Project – Investigation into church growth among Hausa diaspora ministry

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Church growth has been a subject of significant academic inquiry, particularly in relation to diaspora communities. Diaspora ministries play a crucial role in evangelism and spiritual support for migrant populations. According to McGavran (1990), church growth involves the expansion of Christianity through evangelism and the retention of converts. This is especially pertinent in the context of diaspora communities where churches often serve as cultural and spiritual anchors. The Hausa diaspora, predominantly from Northern Nigeria, presents unique opportunities and challenges for Christian missions due to their strong Islamic background and tightly-knit ethnic identity.

The Hausa people, traditionally adherents of Islam, have spread across West Africa and into Western nations through migration. The religious dynamics among the Hausa diaspora are influenced by cultural retention and the pressure to maintain Islamic heritage. As Sanneh (2003) suggests, evangelism in Islamic contexts requires a nuanced approach that respects cultural identity while presenting the gospel in a contextually relevant way. For Hausa communities abroad, Christian ministries must navigate linguistic barriers, social resistance, and interreligious tensions. This has led to innovative strategies in contextual theology, language-sensitive worship, and community development programs.

Studies on diaspora evangelism emphasize the role of relational networks and holistic ministry. Kim (2011) highlights that effective church growth among migrant communities often depends on the church’s ability to address social and economic needs alongside spiritual concerns. In the case of the Hausa diaspora, churches that provide language support, vocational training, and health services often gain trust and open doors for spiritual engagement. This aligns with Bosch’s (2011) missiological perspective that mission is not just proclamation but also participation in the life and struggles of people.

Furthermore, the role of indigenous leadership within Hausa diaspora ministries cannot be overstated. Indigenous leaders are often better positioned to navigate the cultural and religious nuances of their communities. According to Balia and Kim (2010), empowering local leadership within diaspora ministries enhances sustainability and cultural authenticity. Hausa-background Christians who lead church plants or discipleship efforts often bridge the gap between Western missionary approaches and the lived realities of the Hausa people, fostering a more organic growth of the church.

Another significant factor in Hausa diaspora church growth is the use of media and technology. With the widespread use of mobile devices and internet platforms, ministries have adopted digital evangelism to reach the Hausa in diaspora. According to Garrison (2004), movements among resistant people groups often begin with discreet exposure to the gospel, such as through radio programs or online testimonies. Hausa-language Christian media, including YouTube channels, WhatsApp sermons, and social media pages, play a critical role in reaching those who might never attend a church physically due to social or familial pressures.

In summary, the literature suggests that church growth among the Hausa diaspora is shaped by a combination of contextual evangelism, holistic ministry, indigenous leadership, and digital engagement. While challenges remain due to religious and cultural resistance, successful ministries are those that integrate spiritual care with social support and cultural sensitivity. Future research could further explore the impact of cross-cultural partnerships and diaspora mission networks on reaching the Hausa in urban and Western contexts.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Despite the global expansion of Christianity and the increasing focus on diaspora missions, church growth among the Hausa diaspora remains limited and under-researched. The Hausa people, primarily adherents of Islam, present a unique missiological challenge due to strong religious convictions, cultural cohesion, and resistance to Christianity. This has created a significant barrier for many ministries working to establish and grow churches among Hausa communities abroad. Understanding the factors hindering or facilitating growth in this context is essential for developing more effective ministry models.

Churches ministering to the Hausa diaspora often encounter difficulties in penetrating close-knit communities where conversion to Christianity is socially costly and, at times, dangerous. These challenges are compounded by the lack of contextualized ministry approaches that take into account the linguistic, cultural, and religious nuances of the Hausa people. As a result, many churches struggle with low attendance, high attrition rates among converts, and limited discipleship structures capable of sustaining long-term spiritual growth.

Moreover, there is a scarcity of indigenous leadership within Hausa diaspora ministries. Many ministries are still led by outsiders who may not fully understand the socio-cultural context of the people they serve. This lack of culturally appropriate leadership often results in miscommunication, mistrust, and a disconnect between the church and the target community. Without strong, culturally fluent leadership, church growth efforts may appear foreign and fail to gain lasting traction among Hausa migrants.

Another major concern is the limited integration of holistic ministry practices. While spiritual outreach is important, effective diaspora ministry must also address practical needs such as language learning, job assistance, housing, and healthcare. Churches that neglect these social dimensions often find it difficult to maintain relevance in the lives of diaspora populations. In the case of the Hausa diaspora, the absence of such services may reinforce perceptions that the church is only interested in proselytization rather than community transformation.

Furthermore, while digital evangelism has gained popularity in recent years, its effectiveness among the Hausa diaspora has not been thoroughly examined. Ministries may not fully understand how Hausa individuals interact with digital content or what role social media and mobile platforms play in their religious exploration. Without this understanding, efforts in digital outreach may fail to engage effectively or may even provoke backlash in sensitive communities.

Given these challenges, there is a pressing need for research that investigates the dynamics of church growth among the Hausa diaspora. Such an investigation should explore the sociocultural, theological, and strategic factors that influence ministry success or failure. By identifying the key barriers and enablers of growth, this research can provide actionable insights for churches, mission organizations, and faith-based NGOs working to reach the Hausa people in diaspora settings.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Investigation into church growth among Hausa diaspora ministry in Christ Life Church, Glory Dioceses, Ibadan. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the factors influencing church growth within the Hausa diaspora ministry.
2. To analyze the effectiveness of outreach strategies in attracting and retaining members.
3. To assess the impact of cultural and social barriers on the growth of the church within the Hausa diaspora community.
4. To explore potential opportunities for collaboration with other organizations to enhance church growth.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the factors influencing church growth within the Hausa diaspora ministry?
2. How effective are the outreach strategies in attracting and retaining members?
3. What is the impact of cultural and social barriers on the growth of the church within the Hausa diaspora community?
4. What potential opportunities exist for collaboration with other organizations to enhance church growth?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Outreach strategies are not effective in attracting and retaining members.

H1: Outreach strategies are effective in attracting and retaining members.

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses a critical gap in missiological research concerning one of the most resistant people groups to Christianity—the Hausa. Understanding the dynamics of church growth among the Hausa diaspora is vital for developing effective evangelism strategies and sustainable discipleship models. By focusing on this specific group, the study contributes to global mission efforts aimed at reaching unreached or minimally reached populations, which is a core concern of contemporary missions and church planting movements.

For churches and mission agencies working among the Hausa diaspora, this study provides valuable insights into culturally appropriate ministry practices. The findings can inform how churches structure their outreach programs, train their leaders, and engage with the social and spiritual needs of Hausa migrants. As such, the research will serve as a practical guide for ministries that aim to overcome the common barriers to church growth, such as language differences, cultural resistance, and religious opposition.

Additionally, the study is significant for its potential contribution to contextual theology and indigenous leadership development. It highlights the importance of raising leaders from within the Hausa community who understand the culture, language, and religious background of their people. Such leaders are often more effective in contextualizing the gospel and leading vibrant, culturally resonant churches. The study can encourage mission organizations to invest in leadership training and empowerment among Hausa-background believers.

Academically, the research adds to the body of literature on diaspora missions and intercultural church growth. While there are numerous studies on church growth in general, relatively few focus specifically on the Hausa in diaspora contexts. This study will therefore help fill that scholarly void and serve as a reference for future researchers, theologians, and students interested in the intersection of migration, mission, and church development among Muslim-majority ethnic groups.

Furthermore, this study has the potential to influence policy and program design among Christian NGOs and development partners working with migrant communities. By understanding the holistic needs of Hausa migrants, such as education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion, faith-based organizations can better align their services with evangelistic goals. The study emphasizes the integration of spiritual outreach with social action, which is a growing trend in effective mission practice today.

Finally, the study is personally significant for believers who feel called to serve among the Hausa people. It offers encouragement, direction, and practical tools for ministry in a challenging field. By documenting both the successes and failures of various ministry efforts, the research provides a realistic but hopeful picture of what is possible when churches engage with cultural sensitivity, theological depth, and strategic innovation. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the broader mission of making disciples of all nations—Hausa people included.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines Investigation into church growth among Hausa diaspora ministry in Christ Life Church, Glory Dioceses, Ibadan. The study is limited to Hausa diaspora ministry in Christ Life Church, Glory Dioceses, Ibadan.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Investigation: Investigation refers to a systematic and detailed examination or study of a subject to uncover facts, gather data, and draw conclusions. In this context, it involves critically analyzing the factors, practices, challenges, and opportunities that influence church growth among the Hausa diaspora ministry.

2. Church Growth: Church Growthis the measurable and spiritual expansion of the Christian church through increased attendance, conversions, discipleship, and community impact. It encompasses both numerical growth (increase in members) and qualitative growth (spiritual maturity, leadership development, and effective outreach).
3. Hausa Diaspora Ministry: Hausa Diaspora Ministryrefers to Christian missionary or pastoral efforts targeted at reaching and serving Hausa people who live outside their traditional homeland—primarily in cities across West Africa, Europe, and North America. These ministries aim to evangelize, disciple, and plant churches among the Hausa, who are predominantly Muslim and culturally conservative.
4. Church: A Churchis a community or assembly of believers in Jesus Christ who gather regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and mission. It may refer to both a physical place of worship and the spiritual body of Christ followers. In this study, “church” specifically pertains to local Christian congregations or fellowships reaching the Hausa diaspora.

Project – Investigation into church growth among Hausa diaspora ministry