Project – Effect of decline in evangelism on church planting and growth
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Evangelism is widely regarded as the cornerstone of Christian mission and a vital catalyst for church expansion. It is the means through which the gospel of Jesus Christ is communicated, resulting in the conversion of individuals and the nurturing of communities into mature Christian fellowships. In the context of global Christianity, especially within evangelical and Baptist traditions, evangelism is not merely an activity but a divine mandate rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). Through various methods such as preaching, witnessing, and outreach, the early church grew exponentially. This model has served as the blueprint for church planting and spiritual revival across different regions, including Nigeria.
Historically, the Baptist denomination in Nigeria has placed significant emphasis on evangelistic missions as a foundation for growth and influence. In particular, Modakeke Baptist Association—a regional body under the Osun Baptist Conference—once exhibited a strong evangelistic zeal that led to the establishment of several local churches across surrounding communities. These evangelistic drives were largely sustained by crusades, door-to-door witnessing, Bible studies, and rural missions funded and supported by both the local churches and the Nigeria Baptist Convention. The association was known for its aggressive pursuit of unreached areas and the intentional planting of new congregations that became centers for spiritual nourishment and community transformation.
However, recent observations indicate a noticeable shift in this dynamic. There is growing evidence that evangelism is no longer being pursued with the same level of intensity and commitment that once characterized the Modakeke Baptist Association. Reports from church leaders and annual association records show a reduction in mission activities, fewer church plants, and declining membership in several congregations. This downward trend in evangelistic outreach has been linked to several contributing factors, including inadequate funding for missions, lack of trained evangelists, burnout among clergy, and the distraction of many congregants by socio-economic pressures. Additionally, the rise of secularism and urban migration have also diluted the focus of many local churches from outward evangelism to inward maintenance.
The implications of this decline are both spiritual and structural. Spiritually, the waning emphasis on evangelism undermines the core calling of the church to make disciples and reach the lost. Structurally, it results in fewer new churches being planted, stagnation in church growth, and in some cases, the closure of struggling congregations. While internal discipleship is important, without continuous evangelistic outreach, churches risk becoming stagnant and disconnected from their surrounding communities. The inability to attract new members through evangelism ultimately hampers the vitality and sustainability of the church in the long run.
This evolving situation raises important questions about the link between the decline in evangelism and the diminishing rates of church planting and growth. If evangelism has historically served as the fuel for church multiplication and spiritual vibrancy, then its decline may be directly responsible for the stagnation now being observed. Understanding the relationship between these variables is crucial for developing strategic interventions to restore momentum and redirect churches toward their missional purpose.
Therefore, this study seeks to critically examine how the reduction in evangelistic efforts has affected the ability of churches in the Modakeke Baptist Association to grow and expand. It aims to explore not only the trends and patterns of evangelism in the region but also the underlying factors that have contributed to its decline. By identifying these issues, the research hopes to propose practical strategies that can revitalize evangelistic passion and restore the growth trajectory of churches within the association.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The churches within the Modakeke Baptist Association are currently experiencing a noticeable decline in growth and vibrancy, despite being situated in a region with increasing population and mission opportunities. Previously, the association was marked by strong evangelistic movements that led to the planting of new churches and the spiritual revival of existing ones. However, recent years have seen a shift. Evangelistic programs that once defined the rhythm of the association’s life are now either inconsistent or entirely absent. The pace of church planting has slowed significantly, and many congregations are reporting stagnation or even a steady decline in membership, particularly among youth and young adults.
Several factors may be contributing to this worrying trend. Economic hardship, rural-to-urban migration, and increasing social distractions from secular influences have played a role in weakening church attendance and engagement. Additionally, leadership fatigue and resource limitations have hindered the capacity of churches to conduct outreach programs. Nevertheless, while these socio-economic realities are influential, they do not fully account for the spiritual lethargy that appears to be setting in. Conversations with local church leaders and lay members point to a deeper issue: a notable decline in intentional, consistent evangelism at both the individual and congregational levels.
This decline in evangelism presents a significant challenge to the core mission of the Church as mandated by Christ in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). When evangelism loses priority within the local church, the very essence of Christian mission begins to erode. A church that ceases to evangelize inevitably ceases to grow, both numerically and spiritually. This leads to congregations that are inward-focused, aging, and disconnected from the surrounding community. Without deliberate outreach and soul-winning efforts, churches risk becoming spiritually stagnant and institutionally obsolete.
The problem becomes even more alarming when viewed in the light of the historical legacy of the Modakeke Baptist Association. This region was once a model of aggressive church planting and community evangelism under the Nigeria Baptist Convention. The sudden loss of evangelistic momentum not only affects local churches but also undermines the overall mission strategy of the denomination. If this trend continues unaddressed, it could result in a generation of believers who are untrained in outreach, a shrinking number of active congregations, and a reduced impact of the gospel in Modakeke and its environs.
Given these concerns, there is a pressing need to investigate the root causes and consequences of declining evangelism in the association. Specifically, it is essential to determine whether the reduction in evangelistic efforts is significantly contributing to the slowdown in church planting and overall growth. By exploring this relationship, the study aims to uncover critical insights that can help revitalize the evangelical mission of churches in Modakeke Baptist Association and restore their role as agents of spiritual and societal transformation.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the decline in evangelism on church planting and growth within the Modakeke Baptist Association. Specifically, the study seeks to:
- Investigate the current state of evangelism among churches in the Modakeke Baptist Association.
- Assess the trends in church planting and numerical growth over the past decade.
- Examine the relationship between evangelistic activities and church growth outcomes.
- Find out the factors thatcontributing to the decline in evangelistic activities.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide this study, the following research questions are posed:
- What is the current level of evangelistic engagement among churches in Modakeke Baptist Association?
- How has church planting and membership growth changed in the past ten years within the association?
- What is the relationship between evangelism and church growth in the area?
- What factors are contributing to the decline in evangelistic activities?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H₀: There is no significant relationship between the decline in evangelism and church planting and growth in Modakeke Baptist Association.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study holds significant value for church leaders within the Modakeke Baptist Association and the broader Baptist denomination. By examining the effect of declining evangelism on church planting and growth, the research will provide insights into the current spiritual and numerical health of congregations. Church leaders can use the findings to assess their evangelistic strategies and adopt new models that prioritize outreach, discipleship, and community engagement. The study will serve as a wake-up call to rekindle the passion for soul-winning, equipping pastors and evangelists with relevant data to support strategic decisions in ministry.
The findings will also be of interest to mission boards and denominational authorities such as the Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC), which oversees evangelistic and church planting efforts across regions. Understanding the direct link between evangelism and growth will help mission boards allocate resources more effectively and develop policies that prioritize evangelism as a foundational pillar of church development. This may include sponsoring evangelistic crusades, supporting rural missions, and establishing dedicated evangelism teams within local associations.
Theological educators and seminaries stand to benefit greatly from this study. Evangelism and mission studies are core components of theological training, yet there is often a disconnect between academic preparation and real-world evangelistic challenges. By exploring the practical decline of evangelism and its impact on church life, this research can contribute to more contextually relevant theological curricula. Educators will be able to integrate findings from this study into classroom discussions, assignments, and ministry practicum, ensuring that future ministers are not only academically equipped but also missionally motivated.
In addition, this study will be valuable for policymakers and church administrators who shape the direction of Christian engagement in society. The decline in evangelism is not just a church issue—it has broader societal implications, especially in communities where churches have historically provided spiritual guidance, moral instruction, and social support. The research can help Christian policymakers design faith-based initiatives that promote evangelism in schools, marketplaces, and public institutions, thereby strengthening the church’s voice in national development.
Beyond denominational boundaries, the relevance of this study extends to churches of other traditions, particularly those facing similar challenges in church planting and membership retention. Evangelical, Pentecostal, and mainline denominations across Nigeria and Africa can draw lessons from the research to reinvigorate their own evangelistic outreach. As such, the study has ecumenical value, contributing to the broader body of knowledge on church growth and revitalization in the 21st century African context.
Ultimately, this study offers a roadmap for sustainable evangelistic practices in the face of modern-day challenges such as urbanization, secularism, digital distraction, and economic instability. By providing evidence-based recommendations, it can help churches and Christian institutions reposition evangelism at the heart of their mission. In doing so, it encourages a return to biblical principles while embracing innovative strategies that speak to today’s cultural realities. Through this, churches within Modakeke Baptist Association and beyond can once again become vibrant centers of worship, witness, and transformation.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study is limited to churches within the Modakeke Baptist Association, Osun State, Nigeria. It focuses on the relationship between evangelism and church planting/growth. It includes both qualitative and quantitative data gathered from pastors, evangelism committee members, and church members.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Evangelism refers to the intentional act of sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ with individuals or communities who have not yet come to faith. It involves verbal proclamation, personal witnessing, and various outreach strategies aimed at leading non-believers to a saving knowledge of Christ. The ultimate goal of evangelism is not only conversion but also the integration of new believers into the life of the church through discipleship and spiritual growth. Evangelism remains a foundational practice in Christian ministry, rooted in the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19–20.
Church Planting is the process of establishing new local congregations in communities where no existing church presence is found or where there is a need for additional fellowships due to population growth or spiritual need. It involves identifying strategic locations, mobilizing resources, training leaders, and engaging in evangelistic outreach to birth and nurture a new church body. Church planting is both a response to evangelistic success and a proactive mission strategy to expand the kingdom of God and ensure that the gospel reaches unreached or underserved areas.
Church Growth encompasses both the quantitative and qualitative development of a church. Quantitatively, it refers to an increase in church membership and attendance. Qualitatively, it involves the spiritual maturity of members, increased participation in ministry, and effectiveness in reaching the wider community. True church growth is holistic, reflecting not only numerical expansion but also deeper discipleship, vibrant worship, and a strong missional impact within and beyond the local context.
Decline in Evangelism denotes a significant drop in the frequency, zeal, and results of evangelistic activities within a church or group of churches. This may be due to various factors including leadership fatigue, lack of funding, societal secularization, or loss of vision and purpose. A decline in evangelism often leads to reduced outreach efforts, fewer conversions, and diminished church vitality. It poses a serious threat to the continued relevance and growth of the church in its mission to reach the lost.
Modakeke Baptist Association is a network of Baptist churches located in Modakeke, Osun State, Nigeria, and functions under the larger umbrella of the Osun Baptist Conference. This association serves as a cooperative body for promoting missions, pastoral training, fellowship, and evangelistic outreach among its member churches. Historically known for its active role in evangelism and church planting, the Modakeke Baptist Association has been instrumental in the spiritual development and social transformation of its communities through collaborative Christian ministry.