Project – The Impact of Church Location on Church Growth.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Church growth has long been a central theme in Christian ministry, theology, and ecclesiology. Traditionally, church growth referred primarily to numerical increases in church attendance and membership. However, contemporary perspectives have expanded the concept to include qualitative indicators such as spiritual maturity, community impact, infrastructural development, effective evangelism, and discipleship. As churches compete for space, relevance, and souls in increasingly complex urban environments, various internal and external factors have been examined in relation to growth. One such factor—often overlooked—is the physical location of the church. This study draws attention to the spatial and environmental dimensions of church development and their influence on overall ministry effectiveness.
The location of a church plays a pivotal role in its visibility, accessibility, and engagement with the surrounding community. A church located in a central, easily accessible area is more likely to attract a consistent and diverse congregation than one situated in a remote or difficult-to-reach location. Factors such as traffic patterns, parking availability, proximity to residential areas, and neighborhood safety can significantly affect attendance and participation. Furthermore, the socio-economic and cultural context of the church’s location often determines the kinds of ministries, programs, and outreach strategies that are most effective in that area (Adeboye, 2018; Gaiya, 2004).
In a megacity like Lagos, where urban planning is complex and densely populated areas like Apapa serve multiple commercial, residential, and industrial functions, the issue of location becomes even more critical. Apapa, known for its bustling ports, high vehicular traffic, and commercial activity, presents a unique context for ministry. The presence of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Apapa offers a valuable case study for understanding how church location influences growth. The RCCG Apapa Family has grown into a significant force within the denomination, known for innovative programming, high-profile events, and vibrant spiritual engagement (Ojo, 2006). Yet, its location within such a commercially intense area may present both opportunities and challenges for growth.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest and fastest-growing Pentecostal denominations, has consistently emphasized strategic church planting and expansion. Its vision of having a church within walking distance of every Nigerian has led to the proliferation of parishes in diverse neighborhoods, each facing unique demographic, economic, and logistical realities. In Apapa, the church must navigate the dynamics of a transient population—many of whom commute for work—as well as infrastructural challenges such as traffic congestion, security concerns, and limited residential presence. These factors inevitably influence the church’s ability to attract, retain, and disciple members.
While a significant body of literature has focused on leadership models, theological teachings, worship style, and church marketing as key determinants of church growth (McGavran, 1970; Barna, 1990), relatively little empirical research has investigated the impact of geographic location. This gap in knowledge has practical implications for church planners, urban missionaries, and denominational strategists who seek to maximize ministry effectiveness in different urban contexts. Understanding how physical environment interacts with spiritual and organizational dynamics could enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of church planting and expansion efforts.
This study, therefore, aims to explore the influence of church location on church growth, using RCCG Apapa in Lagos as a case study. It will examine how environmental factors such as accessibility, neighborhood demographics, traffic patterns, and commercial activity impact the church’s attendance, outreach, retention, and overall ministry success. By addressing this underexplored aspect of church development, the study seeks to contribute valuable insights that can inform both theory and practice in urban ministry and church growth strategies.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has witnessed rapid growth in recent decades, with a visible presence in virtually every part of Lagos State. Despite this expansion, not all parishes experience the same level of growth or impact. While some parishes flourish in terms of attendance, member engagement, and infrastructural development, others struggle to sustain regular participation or expand their ministries. These varying outcomes have prompted questions about the underlying factors that influence church growth, beyond theological teachings and leadership practices. One factor that has received minimal scholarly attention, yet seems to play a significant role, is the church’s physical location.
Anecdotal observations suggest that the geographical location of a church can either hinder or support its growth. For example, churches situated in bustling business districts such as Apapa may experience challenges with attendance during weekends due to heavy traffic, commercial congestion, and the absence of a strong residential population. Though such areas may offer strategic opportunities for weekday programs and outreach to working-class professionals, they may simultaneously limit the ability of the church to build a stable and consistent Sunday congregation. In contrast, parishes located in predominantly residential areas may benefit from proximity to families and households, leading to higher weekend attendance, but might struggle with weekday involvement due to workday commitments and reduced local movement.
These contrasting realities present a dilemma for church growth strategies. If location significantly influences who can attend, when they attend, and how actively they participate, then it is essential to examine its impact through empirical research. Unfortunately, most studies on church growth tend to focus on internal church dynamics such as pastoral leadership, worship style, youth involvement, and church marketing. While these elements are undeniably important, they do not sufficiently explain why some churches grow faster than others, particularly when they share the same denomination, doctrine, and organizational framework. Without data on spatial and environmental variables, church planting strategies risk being misinformed or ineffective.
Specifically in Apapa, Lagos—a high-density commercial zone with unique logistical challenges—the RCCG parish faces both advantages and limitations tied to its location. While the area offers exposure to a mobile and professional demographic, the infrastructural stress, noise pollution, and urban congestion may deter regular attendance, especially by families and those commuting from distant residential areas. These contextual issues could affect not only numerical growth but also the church’s ability to disciple members, build strong communities, and sustain long-term spiritual development. The question remains whether the church’s location is facilitating or restricting its mission.
Therefore, there is a pressing need to explore the relationship between church location and church growth in a structured and evidence-based manner. By focusing on RCCG Apapa, this study seeks to investigate how geographical and urban factors shape the church’s attendance patterns, retention rates, outreach strategies, and overall growth trajectory. Addressing this gap will provide insights that are critical for church leaders, planners, and urban missionaries who aim to expand their reach in similarly complex city environments.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of this study is to examine the impact of church location on church growth in RCCG, Apapa, Lagos. The specific objectives are to:
- Determine the extent to which the physical location of RCCG Apapa affects church attendance.
- Examine the relationship between church accessibility and member retention.
- Investigate the demographic composition of the church’s surrounding environment and its influence on church programs.
- Assess how location affects evangelism and outreach efforts.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study, the following research questions are posed:
- To what extent does church location affect attendance in RCCG Apapa?
- How does accessibility influence member retention and participation?
- What is the demographic profile of the RCCG Apapa environment, and how does it influence church programs?
- In what ways does location impact the church’s outreach and evangelism strategy?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant relationship between church location and church growth.
H1: There is a significant relationship between church location and church growth.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in several important ways. First and foremost, it contributes to the academic discourse on church growth by examining a relatively underexplored variable—geographical location. While theological, pastoral, and organizational factors have traditionally dominated studies on ecclesiastical development, the spatial and environmental context of church operations is gaining recognition as a vital determinant of growth. By focusing on the role of location in the growth trajectory of RCCG Apapa, this research bridges the gap between urban planning and religious studies, thereby enriching the literature on urban ministry and spatial theology.
Secondly, the study holds practical relevance for church planters and denominational decision-makers. Strategic planning for new parish locations often emphasizes availability of land or building space, but neglects crucial demographic, economic, and infrastructural variables tied to location. The insights derived from this study can equip leaders with empirical data and contextual understanding necessary to make informed decisions regarding where to establish new churches, especially in urban settings where accessibility, traffic, and socio-economic dynamics can significantly influence church viability and growth.
Thirdly, the findings of this study are particularly important for the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). As one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal denominations in Nigeria and beyond, RCCG continually expands into new territories with the goal of fulfilling its mission. By critically evaluating the specific case of RCCG Apapa, the research provides a localized assessment of how the commercial and infrastructural landscape of Apapa influences ministry success. This can help RCCG refine its expansion model, ensuring that future church locations are selected based not only on faith or vision, but also on sound empirical analysis.
In addition, the study has implications for urban developers and policymakers in Lagos State. Churches are key stakeholders in urban communities, often providing not just spiritual guidance but also educational, health, and social welfare services. Understanding how church location affects functionality and engagement can assist urban planners in allocating space, regulating zoning laws, and promoting balanced urban development. Collaboration between religious institutions and civic planners could lead to more integrated and people-oriented urban spaces.
Furthermore, the research may serve as a reference for theological institutions and seminaries that prepare future church leaders. As ministry increasingly intersects with urbanization and globalization, a strong foundation in understanding the impact of spatial and environmental factors on church growth becomes essential. By showcasing the real-world implications of location-based challenges and opportunities, this study can enrich ministry training curricula and promote a more holistic understanding of effective church leadership.
Finally, for scholars, researchers, and students in the fields of theology, religious studies, and urban sociology, this study opens new pathways for interdisciplinary research. It demonstrates that church growth is not merely a spiritual phenomenon but one that is deeply embedded in the socio-economic and spatial realities of its context. As such, it encourages further exploration of how religious institutions function within, adapt to, and shape their physical environments, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Lagos.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study is limited to the RCCG parish located in Apapa, Lagos. It focuses on the influence of the church’s physical location on attendance, retention, program effectiveness, and overall growth metrics. Data will be collected from church members, leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure a holistic view. While the study centers on RCCG, its findings may be applicable to other churches in similar urban contexts.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Church Growth: Church growth refers to both the quantitative and qualitative expansion of a local congregation or denomination. Quantitatively, it includes an increase in church membership, attendance rates, and the establishment of new branches or parishes. Qualitatively, it encompasses spiritual maturity among members, effective discipleship, increased participation in outreach activities, and enhanced infrastructural development such as buildings, sound systems, and administrative offices. In this study, church growth is examined in terms of the RCCG Apapa parish’s ability to attract and retain members, expand its spiritual influence, and develop its facilities in response to its location.
Church Location: Church location refers to the specific geographical and physical setting where a church is established. This includes the neighborhood, surrounding land use (residential, commercial, industrial), urban or rural setting, and proximity to major roads or landmarks. The physical environment, including noise levels, safety, and cleanliness, also influences perceptions of the church’s accessibility and appeal. In this study, church location is a key variable and will be analyzed in terms of how it affects attendance, participation, and the overall growth of RCCG in the Apapa area of Lagos.
Accessibility: Accessibility in the context of this study denotes how easily church members and visitors can reach the church premises. This includes the availability and condition of transportation options, proximity to major road networks, availability of parking, and the extent of traffic congestion in the area. A church that is difficult to reach due to poor infrastructure or heavy traffic may experience limitations in growth, regardless of its internal strengths. For RCCG Apapa, accessibility is considered a crucial factor in determining how location affects member engagement and service attendance.
Evangelism: Evangelism is the act of proclaiming and spreading the Christian gospel with the intention of leading others to faith in Christ. It includes a wide range of activities such as street preaching, community service, media outreach, and personal invitations. Evangelism is a vital component of church growth strategies and is influenced by the surrounding environment. In this study, evangelism will be considered in light of how location either enables or restricts the church’s ability to reach out effectively to the local population.
Demographics: Demographics refer to the statistical characteristics of the population in a specific geographic area. These characteristics may include age distribution, income levels, educational attainment, family size, occupation, religious affiliations, and ethnic composition. In this study, the demographics of the Apapa area will be analyzed to understand how the makeup of the surrounding population influences church growth. For instance, a youthful, middle-income population might respond differently to evangelism and church programs than an older, retired demographic.