Project – Impact of Family life Christian education in the Spiritual formation of Church members

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Family life Christian education plays a fundamental role in shaping the spiritual foundation of individuals, particularly within the Christian faith community. This form of education involves the deliberate and consistent teaching of biblical values, spiritual truths, and Christian morals within the family structure. The family, as the first and most influential social unit, is divinely instituted by God (Genesis 2:24) to provide spiritual, emotional, and moral nurturing. When families are grounded in Christian principles, they become the bedrock upon which strong church and societal values are built. In this light, family life Christian education is not just an optional practice but a divine mandate for Christian parents and guardians.

The process of spiritual formation—being conformed to the image of Christ—is central to the Christian journey (Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19). It is both an individual and communal process that involves consistent engagement in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, service, and accountability within a faith community. When the family unit becomes the foundational setting for such practices, members—especially children—grow up with an ingrained sense of godliness, purpose, and Christian identity. Family-based Christian education, therefore, equips individuals with the tools to grow spiritually and develop Christ-like character in everyday life.

In many Christian communities, churches are actively engaged in promoting Christian education through Sunday School, Bible study, youth fellowships, and discipleship programs. However, the role of the family in this educational process is often underestimated or ignored. Increasingly, parents rely on the church to handle all aspects of spiritual training, overlooking the biblical model which places the primary responsibility on the family (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). This over-reliance on church structures, though helpful, is insufficient in nurturing deep, lasting spiritual transformation, especially in the absence of supportive spiritual engagement at home.

Moreover, modern societal dynamics such as economic hardship, digital distractions, and changing family structures have further weakened the effectiveness of family life Christian education. In urban centers like Ikorodu in Lagos State, many families struggle to maintain consistent spiritual practices due to time constraints, work pressures, and limited understanding of how to integrate faith into daily living. As a result, children and youth are often left spiritually malnourished, leading to a shallow Christian experience and, in some cases, total disengagement from the church and its teachings. The weakening of family-based Christian education undermines the spiritual health of the larger church community.

To address these challenges, several churches in Ikorodu have initiated various programs aimed at reinforcing Christian education within the family. These include structured family devotionals, parenting workshops, marital counseling, and mentorship initiatives targeted at equipping parents to disciple their children effectively. While these interventions are promising, there is limited empirical evidence to determine their actual impact on the spiritual formation of church members. It remains uncertain whether these family-focused programs translate into measurable spiritual growth, deeper commitment, or stronger Christian character among members.

This study, therefore, seeks to explore the impact of family life Christian education on the spiritual formation of church members in five selected churches in Ikorodu, Lagos. By examining the practices, challenges, and outcomes of family-centered Christian education, the research aims to highlight its effectiveness and make recommendations for improving spiritual growth within Christian families. Ultimately, the study aspires to contribute to the discourse on faith transmission, discipleship, and the role of families in building spiritually vibrant churches and communities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent years, many church leaders, Christian educators, and theologians have voiced increasing concern over the noticeable decline in spiritual depth and moral integrity among church members, especially among the youth and young adults. This trend is evident in decreasing church attendance, shallow engagement with spiritual disciplines, and rising incidences of moral compromise among professing Christians. The foundational Christian values that once defined the lives of many believers are gradually being eroded, leading to a generation that is more influenced by secular ideologies than by biblical truths. This spiritual drift raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of current discipleship strategies and the role of the family in nurturing spiritual growth.

One of the most commonly identified root causes of this decline is the weakening of Christian education within the family. While churches have traditionally provided Christian education through Sunday Schools, Bible study groups, and youth fellowships, the family has always been the primary environment for instilling faith. Biblical instructions in Deuteronomy 6:6–7 emphasize the importance of teaching God’s Word diligently to children at home. However, in many Christian families today, this responsibility has been neglected or delegated entirely to the church. As a result, children grow up with minimal spiritual instruction and often develop a superficial understanding of Christian doctrines and practices.

Although many churches in Ikorodu, Lagos, have introduced various family life Christian education initiatives—such as parenting seminars, family counseling, and structured devotional programs—their practical impact on spiritual formation remains uncertain. There is a lack of empirical data to assess whether these programs translate into actual spiritual maturity, behavioral transformation, or deeper personal relationships with God among church members. Without such assessment, it becomes difficult for churches to improve or redesign these programs to meet the evolving spiritual needs of their congregations.

Additionally, several external factors complicate the situation. The modern Nigerian family, particularly in urban settings like Ikorodu, faces numerous challenges such as economic hardship, long work hours, and exposure to secular worldviews through media and technology. These pressures often lead to spiritual neglect at home, with family devotions and biblical instruction taking a backseat to other priorities. Consequently, church members—especially children and youths—are often spiritually underdeveloped, ill-equipped to handle moral challenges, and disconnected from the church’s mission and vision.

This study seeks to address this critical gap by investigating the relationship between family life Christian education and the spiritual formation of church members in Ikorodu. It aims to provide insights into whether family-based Christian education can significantly influence the spiritual maturity and commitment of believers. By evaluating the strengths and limitations of current practices, the study hopes to offer evidence-based recommendations that can empower churches and families to work together more effectively in nurturing spiritually grounded Christians.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of family life Christian education on the spiritual formation of church members in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Specific objectives include:

1. To examine the extent to which families practice Christian education at home.
2. To identify the strategies used by churches to promote family-based Christian education.
3. To assess the spiritual formation levels of church members in relation to family Christian education.
4. To explore challenges faced by families in implementing Christian education practices.

1.4 Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. How frequently do families engage in Christian education practices at home?
2. What methods do churches use to encourage Christian education within the family?
3. What is the relationship between family life Christian education and spiritual formation among church members?
4. What are the major challenges faced by families in practicing Christian education?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The study will test the following hypotheses:

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between family life Christian education and the spiritual formation of church members.
H₁₁: There is a significant relationship between family life Christian education and the spiritual formation of church members.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds great significance for church leaders, particularly pastors, elders, and ministry heads, who are charged with overseeing the spiritual growth and discipleship of their congregations. By examining the role of family life Christian education in spiritual formation, the study will provide these leaders with evidence-based insights on how to better integrate family-based discipleship into their overall ministry strategies. Understanding the connection between the home and the church in shaping believers’ faith journeys can empower church leaders to develop more effective programs that support families in their role as the primary agents of spiritual development.

Christian educators within churches and theological institutions will also benefit from this study. Curriculum developers and Sunday School coordinators can utilize the findings to design more contextually relevant and family-centered teaching materials. By highlighting the gaps and strengths in existing approaches to Christian education, the study will enable educators to develop instructional strategies that complement both church-based and home-based learning. This alignment can foster more holistic spiritual development among church members and encourage lifelong discipleship habits.

Families, especially parents and guardians, form a core audience for this study. In many Christian homes, spiritual instruction is often overlooked or poorly structured due to time constraints or lack of adequate knowledge. The study will highlight the critical role of families in shaping the faith and character of their children and will serve as a call to action for more intentional involvement in spiritual nurturing. By showcasing practical ways in which Christian education can be incorporated into daily family life, the study can inspire parents to become more deliberate and consistent in discipling their children.

The research will also provide value to researchers and theologians interested in the fields of practical theology, Christian education, and family studies. It will contribute to existing literature by presenting current data and perspectives from a Nigerian urban context—Ikorodu, Lagos—which is underrepresented in scholarly discussions on Christian formation. Scholars can use the findings to build theoretical models, compare contexts, or further investigate related themes, such as intergenerational faith transmission and the impact of cultural dynamics on Christian education.

Policy makers and faith-based organizations involved in youth development and moral education may also find the study useful. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of youth moral decline and societal instability, understanding the role of families in spiritual and ethical formation becomes increasingly important. The insights gained from this research can inform the development of programs that promote value-based upbringing, not only within churches but also through partnerships with schools and community development initiatives.

Finally, the study aims to serve the broader Christian community by reinforcing the biblical vision of the family as a cornerstone of spiritual life. In an era where many believers are shaped more by media and secular culture than by Scripture, the research calls attention to the need for a renewed commitment to biblical family values and practices. By fostering greater collaboration between churches and families, this study encourages a return to foundational Christian principles that promote sustained spiritual growth, discipleship, and community transformation.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on five selected churches in Ikorodu, Lagos. It will assess church members who are involved in or affected by family life Christian education programs, including parents, youths, and church leaders. The study will examine both qualitative and quantitative aspects of Christian education and spiritual formation.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Family Life Christian Education: Family life Christian education refers to the structured and intentional teaching of Christian doctrines, values, and practices within the family unit. It involves the consistent engagement of parents and guardians in nurturing the faith of their children and other family members through daily or weekly devotions, Bible reading, prayer, moral instruction, and the modeling of Christ-like behavior. This type of education is rooted in biblical directives such as Deuteronomy 6:6–7, where parents are instructed to diligently teach God’s commandments to their children. Family life Christian education serves as the foundation upon which spiritual growth is built, ensuring that the home becomes a sanctuary for faith development and spiritual conversations. It emphasizes that the home—not just the church—is a primary place for discipleship and the transmission of faith across generations.

Spiritual Formation: Spiritual formation is the lifelong process of being shaped into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, involving inward transformation that is reflected in outward behavior. It encompasses the development of Christian character, beliefs, and conduct through a combination of personal devotion, community engagement, and intentional spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, worship, service, and study of Scripture. Rooted in texts like Romans 8:29 and Galatians 4:19, spiritual formation is not merely about religious activity but about transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more authentic Christian witness. It is both an individual and communal journey that is influenced significantly by the environments in which believers are raised and nurtured—particularly the home.

Church Members: Church members are individuals who identify with, belong to, and actively participate in a local Christian congregation. They are often involved in various church activities such as worship services, Bible study groups, evangelism, prayer meetings, and social outreach. Church membership implies a level of commitment to the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the church, as well as to the spiritual growth of both the individual and the community. In the context of this study, church members include both adults and youth who are affected by or participate in family life Christian education initiatives. Their level of spiritual formation is often shaped by a combination of church programs and family influences.

Project – Impact of Family life Christian education in the Spiritual formation of Church members