Project – The Impact of parenting in Church growth in Methodist church Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The church, as the body of Christ, is entrusted with the divine mandate of evangelism, discipleship, and the holistic development of its members (Matthew 28:19–20). This mandate encompasses not only winning souls but also nurturing believers to grow into spiritual maturity. Church growth, therefore, is not merely a numerical phenomenon; it includes qualitative dimensions such as the spiritual depth of members, their unity in faith, and their active participation in advancing the mission of God on earth (Coleman, 2011). One of the most influential factors in achieving such growth is the role of parenting, which significantly shapes the moral and spiritual development of future church leaders and committed members.

Parenting, from a biblical standpoint, transcends the conventional notion of raising children to adulthood. It encompasses the responsibility of imparting moral values, offering spiritual mentorship, and guiding the younger generation in the ways of God. Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:6–9 emphasize the continuous responsibility of parents to instill God’s commandments in their children, ensuring that faith becomes an integral part of daily living. This spiritual nurturing is a cornerstone for developing believers who can stand firm amidst the moral challenges of life, thereby contributing positively to the growth of the church.

In the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia, the family serves as the foundational unit through which faith is transmitted from one generation to another. Both biological parents and spiritual guardians play significant roles as agents of moral formation and spiritual discipleship. Their involvement in children’s spiritual upbringing directly influences the children’s integration into the life of the church. When families are actively engaged in their children’s spiritual and moral development, they help sustain church growth by raising committed, well-grounded believers (Bamgboje-Ayodele, 2016).

However, in the contemporary religious landscape, the relationship between effective parenting and church growth faces significant challenges. Increasing secularization, the pervasive influence of peer groups, and the erosion of traditional moral values have all contributed to the weakening of family-based faith transmission. These factors often lead to youth disengagement, declining attendance at church services, and diminished commitment to church programmes. In cases where parenting fails to provide adequate spiritual and moral guidance, churches experience difficulty in maintaining vibrant, growing congregations.

Conversely, where parenting is intentional—characterized by regular prayer with children, consistent teaching of biblical truths, appropriate discipline, and modelling of godly behaviour—positive outcomes are evident. Such parenting produces believers who are spiritually mature, morally upright, and actively involved in the ministries of the church. These individuals not only strengthen the existing congregation but also serve as evangelistic agents who attract others to the faith (Omoregbe, 2018). In this way, effective parenting acts as a catalyst for both numerical and qualitative church growth.

It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the impact of parenting on church growth within the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia. Understanding this relationship is essential for developing strategic interventions that can strengthen the family unit as a primary agent of discipleship. By examining the nature and extent of parental involvement in spiritual formation, this research will provide insights into how the church can collaborate with families to ensure sustained growth in membership, spiritual maturity, and active participation in church life.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia, like many other Christian denominations, is confronted with the dual challenge of maintaining steady numerical growth while also deepening the spiritual maturity of its members. Although evangelism, revival meetings, and missionary outreach remain active, there is a growing concern over the dwindling involvement of young people in church activities. Youth participation in worship services, Bible study groups, and ministry engagements is noticeably declining, posing a threat to the long-term sustainability of the church’s vision and mission. This trend raises critical questions about the effectiveness of family-based spiritual nurturing in today’s religious environment.

A key area of concern is the moral and spiritual state of the younger generation. Increasing incidents of moral lapses, indiscipline, and a lack of commitment among youths suggest that many are not being adequately grounded in the Christian faith. The weakening of family-based faith transmission—once the backbone of Christian upbringing—has made it difficult for churches to retain and disciple young believers effectively. The modern-day challenges of secular influences, social media distractions, and shifting cultural values further complicate this reality, demanding more intentional and deliberate parenting approaches.

In many homes, parents are either too busy with work, business, and personal commitments or lack the necessary knowledge and skills to guide their children spiritually. In other cases, some parents are unaware of the biblical mandate to nurture their children “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). When parents fail in this role, children often grow up without a solid spiritual foundation, making them susceptible to peer pressure, worldly ideologies, and disconnection from the church. This disengagement not only affects the individual’s faith journey but also weakens the vibrancy of the congregation.

The long-term implication of such trends is a gradual decline in church vitality. As young people drift away from active participation, the church loses a vital segment of its potential leaders, evangelists, and committed workers. Without intentional intervention to address the root causes—especially inadequate parenting—church growth becomes difficult to sustain. Over time, this may lead to ageing congregations, reduced missionary effectiveness, and diminished impact in the community.

Given these challenges, it is imperative to investigate the extent to which parenting influences church growth in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia. By identifying the specific parenting practices that contribute positively or negatively to spiritual development and church engagement, the study will provide evidence-based insights that can inform family ministry strategies, discipleship programmes, and church policies aimed at ensuring both numerical and qualitative growth.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to examine the impact of parenting on church growth in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Investigate the role of parental spiritual guidance in the discipleship and retention of church members.
2. Examine the influence of parental involvement in church activities on the participation of children and youths.
3. Assess the relationship between parental moral example and the overall growth of the church.
4. Find out the challenges of parenting can affect Church Growth

1.4 Research Question

The study is guided by the following research questions:

1. How does parental spiritual guidance affect discipleship and retention in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia?
2. What is the influence of parental involvement in church activities on children and youth participation?
3. In what ways does parental moral example contribute to church growth in the Diocese?
4. How will the challenges of parenting can affect Church Growth?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following hypothesis will be tested:

• H₀: Parenting has no significant impact on church growth in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia.
• H₁: Parenting has a significant impact on church growth in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study holds significant value for church leaders within the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia, and beyond. By identifying the specific ways in which parenting influences church growth, the findings will equip pastors, ministers, and lay leaders with practical strategies to strengthen family-based discipleship. Understanding the link between effective parenting and youth engagement will help church leadership design ministry programmes that intentionally involve parents in the spiritual formation of their children, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of church growth.

For parents, the study will serve as an awakening to their crucial role as the first pastors and spiritual mentors in the lives of their children. Many parents underestimate their influence on their children’s commitment to God and the church. This research will provide them with clear, biblically grounded insights into how daily habits, moral examples, and spiritual guidance at home shape the faith and involvement of the next generation. It will also offer practical approaches to overcoming modern challenges such as busy schedules, media distractions, and cultural shifts that hinder consistent spiritual parenting.

Christian educators—including Sunday School teachers, youth workers, and Bible study coordinators—will also benefit from the findings. By understanding how family life affects church participation, they can align their teaching methods, discipleship materials, and follow-up strategies to complement what children and youths receive at home. This synergy between home and church-based teaching can help address the gaps in spiritual knowledge and moral discipline, resulting in a stronger and more grounded membership.

From an institutional perspective, the findings can inform the Methodist Church Nigeria in formulating policies and initiatives that encourage stronger family involvement in church life. For instance, evidence from this research may lead to the introduction of structured parenting seminars, mentorship programmes, and family-focused discipleship curriculums across the Diocese. Such programmes would not only benefit individual families but also strengthen the church as a whole, promoting both numerical and qualitative growth.

In the academic field, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection between family life and church growth. While much has been written about evangelism, leadership, and discipleship, there is still a need for more empirical evidence on how parenting dynamics influence the vitality of church communities, particularly in African contexts. The research will thus provide a valuable resource for scholars, students, and researchers interested in theology, pastoral studies, and Christian education.

Finally, the study will have practical societal implications. A church that grows both spiritually and numerically often has a stronger positive influence in its community—promoting moral values, reducing social vices, and fostering unity. By empowering families to raise spiritually mature and morally upright children, the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia, can indirectly contribute to community transformation. Thus, the benefits of this study extend beyond the church, impacting the wider society in which it operates.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyubia. It examines both biological and spiritual parenting and their roles in promoting church growth. The concept of church growth here covers numerical increase, spiritual maturity, and active participation in church life.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Parenting: The process of raising, guiding, and nurturing children in both moral and spiritual aspects in accordance with Christian values.
• Church Growth: Increase in church membership, spiritual maturity, and active participation in church programmes.
• Methodist Church Nigeria: A Protestant Christian denomination with a strong emphasis on holiness, evangelism, and discipleship.
• Diocese of Oyubia: The specific administrative and ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Methodist Church Nigeria where the study is conducted.

Project – The Impact of parenting in Church growth in Methodist church Nigeria