The Role of Evangelism in Church Growth in Esan East District of Assemblies of God Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The main objective of the study is to ascertain the following phenomenon in the Assemblies of God, and find solutions to them.
- Whether Evangelism really has become unpopular in Assemblies of God
- Find out whether Churches are growing quantitatively based on the effort of the believers in evangelism or people are just moving from one church to the other.
- How to revive the zeal of believers to embark on effective Evangelism
CHAPTER TWO
EVANGELISM
Introduction
Throughout church history, (from the days of the days of the apostles till date), the Lord has anointed individuals who have been examples of passionate evangelism with courage and integrity. Even though these ones have not been faultless in their desire to see the lost saved through the gospel, they have provided basis to carry on the gospel passionately and has been examples to their own and succeeding generations. They have thought and shown how evangelism can be done in a biblical manner. Their zeal was to see the Master’s job done and done well. Response to Christ calls, to go and make disciples, challenged them not to settle for anything less than what God has called them to do. We cannot but to follow them and share the gospel with a lost world.
The New Testament Meaning of Evangelism:
In Matt 4:19, Jesus introducing the assignment and purpose of calling the disciples said “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (c f Matt. 4:19). The assignment was that they must go out and search for men just as the fishermen goes out to fish at sea. The world is the sea, and the men in the world are the fishes. This is the heartbeat of God; to see that all men will come to the saving knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. This is essence of evangelism.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction:
The research was conducted through the survey method. Both qualitative and quantitative processes were used in the study. The approaches were narrative, descriptive and reflective; it was used to gather in formation from respondents per their opinions on evangelism and its impact on individual church members, and the growth of their churches in relation to the great commission in Matthew 28:19.
The statistics and the information used were the result of the survey that the study undertook among different Assemblies of God in the Esan East District, in the Edo state Metropolis. The data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires. The works of various scholars and writers in the forms of journals, articles, bible dictionaries, encyclopaedias and internet materials on evangelism and church growth were consulted and reviewed in order to give a firm grounding to the research.
Chapter FOUR
Data Analysis
Introduction
This chapter shows the analysis of responses obtained from the interviews and questionnaires administered. Seventy (70) valid returned questionnaires were analyzed together with the answers from the questionnaires of the interviews conducted with the pastors within the sample, and the results presented below to answer the research questions.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION, OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions
The objectives of the study were attempts to find out whether the seeming unpopularity of Evangelism in the Assemblies of God was factual, and if yes, come out with possible solutions. Having analyzed interviews and questionnaires administered to few pastors and some Assemblies of God’ members within the Esan East District, it became clear that indeed unpopularity of Evangelism has permeated contemporary Nigerian Assemblies of God.
Furthermore, it was agreed by the pastors interviewed that for the church to see growth both qualitatively and quantitatively, Evangelism is the best approach. In the words of Rev Ernest Manful of AOGC Kasoa I quote, “my brother if the church can encourage and motivate the members to win one soul a year and keep him/her disciple, a hundred (100) member church can grow above one thousand (1000) within five years.
Observations
The research has revealed a few negatives consequences such as media evangelism which has eclipsed Evangelism thus creating further superficial christians at the expense of genuine Disciples of Christ who are well mentored through the processes of evangelism.
Also it has been observed that majority of people find it easier just giving a tract or pamphlet to somebody, inviting him/her to church. It looks so easier because one may not need to talk so much whether the person is familiar or a stranger. In addition, the church members lack adequate training in the area of Evangelism and the skills to interact with people in sharing the gospel.
It also became obvious that obedience to the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:19 is less adhered to by the majority of Assemblies of God’ members in recent times, thus militating against the spiritual growth of most christians and the vision and goal of the church. Therefore, apparent revival in the Assemblies of God in the area of Evangelism is urgently needed, not only to increase the membership of churches but most importantly to win souls for Christ.
Recommendations
From the study, it has become obvious that when the secret of church growth through evangelism is discovered, the will of Jesus Christ for His Church would have been achieved. The following are the recommendations to curb unpopularity of Evangelism in the church of contemporary times, and also to bring about revival in the carrying out of the “Great commission” in Matthew 28:19.
Prayers: Christians must be encouraged by all means to sincerely pray for church growth through evangelism and be passionate about the lives of the unbelievers.
Vibrant Evangelistic Teams: Permanent vibrant specialized evangelistic teams for hospitals, streets, homes, marketplaces, buses and “trotro” must be set up in all churches.
Evangelistic Sermons: Sermons must be preached about evangelism frequently, emphasizing the need for evangelistic teams to be sustained at all cost.
Support Team: Supporting teams made up of people who cannot join the evangelistic teams because of their job or tangible excuses must be formed to back them with monthly financial aid or in kind.
Systematic Evangelistic Training: Specialized evangelistic training must be given to the various evangelistic teams to go out to evangelize in hospitals, streets, homes, marketplaces, and bus and “trotro” terminals.
Short and long-term Educational Opportunities: In order to encourage continuous involvement of all, there must be short and long-term educational opportunities offered internally or through assistance from outside sources.
Solutions to Personal Problems of Potential Evangelists: The whole church must plan and acts together for church growth on the basis of evangelism by finding solutions to problem of potential evangelistic team members who are busy with their family issues and other social issues.
References
- Agyin-Asare, C. (2009). Evangelism Crusade Planning & Church Planting. Edo state:
- Bernard Kodjo, Rhotchets Limited.
- Bashan, R. C. (1980). Mission Theology. Pasadena: William Carey Library.
- Burroughs, P. E. (1934). How to Win to Christ. . Nashiville: International Review of Mission.
- Dayton, E. R. (1985). Planting Strategies for World. Grand Rapids: William E. Erdmanns.
- Cecil, Douglas M. (2003). The Seven Principles of an Evangelistic Life. Chicago: Moody Publishsers.
- Freedman, N. D. (2000). Erdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Erdmans Publishers.
- Green, Micheal. (1992). Evangelism of he Early Church. Seoul: The Christian Archives.
- Green, Micheal. (1970). Evangelism in the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmanns.
- Heward- Mills, D. ( 2007). Evangelism and Missions. Edo state: Parchment House.
- Heward- Mills, D. (2001). Win the Lost at All Cost. Edo state: Parchment House.
- Kim, S. Y. (2000). Unpublished Doctoral Thesis at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Lynchburg, VA 24502.
- Koduah, A. (2004). Christianity in Nigeria Today. Edo state: Pentecost Press.
- Larbi, K. E. (2001). Pentecostalism: The Eddies of Nigerian Christianity. Edo state: Blessed Publications.
- Larsen, D. L. (1992). Evangelism Mandate:Rediscovering of the Centrality of the Gospel Preaching. Grand Rapids: Kregel Inc.
- MacArthur, J. F. ( 1991). The Master’s Plan for the Church. Chicago: Moody Press.
- Max, W. (1976). I Believe In the Great Commission.
- McGavran, D. A. (1977). Ten Steps for Church Growth. New York: Harpers & Row.
- Parker, J. I. (1961). Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press.
- Pollard, N. ((1977) ). Evangelism Made Slightly Less Difficult. Nottingham: Inter Varsity Press.
- Saayman, W. (1993). ‘Some ReflEctions on the Development of the Pentecostal Mission Model in South Africa. Missionalia 21:1.
