Project – Impact of BSF evangelistic activities on baptist Churches’ growth

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The role of evangelism in church growth has long been a central focus of Christian missions, especially among evangelical denominations that prioritize outreach and soul-winning. Evangelism, rooted in the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19–20, instructs believers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. This directive forms the backbone of Christian missionary work and is regarded as the engine of church expansion, both in terms of numerical increase and spiritual depth. In evangelical settings, the health and vitality of a church are often measured by its evangelistic zeal and the fruit it bears through conversions, baptisms, and discipleship.

Within the Nigerian context, evangelism remains a critical strategy in addressing the dynamic spiritual needs of a fast-growing and youthful population. Churches across denominations engage in various outreach methods to propagate the gospel, ranging from open-air crusades to community-based ministries. Among these evangelistic bodies, the Baptist Student Fellowship (BSF) stands out as a vibrant and youth-centered movement. BSF functions as a spiritual hub for Baptist youths, especially in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and local churches. Its mission is to evangelize, disciple, and empower young people to be committed followers of Christ and active contributors to the local church.

The BSF operates under the Nigerian Baptist Convention and plays a dual role—acting both as a feeder into Baptist churches and as a spiritual formation platform for emerging leaders. Its activities include campus evangelism, school visitations, revival services, discipleship classes, leadership training, and social intervention programs. These events serve as opportunities to reach unchurched youths while also strengthening the commitment of existing members. Through consistent outreach, BSF helps to bridge the generational gap in many Baptist churches by ensuring youth participation and leadership continuity. As such, the fellowship contributes significantly to the sustainability of Baptist churches in areas where it is active.

In Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State, BSF has maintained a notable presence for over a decade. Its influence is evident in both urban and rural congregations, where its members engage in house-to-house evangelism, campus outreaches, youth rallies, and church planting support. BSF members also often serve in key church roles such as Sunday School teachers, choir members, and evangelism team leaders. Despite this visibility, however, the actual effect of BSF evangelistic work on church growth in the area has not been systematically studied. Reports of increased attendance and membership growth linked to BSF activities are largely anecdotal, and a structured assessment is necessary to substantiate such claims.

While many pastors and church leaders within the region commend the BSF for revitalizing youth ministry and increasing church involvement, the need for empirical validation cannot be overstated. Church growth is a multifaceted phenomenon that includes not only numerical increase but also spiritual maturity, leadership development, and active participation in church life. Therefore, evaluating the impact of BSF evangelistic activities requires a careful look at these multiple dimensions. It is not enough to assume growth based on activity levels; a clear correlation between evangelistic efforts and tangible outcomes must be established.

This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by investigating the specific contributions of BSF evangelistic activities to the growth of Baptist churches in Ede North. The research will explore the types of evangelistic engagements carried out by the fellowship, assess the extent to which these efforts have influenced church attendance, membership retention, and leadership development, and identify challenges that may limit their effectiveness. In doing so, the study aims to provide actionable insights for church leaders, BSF coordinators, and denominational bodies committed to youth-based evangelism and sustainable church growth.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the consistent evangelistic efforts of the Baptist Student Fellowship (BSF), many Baptist churches in Ede North Local Government continue to experience stagnation in growth, declining membership, and poor youth engagement. This presents a pressing concern for church leaders and BSF coordinators who have invested considerable time and resources into outreach and discipleship programs. While BSF is known for its energetic evangelism—through rallies, crusades, campus ministries, and community service—there is growing uncertainty about the actual effectiveness of these efforts in fostering long-term church growth.

The persistence of dwindling church attendance and the inability to retain new converts, especially among the youth, raises an important question: Are BSF evangelistic activities truly effective in stimulating sustainable church growth in the region? Although individual churches and leaders often provide anecdotal evidence and testimonies suggesting positive impacts, such observations are largely informal and lack empirical verification. The absence of structured data and evaluation mechanisms makes it difficult to understand the real outcomes of BSF programs or determine whether the observed growth is temporary, situational, or deeply rooted in effective evangelism.

Furthermore, there appears to be a noticeable inconsistency in results across various churches. While some congregations report a visible increase in youth participation, Sunday service attendance, and leadership development following BSF involvement, others claim to see little or no change. These mixed outcomes raise concerns about potential variations in the implementation of BSF programs, the commitment of local church leaders, or contextual factors such as community receptivity. This inconsistency necessitates a comprehensive and systematic investigation to identify what works, what does not, and why.

The lack of rigorous evaluation poses a risk to future planning and strategy formulation. Without concrete evidence to support the efficacy of BSF evangelistic activities, churches may continue to implement programs that are either inefficient or unsustainable. In addition, they may fail to address underlying issues such as inadequate follow-up, poor integration of new converts, or a lack of training among BSF members. These challenges, if not critically examined, can undermine the mission of the BSF and limit the potential of Baptist churches to grow spiritually and numerically.

Therefore, this study aims to explore and analyze the real impact of BSF evangelistic activities on the growth of Baptist churches in Ede North. It seeks to provide empirical data that will help stakeholders understand the strengths and weaknesses of current evangelistic strategies. The research also aims to offer recommendations that can enhance the effectiveness of BSF outreach efforts and contribute to meaningful, lasting church growth in the region.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of BSF evangelistic activities on the growth of Baptist churches in Ede North Local Government. The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the major evangelistic activities carried out by BSF in Ede North.
2. Examine the correlation between BSF evangelism and numerical growth in Baptist churches.
3. Assess the influence of BSF on youth involvement and leadership development in churches.
4. Determine challenges affecting the effectiveness of BSF evangelistic activities.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the main evangelistic activities carried out by BSF in Ede North?
2. To what extent do BSF evangelistic activities correlate with church growth in terms of attendance and membership?
3. How has BSF influenced youth participation and leadership development in Baptist churches?
4. What are the challenges facing BSF in carrying out effective evangelism?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between BSF evangelistic activities and the growth of Baptist churches in Ede North Local Government.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between BSF evangelistic activities and the growth of Baptist churches in Ede North Local Government.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value for church leaders, particularly pastors and elders of Baptist churches in Ede North and beyond. In an era where churches are seeking effective strategies to engage a younger generation and ensure sustained growth, the findings of this research will offer data-driven insights. By examining the actual impact of BSF evangelistic activities, church leaders can better understand which programs and methods yield tangible results and which ones require restructuring. This will help in adopting more focused and strategic approaches to ministry and evangelism.

Youth ministers and fellowship coordinators will also greatly benefit from this study. As the primary agents responsible for planning and executing BSF activities, these individuals often operate with limited feedback or formal assessment tools. This research will provide a basis for evaluating their work and identifying areas for improvement. More importantly, it will empower them with practical recommendations to enhance evangelistic effectiveness, improve follow-up systems for new converts, and increase youth participation in church life and leadership.

For denominational policy-makers, such as the Nigerian Baptist Convention, the study offers crucial information that can shape broader strategic decisions. The Convention oversees numerous fellowships and ministries under its umbrella, and an empirical understanding of BSF’s contributions can guide the formulation of policies that support youth evangelism. It will also assist in deciding how best to allocate resources, whether financial, educational, or human, to maximize the effectiveness of evangelistic efforts across different regions.

In the academic and theological domains, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on church growth, youth ministry, and contextual evangelism in Nigeria. While numerous studies have examined church expansion in general, few have focused on the specific role of youth fellowships like BSF within local church ecosystems. By focusing on a defined geographical and denominational context, the study offers a unique case that can inform broader discussions in theological institutions, Bible colleges, and seminaries.

Additionally, the research holds significance for researchers and students interested in practical theology, missiology, and religious studies. As Nigerian churches increasingly look for sustainable models of growth in an ever-changing cultural and socio-economic environment, this study provides a useful template for understanding how youth evangelism can contribute to long-term church health. It highlights the importance of context-specific analysis and encourages further studies into youth-based ministry models and their impact on congregational development.

Finally, the findings of this study are likely to benefit the broader Christian community, including other denominations and interdenominational youth groups. Lessons learned from the BSF’s strengths and challenges in Ede North can be adapted and applied in similar contexts where churches seek to leverage youth ministry for growth. The recommendations arising from the research may also inspire cross-denominational collaboration in the area of youth evangelism, thus fostering unity and shared purpose within the body of Christ.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to Baptist churches within Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. It focuses on the evangelistic activities of BSF chapters in the region and their impact on church growth. Growth indicators examined include numerical membership, youth participation, and leadership development.

1.8 Definition of Terms

BSF (Baptist Student Fellowship): A youth-based organization within the Nigerian Baptist Convention, dedicated to evangelism, discipleship, and leadership training.

Evangelistic Activities: Programs such as crusades, campus outreach, tract distribution, follow-up ministries, and discipleship classes aimed at spreading the gospel.

Church Growth: The measurable increase in church membership, spiritual maturity, leadership quality, and church planting.

Ede North Local Government: A local administrative region in Osun State, Nigeria, comprising both urban and semi-urban communities where Baptist churches are present.

Project – Impact of BSF evangelistic activities on baptist Churches’ growth