Project – The Act of Using Gifts to Attract New Members to the Church. A Study of five Selected Churches in Markurdi

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Church growth and membership expansion are central goals for many religious institutions, particularly in highly competitive religious landscapes like Nigeria. To attract new members, some churches employ various strategies, including outreach programs, evangelism campaigns, social services, and, increasingly, the use of material incentives or gifts (Adeyemi & Oladipo, 2019). This practice involves offering items such as food, clothes, cash, electronics, or other forms of gifts to potential congregants during church events, programs, or special services.

While the use of gifts may temporarily draw attention and increase attendance, scholars and religious observers question whether such strategies foster genuine spiritual commitment and long-term church loyalty (Ojo, 2016; Ezenwaji, 2017). The act of using material incentives to attract new members intersects with debates on ethical evangelism, the commercialization of religion, and the impact of extrinsic motivations on religious faith. In many Nigerian communities, where socio-economic challenges are prevalent, material gifts can exert a strong influence on people’s decision to attend church, raising questions about the authenticity of faith and spiritual engagement (Okoro, 2020).

In Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, churches of various denominations compete for members, often organizing outreach programs and special services with incentives to boost attendance and visibility. These practices have implications for both the spiritual and social dimensions of church life. While gift-giving may lead to numerical growth, it may also influence congregants’ expectations, perceptions of church leadership, and understanding of spiritual commitment (Ajibade, 2019).

Despite widespread reports of this phenomenon, there is limited empirical research exploring the use of gifts as a strategy for church growth in Nigeria. Most literature addresses church growth generally, with little attention to the intersection between material incentives and spiritual outcomes. Understanding this practice is crucial for church leaders, religious scholars, and policymakers seeking to balance ethical evangelism, genuine faith development, and organizational growth. This study investigates the act of using gifts to attract new members, focusing on five selected churches in Makurdi, Benue State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The practice of using gifts to attract new members has raised ethical, spiritual, and practical concerns within Nigerian churches. While it may boost attendance and short-term membership, it is unclear whether it results in genuine spiritual engagement and long-term commitment (Ojo, 2016). Some church members may attend primarily for material benefits rather than spiritual growth, potentially undermining the authenticity of faith practices and altering the culture of congregational participation (Ezenwaji, 2017).

Church leaders face a dilemma: relying on gifts to attract members can increase visibility and financial contributions but may also create dependency, foster entitlement, or generate skepticism among long-standing members about the motives of newcomers (Ajibade, 2019). Despite anecdotal observations of these effects in Makurdi, empirical studies examining the prevalence, impact, and consequences of using gifts for membership growth are limited. This lack of data hinders evidence-based decision-making by church administrators and limits understanding of how such practices affect spiritual commitment, church culture, and community perceptions.

This study seeks to examine the use of gifts to attract new members in Makurdi churches, investigating its causes, effects, and implications for church growth and spiritual development.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main objective of this study is to examine the act of using gifts to attract new members to churches in Makurdi. The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the types of gifts used by churches to attract new members.

2. Assess the impact of gift-giving on church membership growth.

3. Determine the effect of gift incentives on spiritual commitment and engagement of new members.

4. Explore the perceptions of church leaders and members regarding the use of gifts for membership growth.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What types of gifts are commonly used by churches to attract new members?

2. How does gift-giving affect church membership growth?

3. What impact does the use of gifts have on the spiritual commitment of new members?

4. How do church leaders and existing members perceive the use of gifts to attract new congregants?

1.5 Hypothesis

H₀ : The act of using gifts to attract new members does not have a significant effect on church growth and spiritual engagement in the selected churches in Makurdi.

H₁: The act of using gifts to attract new members has a significant positive effect on church growth and spiritual engagement in the selected churches in Makurdi.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons:

• For Church Leaders: It will provide insights into the effectiveness and ethical implications of using gifts to attract members.

• For Congregants: The study highlights potential impacts of material incentives on faith and spiritual engagement.

• For Religious Scholars: It contributes to literature on church growth strategies, ethical evangelism, and faith development.

• For Policymakers and Religious Organizations: Findings may inform guidelines on ethical church growth practices and the prevention of commercialization in religious settings.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on five selected churches in Makurdi, representing different denominations. It examines the use of gifts to attract new members, its impact on membership growth, and the spiritual engagement of congregants. The study does not cover churches outside Makurdi or other forms of church promotional activities unrelated to gift-giving.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Gift-Giving in Churches: The practice of providing material items or incentives to attract potential church members.

• Church Growth: Increase in congregation size, membership registration, and active participation in church activities.

• Spiritual Engagement: The level of active participation in religious practices, worship, and moral adherence by church members.

• Congregants: Members of a church who participate in its spiritual and social activities.

Project – The Act of Using Gifts to Attract New Members to the Church. A Study of five Selected Churches in Markurdi