Project – The effects of church growth on rural development. A Study of RCCG in Ekpoma, Edo State

ABSTRACT

This study examines the effects of church growth on rural development, with a specific focus on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. As churches increasingly expand their presence in rural areas, questions arise about their impact beyond spiritual functions. The study aims to investigate how RCCG’s growth—in terms of membership, infrastructure, and programs—contributes to socio-economic development in Ekpoma. It also explores community members’ perceptions of the church’s developmental role and identifies the challenges RCCG faces in executing such initiatives. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires distributed to RCCG members and local residents in Ekpoma. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that RCCG has experienced significant growth in Ekpoma and is actively involved in educational support, healthcare outreach, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation programs. The community largely perceives these interventions as beneficial, although the church faces challenges such as limited funding, inadequate collaboration with public institutions, and manpower constraints. The study concludes that church growth can positively impact rural development when faith-based organizations actively engage in social interventions. RCCG in Ekpoma exemplifies how spiritual expansion can align with developmental goals to uplift underserved communities. It recommends greater collaboration between churches and government agencies to enhance sustainability and reach. The study contributes to literature on faith-based development and provides insights for policymakers, religious leaders, and development practitioners seeking to harness the church’s potential in rural transformation.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Rural development continues to be a central concern for many developing nations, especially Nigeria, where the rural population constitutes a significant portion of the national demographic. Rural communities in Nigeria are often marked by pervasive poverty, poor infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and quality education, and a lack of economic opportunities (Aigbokhan, 2011). Despite various government policies and rural development programs over the decades, many of these areas remain underdeveloped, with inadequate social services and poor living conditions. Addressing the development gaps in rural areas requires multi-sectoral collaboration involving both state and non-state actors, including private enterprises, civil society, and religious institutions.

In recent years, churches and other faith-based organizations have increasingly emerged as influential players in addressing rural development challenges. Among these, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has grown significantly in Nigeria and abroad, evolving from a small mission in Lagos into a global Pentecostal movement. Since its founding in 1952, RCCG has witnessed exponential growth in membership, parishes, and scope of activities (Ukah, 2008). In many rural and semi-urban locations, churches like RCCG have taken up roles traditionally left to the state—providing welfare support, initiating education and health programs, offering skills training, and supporting marginalized populations through social and economic interventions.

The growth of RCCG is not merely spiritual or numerical. It also includes the development of physical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, vocational centers, and housing projects, many of which are established in underserved areas. This expansion is often accompanied by increased church-sponsored events, empowerment programs, and charitable outreach, which position the church as a critical stakeholder in local development. In this context, church growth takes on a holistic dimension, blending religious mission with socio-economic impact. While many studies focus on the spiritual dimensions of church expansion, there is a growing need to assess its tangible contribution to local communities—especially rural ones like Ekpoma.

Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, offers a suitable setting for this research due to its semi-rural nature and visible presence of RCCG parishes. The town, though housing a state university (Ambrose Alli University), still grapples with many rural development challenges such as unemployment, poor healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate public services in outlying areas. The RCCG has established numerous parishes in Ekpoma, each engaging in diverse programs ranging from youth mentoring to community health outreach. These initiatives suggest that church growth in the area may be having a direct or indirect impact on rural development outcomes—making Ekpoma an ideal case study.

Despite anecdotal evidence of the positive impact of RCCG in communities like Ekpoma, there remains limited empirical data to substantiate these claims. Many development reports and academic studies have overlooked the measurable role that church growth plays in transforming rural areas. This research seeks to fill that gap by exploring the specific ways RCCG’s growth contributes to development indicators such as education, healthcare, employment, and social cohesion in Ekpoma. It also seeks to understand the perception of local residents regarding the church’s contributions, and whether its presence has led to any significant improvements in their quality of life.

In summary, this study is motivated by the need to critically evaluate the developmental role of growing churches in rural Nigerian contexts. By focusing on RCCG in Ekpoma, the research aims to bridge the knowledge gap between church growth and rural development outcomes. It will also provide insight for policymakers, religious leaders, and development practitioners on how faith-based institutions can be more strategically integrated into national and local development planning. Understanding the dynamics between spiritual expansion and material transformation can help chart a more inclusive path toward sustainable rural development in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent decades, Nigeria has witnessed an explosion in the growth of churches, particularly Pentecostal movements such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Churches now dot virtually every town and village, including rural communities like Ekpoma in Edo State. While this expansion has brought about increased religious participation and visibility, it has not necessarily been accompanied by corresponding improvements in local development outcomes. Ekpoma, like many other semi-rural towns, continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, poor infrastructure, limited healthcare services, inadequate educational facilities, and other signs of underdevelopment. These persistent challenges raise concerns about the practical impact of church growth on the living conditions of host communities.

The RCCG, in particular, has made substantial strides in spreading its presence across the nation. In Ekpoma, the church has established several parishes and initiated programs aimed at spiritual enlightenment, community outreach, and moral transformation. However, while the spiritual footprint of the church is undeniable, there is insufficient empirical data to show that this growth has significantly translated into improvements in the town’s socio-economic development. Questions abound regarding whether RCCG’s presence has contributed to meaningful and measurable progress in the community, such as access to education, job creation, healthcare delivery, or skills development.

This gap between church expansion and community development presents a significant concern. If religious organizations are growing in wealth, infrastructure, and membership while the communities in which they operate remain impoverished and underdeveloped, then the nature and focus of that growth must be critically interrogated. Is church growth in places like Ekpoma primarily spiritual and administrative, or does it also embrace the developmental needs of the people? Are churches serving as transformative agents of rural development or merely expanding their religious dominance without addressing the urgent social and economic realities on the ground?

The problem, therefore, lies in the seeming disconnect between the proliferation of churches and the underwhelming pace of rural development in many Nigerian communities. It is not enough for churches to grow in number and visibility if that growth does not positively influence the well-being of the people they serve. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, with its wide network and substantial resources, stands as a test case in this dilemma. By focusing on Ekpoma, this study aims to investigate whether RCCG’s growth has had any substantial impact on development indicators such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment in the local community.

Consequently, this research seeks to address the knowledge gap by examining the relationship between church growth and rural development in Ekpoma. It will assess the extent to which RCCG’s presence contributes to or neglects socio-economic advancement. In doing so, the study hopes to provide evidence-based insight into the role of churches as not just spiritual institutions, but also as potential drivers of rural development. This understanding is crucial for religious leaders, policymakers, and development practitioners aiming to leverage faith-based structures for sustainable community transformation.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the effects of church growth on rural development using RCCG in Ekpoma, Edo State as a case study. The specific objectives are:

1. To evaluate the growth pattern of RCCG in Ekpoma in terms of membership, infrastructure, and programs.
2. To assess the contributions of RCCG to rural development in Ekpoma.
3. To investigate the perception of community members regarding the impact of RCCG on their socio-economic wellbeing.
4. To identify the challenges RCCG faces in implementing rural development initiatives.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What is the nature and extent of RCCG’s growth in Ekpoma?
2. In what ways has RCCG contributed to rural development in Ekpoma?
3. How do residents of Ekpoma perceive the role of RCCG in improving their quality of life?
4. What are the challenges facing RCCG in its efforts to support rural development?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study will test the following hypothesis:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the growth of RCCG and rural development in Ekpoma.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between the growth of RCCG and rural development in Ekpoma.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is of great importance because it contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse on the intersection between religion and development, particularly in the context of rural communities. While much has been written about the spiritual role of churches, fewer studies have examined how the physical growth and activities of religious institutions translate into tangible development outcomes. By focusing on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ekpoma, this study adds to the growing body of literature that seeks to understand the broader societal functions of faith-based organizations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Secondly, the research offers valuable empirical evidence that can guide policymakers and development practitioners in integrating churches more intentionally into rural development frameworks. In many parts of Nigeria, the government alone cannot meet the growing needs of underserved communities. Faith-based organizations often possess extensive networks, loyal followings, and resources that can be harnessed for development. This study will show whether and how RCCG’s growth has contributed to development in Ekpoma, and such findings can serve as a model for future partnerships between religious institutions and public-sector agencies.

Third, the study is especially significant for religious leaders and church administrators. It will provide RCCG leadership with critical insight into how their growth is perceived by the community and whether their current strategies are effectively addressing local developmental challenges. This could prompt a re-evaluation of church programs and a more deliberate effort to align religious expansion with measurable community impact. Church leaders will be better informed about the expectations of their host communities and the importance of balancing spiritual goals with social responsibility.

In addition, the research highlights the developmental needs and gaps that still exist in Ekpoma despite the presence of a growing church network. By identifying areas where the RCCG has made significant contributions and where its influence remains minimal, the study will help in designing more inclusive and impactful faith-based interventions. This not only benefits the residents of Ekpoma but also provides a template for addressing similar challenges in other rural communities across Nigeria.

Furthermore, this study will serve as a resource for scholars and students who are interested in interdisciplinary research that connects theology, sociology, development studies, and public policy. It offers an empirical foundation upon which future studies can build, especially those exploring the social roles of religious organizations in post-colonial African societies. By bridging the gap between religious growth and rural development, the study stimulates further academic inquiry into how churches can play a more structured and impactful role in national development.

Lastly, the findings of this study will empower the local community by giving them a voice in evaluating the impact of RCCG’s activities in their town. Residents’ perspectives on what constitutes meaningful development and their assessment of the church’s contribution will not only inform the RCCG but also challenge other churches to become more responsive to the socio-economic needs of their host environments. Through this, the people of Ekpoma can become active participants in shaping development dialogues and advocating for more socially responsible religious engagement.

1.7  Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ekpoma, Edo State. The scope is limited to examining how the church’s growth influences rural development indicators such as education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare within the community.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Church Growth: Church growth refers to the progressive increase in the size, scope, and impact of a church within a particular community. This includes an expansion in membership, multiplication of church branches or parishes, improvement in church infrastructure such as buildings, schools, and event centers, and the broadening of the church’s influence in spiritual, social, and economic matters (McGavran, 2003). In the context of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), church growth is reflected in its widespread presence across Nigeria, including rural communities like Ekpoma, where new parishes are frequently established. This growth is often accompanied by increased church activities such as crusades, youth programs, charitable outreach, and economic empowerment schemes.

Rural Development: Rural development is a strategic and ongoing process aimed at improving the economic, social, and environmental conditions of people living in rural areas. It involves increasing access to basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water supply, improving education and healthcare services, creating jobs, and fostering general economic empowerment (Aigbokhan, 2011). In many parts of Nigeria, including Ekpoma, rural development is urgently needed to close the gap between urban and rural living standards. The focus is often on enhancing the quality of life and providing opportunities that discourage rural-urban migration.

Faith-Based Organizations: Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) are religious institutions or groups that go beyond spiritual teaching to actively engage in social, economic, and developmental initiatives. These organizations often use their spiritual and moral authority to mobilize resources and influence behavior in ways that positively impact their communities (Clarke & Jennings, 2008). In the Nigerian context, many churches including RCCG operate as faith-based organizations, offering not only spiritual support but also educational scholarships, health outreach programs, food banks, and skills acquisition schemes.

Community Perception: Community perception refers to the collective opinion, feelings, and attitudes of local residents toward an individual, organization, or intervention within their environment. In development studies, understanding community perception is critical in assessing the relevance, acceptability, and effectiveness of projects or actors working in a given area. When it comes to the presence and growth of RCCG in Ekpoma, community perception helps determine whether local people view the church as a partner in progress or merely a spiritual institution with limited developmental impact (Obadare, 2016).

Project – The effects of church growth on rural development. A Study of RCCG in Ekpoma, Edo State