Effects of Welfare Evangelism in the General Well-Being of Church Members: A Case Study of MFM International Headquarters.
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The following objectives will be ascertained
- To identify and examine the various challenges and obstacles faced by church members engaged in welfare evangelism.
- To assess the impact of welfare evangelism on the emotional and spiritual well-being of church members.
- To explore the role of welfare evangelism in community building and fostering a sense of belonging among church members.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Welfare evangelism
Welfare evangelism is a concept that merges the principles of evangelism with the mission of promoting social welfare and humanitarianism. It represents a holistic approach to spreading faith, emphasizing not only the spiritual transformation of individuals but also their physical and social well-being. This approach recognizes that faith and compassion can work hand in hand to bring about positive change in the lives of individuals and communities.
Key aspects of welfare evangelism include:
- Meeting Basic Needs: Welfare evangelism starts by addressing the basic needs of individuals and communities, such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. It acknowledges that it’s difficult for people to focus on spiritual matters when they are struggling to survive. Chaves, M., & Tsitsos, W. (2001)
- Social Justice: This approach is deeply rooted in the principles of social justice. It seeks to alleviate poverty, fight against discrimination, and advocate for the rights of marginalized and oppressed groups. It believes that social justice is an integral part of spreading the message of faith (Hood, 2009)
- Education and Empowerment: Welfare evangelism emphasizes education as a means of empowerment. It supports initiatives that provide access to quality education and vocational training, enabling individuals to break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Promoting physical well-being is an essential component of welfare evangelism. This may involve establishing medical clinics, organizing health awareness campaigns, and providing access to affordable healthcare for underserved populations. (Cnaan, 1999)
- Community Development: The approach involves community development projects, including infrastructure development, clean energy initiatives, and programs that enhance the overall quality of life in communities. The aim is to create an environment where people can thrive.
- Crisis Response: Welfare evangelism also plays a crucial role in responding to crises, be they natural disasters, conflicts, or public health emergencies. Faith-based organizations often provide immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in times of crisis. (Cnaan, 1999)
- Moral and Ethical Values: While addressing immediate physical needs, welfare evangelism does not neglect the moral and ethical values that are central to many faith traditions. It seeks to instill principles of compassion, kindness, and empathy in individuals, fostering a sense of responsibility towards others.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Welfare evangelism often works in collaboration with governments, NGOs, and other faith-based organizations to maximize its impact. These partnerships help mobilize resources, expertise, and networks to address complex societal issues effectively.
- Long-Term Sustainability: This approach is not limited to short-term relief but aims for long-term sustainability. It strives to create lasting change in the lives of individuals and communities, ensuring that they can continue to thrive independently.
Welfare evangelism represents a powerful fusion of faith and social action, recognizing that faith communities have a unique role to play in promoting social welfare and addressing the challenges faced by humanity.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e. mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION SAMPLING SIZE
The population for the study will consist of executives and their subordinates in the organization which is charged with the application of management by objectives to attain organizational goals in the organization.
This study was carried out on the place of parenting on the health of the church: a case study of mountain of fire and miracles ministries. Hence, the population of this study comprises of the members of mountain of fire and miracle ministries Headquarters, Lagos state.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which one hundred and nine (109) were returned while one hundred (100) were validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 100 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on the effects of welfare evangelism in the general wellbeing of church members: a case study of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on the effects of welfare evangelism in the general wellbeing of church members: a case study of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries as case study. The study was specifically set to outline the important of welfare evangelism.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 100 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the transformative potential of welfare evangelism in enhancing the general well-being of church members. The practice not only aligns with the church’s religious mission but also serves as a powerful means of promoting spiritual, emotional, social, and economic well-being. It is our hope that this research contributes to a broader understanding of the synergies between faith-based outreach and well-being and inspires further exploration of similar initiatives within diverse religious contexts. As welfare evangelism continues to positively impact the lives of church members, it stands as a testament to the enduring connection between faith, compassion, and the betterment of individuals and communities alike.
Recommendation
- The church should continue its commitment to welfare evangelism, recognizing its significant positive impact on the spiritual, emotional, social, and economic well-being of church members.
- Clear communication of the church’s welfare evangelism initiatives and their intended outcomes is essential. The church should maintain transparency in its resource allocation and program objectives to build trust among members.
- To address a broader range of well-being needs, the church can consider diversifying its support services, including financial counseling, healthcare assistance, and educational programs.
- Actively encourage church members to participate in welfare evangelism initiatives, such as volunteering and donations, as these activities not only benefit recipients but also contribute to the spiritual growth and emotional well-being of participants.
References
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- Smith, C., & Snell, R. (2009). Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults. Oxford University Press.
- Berryman, P. (2007). Acts of Faith: Churches and Welfare Provision in Australia. Journal of Social Policy, 36(4), 537-554. doi:10.1017/S0047279407001254. Bonsangue, M., & Young, A. (2007). Student and Faculty Perceptions of Social Responsibility Activities in a College of Business. Journal of Education for Business, 82(6), 315-323. doi:10.3200/JOEB.82.6.315-323.
- Burt, K. (2019). Caring for the Carers: A Study of the Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Care Workers in the Church. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 7(1), 85-97. doi:10.1558/hscc.36340.
- Francis, L. J., & Robbins, M. (2015). Psychological type profile of churchgoers engaged in social action and community service in England: A research note. Mental Health.
- Stott, J. R. W. (2006). Evangelism and the sovereignty of God. InterVarsity Press.
- Green, M. (2010). Evangelism in the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
- New International Version (NIV) Bible. Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com
- Berryman, P. (2007). Acts of Faith: Churches and Welfare Provision in Australia. Journal of Social Policy, 36(4), 537-554. doi:10.1017/S0047279407001254.
