Project – Challenges and issues facing evangelism in Nigeria: the way forward

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Evangelism is one of the central mandates of Christianity and remains the primary means through which the gospel of Jesus Christ is propagated across nations and cultures. The command of Jesus Christ in the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19–20, instructs believers to “go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” This divine instruction has continued to shape the mission and activities of churches globally. In Nigeria, evangelism has played a significant role in the growth and spread of Christianity from the colonial period to the present day. Through evangelistic outreaches, crusades, missionary activities, church planting, media ministries, and personal witnessing, Christianity has expanded rapidly across different regions of the country.

Nigeria is regarded as one of the most religious countries in the world, with Christianity constituting a significant proportion of the population. The growth of churches, ministries, and Christian organizations demonstrates the active involvement of Christians in evangelistic activities. Pentecostal churches, orthodox churches, and independent ministries continue to organize revival programs, open-air crusades, campus fellowships, television broadcasts, and digital evangelism to reach unbelievers and strengthen believers. Evangelism has also contributed to moral development, social transformation, educational advancement, and humanitarian services in Nigerian society.

Despite the remarkable growth of Christianity in Nigeria, evangelism faces numerous challenges that hinder its effectiveness. The contemporary Nigerian society is characterized by insecurity, religious intolerance, economic hardship, moral decadence, corruption, technological distractions, and increasing secularism. These issues have negatively affected the ability of churches and evangelists to carry out effective missionary activities. In some parts of Northern Nigeria, religious extremism and insurgency have created fear among Christians and limited the spread of the gospel. Evangelists and missionaries often encounter hostility, persecution, discrimination, and threats to life and property.

Another challenge facing evangelism in Nigeria is the increasing commercialization of religion. Many critics argue that some churches have shifted their focus from soul-winning to material prosperity and financial gain. This development has reduced public trust in Christian evangelistic activities and has caused some individuals to question the sincerity and integrity of church leaders. In addition, denominational rivalry and lack of unity among churches often weaken collective evangelistic efforts. Instead of working together for the advancement of the gospel, some churches compete for membership, recognition, and financial influence.

Furthermore, the rapid advancement of science and technology has introduced new dimensions to evangelism. While digital media provides opportunities for global outreach, it has also created distractions and competing ideologies that challenge Christian teachings. Social media platforms expose people to atheism, relativism, false doctrines, and immoral content, thereby reducing the influence of traditional evangelistic approaches. Younger generations are increasingly influenced by modern culture, entertainment, and materialism, making it difficult for churches to maintain their attention and commitment to spiritual matters.

Economic instability and poverty also constitute major obstacles to evangelism in Nigeria. Many churches struggle financially to sponsor missionary activities, organize outreach programs, and support missionaries in rural and remote areas. Evangelists themselves often face financial difficulties, inadequate training, and limited resources. Rural communities with poor infrastructure may remain unreached due to transportation challenges and lack of communication facilities.

In addition, the issue of poor discipleship and inadequate follow-up has weakened the impact of evangelism in many churches. While some churches record large numbers of converts during crusades and revival programs, many fail to provide proper spiritual nurture and integration into the Christian faith. As a result, some converts return to their former lifestyles or become spiritually unstable. This situation raises concerns about the quality and sustainability of evangelistic efforts in Nigeria.

The emergence of religious pluralism in Nigeria has further complicated evangelism. Nigeria is a multi-religious society where Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion coexist. Attempts at evangelism sometimes generate tension and conflict, especially in regions with strong religious sensitivities. Consequently, evangelists must adopt wisdom, tolerance, dialogue, and culturally sensitive approaches in carrying out their mission.

Nevertheless, despite these challenges, evangelism remains an essential responsibility of the church. Many churches and Christian organizations continue to explore innovative strategies such as digital evangelism, community development programs, educational missions, youth outreach, and interdenominational collaboration to sustain the spread of the gospel. The church must therefore identify the major challenges confronting evangelism and develop practical solutions that will enhance effective gospel propagation in Nigeria. It is against this background that this study seeks to examine the challenges and issues facing evangelism in Nigeria and to propose possible ways forward.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Evangelism remains one of the primary responsibilities of the Christian church in Nigeria. Through evangelistic activities, churches seek to spread the message of salvation, promote moral values, and transform society spiritually and socially. Despite the rapid increase in the number of churches and Christian organizations across Nigeria, the effectiveness of evangelism appears to be declining in many areas of the country. Several factors continue to hinder the successful propagation of the gospel and the fulfillment of the church’s missionary mandate.

One major problem confronting evangelism in Nigeria is insecurity and religious violence. In some regions, especially in Northern Nigeria, cases of terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and attacks on Christian communities have created fear among believers and restricted missionary activities. Evangelists often face hostility and persecution, thereby limiting access to certain communities and reducing the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Another problem is the growing commercialization of Christianity. Many people perceive some churches and ministers as being more interested in financial gain than genuine soul-winning. The emphasis on prosperity preaching, fundraising, and material wealth has weakened public confidence in evangelistic activities and negatively affected the image of Christianity in society. Consequently, many unbelievers and even some Christians have become skeptical about the true purpose of evangelism.

The issue of denominational rivalry and lack of unity among churches also poses a serious challenge to evangelism in Nigeria. Instead of cooperating for the advancement of the gospel, some churches engage in unhealthy competition over membership, leadership influence, and financial resources. This division weakens collective Christian witness and reduces the impact of evangelistic programs.

Furthermore, moral decadence among some church leaders and members has undermined evangelistic efforts. Cases of corruption, sexual immorality, false prophecies, and unethical behavior associated with some ministers have damaged the credibility of the church. When church leaders fail to demonstrate integrity and godly character, it becomes difficult to convince unbelievers to accept the Christian message.

The advancement of technology and modern secular culture has also created new obstacles to evangelism. Many youths are increasingly influenced by social media, entertainment, materialism, and foreign ideologies that contradict Christian teachings. Traditional methods of evangelism are becoming less effective in reaching younger generations who are more digitally oriented and culturally exposed.

Additionally, inadequate funding, poor missionary training, lack of proper discipleship, and insufficient follow-up of converts continue to hinder effective evangelism. Some churches organize large crusades and revival meetings without establishing sustainable systems for nurturing new converts. As a result, many converts fail to grow spiritually or eventually abandon the faith.

Although several studies have examined church growth and religious activities in Nigeria, limited attention has been given specifically to the comprehensive challenges facing evangelism and the practical strategies for overcoming them in contemporary Nigerian society. This study therefore seeks to investigate the major challenges and issues facing evangelism in Nigeria and to identify possible ways forward for effective gospel propagation.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the challenges and issues facing evangelism in Nigeria and the way forward. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Identify the major challenges facing evangelism in Nigeria.
2. Examine the effects of insecurity and religious intolerance on evangelistic activities in Nigeria.
3. Investigate the influence of commercialization of religion on evangelism in Nigeria.
4. Assess the impact of modern technology and secular culture on evangelistic efforts.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the major challenges facing evangelism in Nigeria?
2. How does insecurity and religious intolerance affect evangelistic activities in Nigeria?
3. What influence does commercialization of religion have on evangelism in Nigeria?
4. How do modern technology and secular culture affect evangelistic efforts in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the identified challenges and the effectiveness of evangelism in Nigeria.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between the identified challenges and the effectiveness of evangelism in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to churches, pastors, evangelists, missionaries, theological institutions, and Christian organizations in understanding the major problems affecting evangelism in Nigeria. The findings of the study will help church leaders to develop effective evangelistic strategies capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges.

The study will also benefit theological students and researchers by contributing to existing literature on evangelism and Christian missions in Nigeria. It will provide useful information for future academic studies in theology, religious studies, and Christian education.

Furthermore, the study will help government agencies and policymakers to understand the effects of insecurity and religious intolerance on religious activities in Nigeria. The recommendations from the study may encourage policies that promote religious freedom, peace, and national unity.

Finally, the study will encourage Christians to remain committed to the mandate of evangelism despite existing challenges and inspire them to adopt innovative and spiritually sound methods of gospel propagation.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the challenges and issues facing evangelism in Nigeria and the possible ways forward. The study specifically examines factors such as insecurity, religious intolerance, commercialization of religion, denominational rivalry, secularism, technological influence, inadequate funding, and poor discipleship as they affect effective evangelistic activities.

Geographically, the study is limited to five selected churches and Christian organizations in Jos. The study concentrates on pastors, evangelists, church workers, and members within the selected churches and organizations. The choice of Jos is based on its religious diversity and the evangelistic challenges experienced within the area.

The study also covers strategies and possible solutions that can enhance effective evangelism and improve gospel propagation among churches and Christian organizations in Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The researcher encountered certain limitations during the course of the study. These include limited financial resources, time constraints, and difficulty in accessing some relevant materials and respondents. Some respondents may also be unwilling to provide accurate information due to personal or religious sensitivities. However, despite these limitations, adequate efforts were made to ensure the reliability and validity of the study.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Evangelism: The act of preaching and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ for the purpose of winning souls into the Christian faith.

Church: A Christian religious organization or body of believers gathered for worship and spiritual activities.

Missionary: A person sent to propagate the Christian faith, especially in areas where Christianity is less established.

Religious Intolerance: Unwillingness to accept or respect beliefs, practices, or opinions different from one’s own religion.

Secularism: A system or ideology that promotes worldly values while minimizing the influence of religion in society.

Commercialization of Religion: The excessive focus on financial gain and material prosperity in religious activities.

Project – Challenges and issues facing evangelism in Nigeria: the way forward