Project – THE ROLE OF EVANGELISM ON THE CHURCH DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Evangelism, characterized by fervent and proactive efforts to spread religious beliefs, has been a significant factor in the development of many churches worldwide. Evangelism has long been recognized as a foundational component of Christian ministry and church growth. According to McGavran (1970), evangelism is not merely an ancillary activity but the primary mission of the church. He contends that church development cannot be isolated from active evangelistic efforts, particularly in societies where Christianity is not the dominant religion. This view is echoed by Stetzer and Putman (2006), who emphasize that effective evangelism is directly correlated with numerical and spiritual church growth, as it drives new membership and revitalizes existing congregations.

The concept of evangelism involves various strategies, including door-to-door preaching, public crusades, and the use of media to reach a broader audience. These methods are designed to attract new members and retain existing ones by fostering a sense of urgency and commitment to the church’s mission.

Theological perspectives underscore the importance of evangelism as a divine mandate. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 serves as a theological cornerstone for evangelistic outreach. Bosch (1991) argues that the church, as a missional entity, must be outward-looking, with evangelism functioning as both a theological imperative and a practical strategy for development. This missional perspective reframes evangelism not as an optional program, but as a central aspect of the church’s identity and growth trajectory.

Contemporary approaches to evangelism highlight the need for contextualization and cultural sensitivity. Hiebert (1985) emphasizes that for evangelism to contribute meaningfully to church development, it must engage with local cultures and adapt to societal dynamics without compromising the core message of the gospel. This contextual approach has shown to increase the church’s relevance and engagement within diverse communities, thus fostering both qualitative and quantitative development.

The relationship between evangelism and church planting is also a critical area of discussion in the literature. According to Ott and Wilson (2011), church planting is one of the most effective forms of evangelism and plays a vital role in establishing a sustainable and expanding Christian presence. They argue that evangelism, when coupled with intentional church planting strategies, leads to more dynamic and enduring church growth. This integration supports the idea that evangelism is not a stand-alone activity, but part of a broader ecclesial development strategy.

Furthermore, the literature acknowledges the role of lay members in evangelism. Barna (2003) notes that churches experiencing significant growth often equip and empower laypersons to actively participate in evangelistic efforts. This democratization of evangelism expands the church’s outreach capacity and cultivates a sense of ownership and purpose among members, thereby enhancing internal cohesion and community impact.

In conclusion, the role of evangelism in church development is multifaceted, encompassing theological, strategic, and sociocultural dimensions. The literature collectively affirms that without evangelism, churches risk stagnation and decline. By engaging in intentional, contextual, and inclusive evangelistic practices, churches can experience revitalization, expansion, and deeper spiritual maturity, ultimately fulfilling their mission in both local and global contexts.

One of the primary ways evangelism contributes to church development is through its ability to create a strong sense of community and belonging among members. By actively engaging with potential converts and existing members, the church fosters a supportive environment that encourages participation and commitment.

 Statement of the Problem

Despite the centrality of evangelism in the mission of the church, many churches today are experiencing stagnation or decline in growth, both numerically and spiritually. This trend raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of current evangelistic strategies and their impact on the overall development of the church. While evangelism is often emphasized in sermons and mission statements, there is a growing gap between the theoretical importance of evangelism and its practical implementation in many congregations.

One of the key problems is the lack of a unified or contextual approach to evangelism that fits the cultural and societal dynamics of different communities. Many churches either adopt outdated evangelistic methods or import models that are not suitable for their local context. This misalignment has led to diminished outreach effectiveness, limited community engagement, and ultimately, minimal growth in church membership or influence. The failure to adapt evangelism to contemporary realities hinders church development and diminishes the church’s relevance in society.

Additionally, the disconnect between evangelism and church development is often seen in the way churches measure success. Some congregations focus solely on attendance numbers rather than holistic spiritual development, discipleship, and community transformation. This narrow focus overlooks the deeper role that evangelism should play—not just in increasing numbers but in shaping a vibrant, growing, and mission-driven community. When evangelism is reduced to a short-term campaign rather than an ongoing process, its impact on sustainable church development becomes limited.

Another contributing problem is the underutilization of lay members in evangelistic efforts. In many churches, evangelism is viewed as the responsibility of clergy or specialized departments, while the wider congregation remains passive. This clerical model not only limits the reach of evangelistic initiatives but also weakens congregational ownership of the church’s mission. Without mobilizing and equipping lay members, churches miss out on the potential for organic, relational evangelism that can lead to more authentic and sustained development.

Furthermore, churches often struggle with evaluating the outcomes of evangelistic efforts. There is frequently a lack of clear frameworks or tools for assessing the effectiveness of evangelism in contributing to church growth, community impact, or spiritual maturity. This lack of measurement makes it difficult to improve existing strategies or invest in the most fruitful areas of outreach. As a result, evangelism may continue without yielding meaningful or measurable church development.

In summary, the problem lies not in the absence of evangelism, but in the inconsistency, ineffectiveness, and often outdated or disconnected ways in which it is carried out. To fully realize the potential of evangelism in fostering church development, churches must adopt more intentional, contextual, and inclusive strategies. Addressing these gaps is crucial for revitalizing churches, expanding their influence, and fulfilling their mission in the modern world.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the roles of evangelism on the church development. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the impact of evangelism on the development of the Christ Apostolic Church.
2. To identify the strategies employed by the church in implementing evangelism.
3. To assess the perception of church members towards evangelism and its role in church development.
4. To analyze the challenges faced by the church in implementing evangelism practices.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the impact of evangelism on the development of the Church?
2. What strategies are employed by the church in implementing evangelism?
3. How do church members perceive evangelism and its role in church development?
4. What challenges does the church face in implementing evangelism practices?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Evangelism has no significant impact on the development of the Church

H1: Evangelism has significant impact on the development of the Church

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it explores a foundational aspect of the Christian mission—evangelism and its direct impact on the development and sustainability of the church. In an era where many churches face challenges such as declining attendance, cultural irrelevance, and spiritual stagnation, understanding how evangelism contributes to church growth is critical. The study provides a framework for evaluating and enhancing evangelistic efforts as a means to revitalize the church’s mission and expand its influence in society.

For church leaders and clergy, the findings of this study offer practical insights into how evangelism can be strategically integrated into the broader goals of church development. By identifying effective evangelistic models and highlighting barriers to growth, leaders can make informed decisions about resource allocation, ministry focus, and leadership training. The study emphasizes that evangelism is not an isolated function but a catalyst for transformation, community engagement, and sustained growth.

The study is also significant for lay members, as it highlights their indispensable role in fulfilling the church’s mission through everyday evangelism. By shedding light on the importance of involving the whole congregation in outreach activities, the research encourages a shift from clergy-centered evangelism to a more inclusive, participatory approach. This empowerment can lead to a more dynamic and mission-oriented church culture, fostering ownership and spiritual maturity among members.

Academically, the study contributes to theological and missiological discourse by bridging the gap between theory and practice. It adds to the existing body of knowledge by analyzing how evangelism, when contextualized and consistently practiced, influences the structural and spiritual development of churches. Scholars and students of theology and religious studies can draw on this research to deepen their understanding of the church’s mission in contemporary society.

In the context of global missions and church planting, the study has broader implications for Christian outreach in diverse cultural settings. It offers valuable perspectives for mission organizations, church planters, and cross-cultural ministers seeking to establish or support growing and sustainable churches. By focusing on adaptable and culturally relevant evangelistic practices, the research supports efforts to expand the global church in meaningful and effective ways.

Lastly, this study is relevant to policymakers and faith-based organizations involved in community development. As churches often play vital roles in social transformation, understanding the link between evangelism and church health can influence how churches engage in education, healthcare, and humanitarian outreach. Strengthening the church through evangelism ultimately contributes to stronger, more compassionate communities shaped by faith-based values and active service.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the roles of evangelism on the church development, a case study of Christ Apostolic church oke-iyin Zone Nyanyan, Abuja

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Role: A role refers to the function or part played by a person, process, or element in a particular context. In research or organizational terms, it indicates the contribution or responsibility something holds toward achieving a specific purpose or outcome.

Evangelism: Evangelism is the act of proclaiming or spreading the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It involves sharing the Christian faith with others through preaching, personal testimony, or other outreach methods, with the aim of leading people to conversion and spiritual growth.

Church Development: Church development refers to the process of growth and improvement in the life, structure, and mission of a Christian church. This includes numerical growth (increase in membership), spiritual maturity of members, organizational strength, community impact, and overall effectiveness in fulfilling the church’s mission.

Christian: A Christian is a person who believes in and follows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Christians adhere to the teachings of the Bible and seek to live according to the example and commands of Christ. They are part of a global faith community known as the Church.

Project – THE ROLE OF EVANGELISM ON THE CHURCH DEVELOPMENT