benefits.

The prosperity-oriented interpretation of thanksgiving has generated debates among theologians concerning its implications for Christian discipleship and spiritual maturity. Some scholars maintain that prosperity theology encourages transactional relationships with God in which believers give thanks primarily to obtain further blessings. Others argue that biblical thanksgiving should be grounded in unconditional worship regardless of material circumstances. Yong (2020) observes that Pentecostal spirituality has contributed significantly to renewed emphasis on thanksgiving and praise but also requires continuous theological reflection to ensure biblical balance between material expectations and spiritual transformation.

In the Nigerian context, churches frequently dedicate specific Sundays to thanksgiving celebrations involving elaborate worship services, musical performances, testimonies, dances, processions, and thanksgiving offerings. These occasions often attract large congregations and serve as opportunities for communal worship and public acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding whether participation in thanksgiving services genuinely translates into sustained spiritual growth characterized by increased holiness, biblical obedience, Christian love, humility, service, forgiveness, and commitment to evangelism. This gap between religious activities and spiritual transformation has become an important area for theological inquiry (Adeboye, 2021).

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, presents a unique religious environment where Christians from different ethnic, cultural, educational, and denominational backgrounds coexist. The city hosts numerous churches representing virtually every major Christian tradition in Nigeria, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and African Indigenous Churches. These congregations regularly organize thanksgiving programs that attract worshippers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, Abuja provides an appropriate context for investigating how theological understanding of thanksgiving influences believers’ spiritual development.

Selected churches in Abuja differ considerably in their theological emphases regarding thanksgiving. While some churches emphasize thanksgiving as a response to God’s saving grace and covenant faithfulness, others focus predominantly on thanksgiving for answered prayers, financial prosperity, healing, promotion, and personal breakthroughs. These differences may influence believers’ perceptions of God, their motivation for worship, and ultimately their spiritual growth. According to Köstenberger (2021), sound theological understanding significantly shapes Christian discipleship because beliefs inevitably influence spiritual practices and moral conduct.

Theologically, thanksgiving embodies several interconnected dimensions. First, it recognizes God’s sovereignty over creation and history. Second, it expresses dependence upon divine grace rather than human achievement. Third, it nurtures humility by reminding believers that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). Fourth, thanksgiving strengthens hope during suffering because believers acknowledge God’s continuing faithfulness despite adverse circumstances. Finally, thanksgiving promotes communal unity as Christians collectively celebrate God’s goodness within the worshipping community (McKnight, 2021). These dimensions collectively contribute to holistic spiritual formation.

Recent theological scholarship increasingly emphasizes spiritual formation as a lifelong process rather than an instantaneous experience. Spiritual growth occurs gradually through continuous participation in biblical practices that shape believers into Christlikeness. Within this framework, thanksgiving functions as an essential formative practice that reinforces faith, strengthens dependence on God, encourages joyful obedience, and cultivates resilient hope. According to Mulholland (2016), authentic spiritual formation requires intentional engagement with practices that continually orient believers toward God’s transforming presence.

Furthermore, empirical studies have demonstrated positive associations between gratitude and religious commitment, psychological resilience, life satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being (Emmons & Mishra, 2021; Krause & Hayward, 2023). Nevertheless, relatively few theological studies have specifically examined how biblical understanding of thanksgiving influences measurable aspects of spiritual growth among Nigerian Christians, particularly within urban churches characterized by diverse theological traditions. This gap underscores the need for contextual theological research capable of informing Christian teaching and discipleship.

The increasing commercialization of some aspects of Christian worship in Nigeria has further intensified scholarly interest in examining the theological foundations of thanksgiving. Concerns have been raised regarding practices that emphasize expensive thanksgiving offerings, public recognition of wealthy donors, and competitive displays of generosity, potentially overshadowing the biblical emphasis on sincere gratitude flowing from transformed hearts. Such developments call for renewed theological reflection to distinguish authentic biblical thanksgiving from cultural or materialistic interpretations (Keller, 2020; Yong, 2020).

Given these developments, it becomes necessary to investigate whether believers’ understanding and practice of thanksgiving genuinely contribute to spiritual growth within contemporary Nigerian Christianity. Such investigation will help determine whether thanksgiving promotes deeper biblical knowledge, stronger commitment to prayer, greater participation in Christian service, improved moral conduct, increased love for fellow believers, and enhanced intimacy with God. Understanding this relationship will contribute to theological scholarship, pastoral ministry, discipleship programs, and Christian education.

Therefore, this study investigates the theology of thanksgiving and its influence on the spiritual growth of Christians in Nigeria, focusing on selected churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. The study seeks to examine biblical and theological understandings of thanksgiving, evaluate believers’ perceptions and practices of thanksgiving, and determine the extent to which these practices influence spiritual maturity among Christians. The findings are expected to contribute meaningfully to Christian theology, pastoral ministry, and the ongoing discourse on authentic spiritual formation within the Nigerian Church.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the central place of thanksgiving in Christian theology and worship, there is growing concern that many contemporary Christians have a limited understanding of its biblical and theological significance. The Scriptures consistently present thanksgiving as a lifestyle of gratitude arising from the believer’s knowledge of God’s grace, redemption, and continuous providence rather than merely as a response to material prosperity or answered prayers (Moo, 2021). However, observations across many churches in Nigeria suggest that thanksgiving is increasingly associated with financial breakthroughs, promotions, healing, academic success, and other tangible blessings, thereby shifting attention from its broader role in spiritual formation.

In many Nigerian churches, thanksgiving services have become regular features of worship and often attract large congregations. Annual thanksgiving celebrations, family thanksgiving services, harvest festivals, and testimony sessions are organized with great enthusiasm. While these practices demonstrate the importance attached to gratitude in Christian worship, there is increasing concern among theologians and church leaders that many believers participate in thanksgiving without a comprehensive understanding of its biblical foundation. Consequently, thanksgiving is sometimes perceived as a religious obligation or a means of obtaining additional blessings rather than an expression of genuine worship rooted in God’s saving grace (Keller, 2020).

Another concern is that although thanksgiving activities continue to increase across churches, there is little evidence that they consistently translate into corresponding spiritual growth among many Christians. Spiritual growth is expected to manifest in deeper knowledge of God’s Word, stronger commitment to prayer, greater obedience to biblical teachings, increased love for God and humanity, moral transformation, humility, Christian service, and perseverance during difficult circumstances (Willard, 2021). However, many churches continue to witness challenges such as declining commitment to discipleship, materialism, weak biblical literacy, moral compromise, declining participation in evangelism, and inconsistent Christian living among some believers despite their active involvement in thanksgiving programmes.

Furthermore, contemporary theological discussions have raised concerns about the influence of prosperity-oriented teachings on the understanding of thanksgiving within many Pentecostal and charismatic churches. In some instances, thanksgiving is presented primarily as a covenant practice for securing future blessings, financial increase, or supernatural breakthroughs. Although God undoubtedly blesses His people, excessive emphasis on material benefits may obscure the biblical teaching that Christians should give thanks in all circumstances, including seasons of suffering, persecution, uncertainty, and loss (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Such interpretations may produce believers whose gratitude depends largely on favourable circumstances rather than on an abiding relationship with God.

The increasing commercialization of some thanksgiving practices has also generated theological concern. In certain church settings, thanksgiving offerings and public presentations have become occasions for social recognition and competition, where emphasis is placed on the monetary value of offerings instead of the sincerity of worship. This development raises important questions regarding whether such practices contribute meaningfully to spiritual maturity or merely reinforce external religious observances without genuine inward transformation.

Although several international studies have examined gratitude from psychological perspectives, emphasizing its relationship with emotional well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction (Emmons, 2020; Emmons & Mishra, 2021), relatively few studies have investigated thanksgiving from a theological perspective within the Nigerian Christian context. Existing Nigerian studies have largely focused on prosperity theology, worship practices, or church growth, with limited attention given to how theological understanding of thanksgiving influences measurable indicators of spiritual growth among Christians, particularly within churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

Moreover, Abuja is home to Christians from diverse denominational, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds. Churches within the city differ considerably in their doctrinal emphases regarding thanksgiving, spiritual formation, and Christian discipleship. These variations provide an appropriate context for examining whether differences in theological understanding of thanksgiving influence believers’ spiritual development. However, there is a paucity of empirical theological research addressing this relationship within the selected churches in Abuja.

It is against this background that this study seeks to investigate the theology of thanksgiving and its influence on the spiritual growth of Christians in Nigeria, using selected churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, as the study area. Specifically, the study intends to determine whether a sound theological understanding and practice of thanksgiving significantly contribute to believers’ spiritual maturity and Christian discipleship.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the theology of thanksgiving and its influence on the spiritual growth of Christians in Nigeria, using selected churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, as a case study.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. examine the biblical and theological understanding of thanksgiving among Christians in selected churches in Abuja, FCT.
2. determine the level of spiritual growth among Christians in the selected churches.
3. examine the influence of thanksgiving on the prayer life of Christians in the selected churches.
4. investigate the influence of thanksgiving on Christian obedience and commitment to God’s Word.
5. determine the relationship between the theology of thanksgiving and the spiritual growth of Christians in the selected churches.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What is the biblical and theological understanding of thanksgiving among Christians in selected churches in Abuja, FCT?
2. What is the level of spiritual growth among Christians in the selected churches?
3. To what extent does thanksgiving influence the prayer life of Christians in the selected churches?
4. How does thanksgiving influence Christian obedience and commitment to God’s Word?
5. What relationship exists between the theology of thanksgiving and the spiritual growth of Christians in the selected churches?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the theology of thanksgiving and the spiritual growth of Christians in selected churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to several stakeholders within the Christian community and the academic environment.

The study will contribute significantly to Christian theology by expanding scholarly understanding of the biblical doctrine of thanksgiving and demonstrating its relevance to spiritual formation in contemporary Christianity. It will enrich theological literature by providing empirical evidence on how thanksgiving influences spiritual maturity among Christians within the Nigerian context.

The study will benefit church leaders, including pastors, bishops, elders, evangelists, and ministers, by providing biblical insights that can strengthen the teaching and practice of thanksgiving within their congregations. The findings will encourage church leaders to emphasize thanksgiving as an essential spiritual discipline rather than merely a celebration of material blessings.

The study will also benefit Christian educators and theological institutions by providing relevant academic materials for teaching courses in Christian theology, pastoral ministry, biblical studies, Christian ethics, and spiritual formation. Seminaries and Bible colleges may use the findings to enrich curricula on worship and discipleship.

The research will be valuable to Christians and church members by helping them develop a deeper understanding of thanksgiving as an expression of faith, worship, humility, and dependence upon God. It is expected to encourage believers to cultivate lifestyles of gratitude regardless of life’s circumstances, thereby promoting stronger faith and spiritual maturity.

The findings will also assist church organizations and denominational leaders in evaluating current thanksgiving practices and developing discipleship programmes that emphasize genuine spiritual growth rather than external religious observances. Such programmes may contribute to improved Christian character, stronger biblical commitment, and greater participation in ministry.

Furthermore, the study will contribute to existing literature by filling an important gap regarding the relationship between the theology of thanksgiving and spiritual growth among Christians in Nigeria. It will therefore serve as a useful reference for future researchers interested in Christian spirituality, worship, discipleship, practical theology, and religious studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the theology of thanksgiving and its influence on the spiritual growth of Christians in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on selected churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

The study is limited to examining:

• the theological understanding of thanksgiving;
• biblical teachings on thanksgiving;
• Christians’ thanksgiving practices;
• indicators of spiritual growth such as prayer life, obedience to God’s Word, Christian service, faithfulness, love, and commitment to spiritual disciplines; and
• the relationship between thanksgiving and spiritual growth.

Geographically, the study is confined to selected churches within Abuja, FCT. The respondents will consist of pastors, church leaders, and church members from the selected congregations. Therefore, the findings will be interpreted within the context of these churches and may not necessarily be generalized to all churches in Nigeria.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Theology: The systematic study of God, His nature, His revelation, and His relationship with humanity as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

Thanksgiving: The biblical act of expressing gratitude, praise, and appreciation to God for His grace, mercy, salvation, providence, and blessings regardless of circumstances.

Theology of Thanksgiving: The biblical and doctrinal understanding of thanksgiving as a fundamental expression of Christian worship, faith, obedience, and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and goodness.

Spiritual Growth: The continuous process through which Christians mature in their relationship with God by increasing in faith, biblical knowledge, obedience, Christ-like character, prayer, holiness, and commitment to Christian service.

Christian: A person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and seeks to live according to biblical teachings.

Church: An organized body of Christian believers who gather regularly for worship, fellowship, teaching, prayer, evangelism, and service.

Selected Churches: The churches within Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, chosen by the researcher to participate in this study.

Influence: The extent to which the theology and practice of thanksgiving contribute to the spiritual development and Christian maturity of believers.

Project – The Theology of Thanksgiving and Its Influence on the Spiritual Growth of Christians in Nigeria: A Study of Selected Churches in Abuja, FCT