The Effect of A Seasoned Pastor To Church Growth.

ABSTRACT

The study examined the effect of seasoned pastors on church growth in three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos, Nigeria. Church growth, both in terms of spiritual maturity and numerical expansion, remains a central concern for church leaders, theologians, and researchers. While many factors influence growth, pastoral leadership has been identified as a critical determinant, yet empirical studies on the specific impact of seasoned pastors in the Nigerian Pentecostal context are limited. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with data collected from 150 respondents, including pastors, church leaders, and active members, using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed perceptions regarding spiritual growth and discipleship, numerical growth and evangelism, administrative and leadership impact, and challenges faced by pastors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation). Findings revealed that seasoned pastors significantly contribute to spiritual growth by mentoring members, facilitating Bible study programs, and modeling Christian character. They also influence numerical growth through effective evangelism, member retention strategies, and preaching that attracts new members. Administrative and leadership competencies of seasoned pastors, including vision casting, financial management, and mentorship of emerging leaders, were found to enhance organizational development and sustainability. The study further identified challenges such as role overload, high congregational expectations, and limited resources, which seasoned pastors manage effectively. Hypothesis testing confirmed a strong positive relationship between pastoral leadership and church growth (r = 0.842, p < 0.05). The study concludes that experienced pastoral leadership is a significant driver of church growth and recommends leadership development programs, succession planning, and enhanced discipleship initiatives.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The church, as a divine institution, exists not only as a place of worship but also as a vehicle for spiritual transformation, discipleship, and holistic community development. From its inception, the mission of the church has revolved around growth—both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative growth emphasizes the spiritual maturity of believers, discipleship, and moral transformation, while quantitative growth refers to the numerical increase of membership and physical expansion of congregations. Scholars such as McGavran (1990) and Wagner (1996) argue that church growth is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission, as it demonstrates both the effectiveness of evangelistic efforts and the health of the local church.

Among the numerous factors that determine whether a church experiences growth or stagnation, pastoral leadership stands out as a critical determinant. Pastors are entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding God’s people, guiding their spiritual lives, and providing administrative oversight. A seasoned pastor, in particular, brings depth of ministerial experience, spiritual maturity, and leadership competence that enable him or her to influence the congregation more effectively (Adeboye, 2017). Through preaching, teaching, and discipleship, such pastors lay the foundation for both spiritual and numerical advancement of the church.

Leadership in the church goes beyond pulpit ministry. A seasoned pastor shapes the overall direction and sustainability of the congregation through vision casting, mentoring, conflict resolution, and administrative management. According to Akinola (2020), pastors play a central role in influencing evangelism outcomes, member retention, and financial stability, all of which are crucial for church growth. Their ability to balance spiritual responsibilities with organizational management ensures that the church remains vibrant and mission-driven in a changing social environment.

The Nigerian Pentecostal context provides a compelling case study for understanding the impact of seasoned pastors on church growth. Pentecostalism, with its emphasis on charismatic worship, evangelism, and the gifts of the Spirit, has transformed Nigeria’s religious landscape, particularly in Lagos. However, the expansion of Pentecostal churches has not been uniform. While some congregations flourish into megachurches, others experience stagnation or decline. Scholars such as Ukah (2020) attribute this difference, in part, to variations in pastoral leadership and the level of ministerial experience among pastors.

The Pentecostal movement in Lagos has witnessed exponential growth since the late 20th century, making it one of the fastest-growing Christian traditions in Africa. This growth has often been attributed not only to the spirituality and worship styles characteristic of Pentecostalism but also to the charisma and competence of church leaders (Kalu, 2008). In many cases, congregations led by seasoned pastors demonstrate resilience, vision, and continuity in ministry, while those under inexperienced leadership may struggle with sustainability and member retention.

A seasoned pastor is not merely a preacher of sermons but also a mentor, visionary leader, and manager of both human and material resources. Ajah (2021) emphasizes that pastors who combine ministerial calling with practical leadership skills create thriving congregational environments. Their experience enables them to handle challenges such as conflict management, financial stewardship, and effective discipleship programs. This combination of spiritual authority and administrative competence often determines the long-term vitality of the church.

Furthermore, understanding the effect of seasoned pastoral leadership is vital for pastoral training and succession planning within the Nigerian Pentecostal movement. Many churches face challenges when transitioning from founding pastors to new leaders. Without adequate preparation and experience, successors may struggle to maintain the growth momentum of their predecessors. Research into the role of seasoned pastors can provide valuable insights into the qualities and practices that ensure continuity, stability, and sustained growth in church ministries.

In summary, the growth of Pentecostal churches in Lagos cannot be fully understood without examining the role of pastoral leadership, particularly that of seasoned pastors. Their influence extends beyond the pulpit into the spiritual, organizational, and social dynamics of congregational life. As such, this study seeks to investigate the effect of seasoned pastors on church growth in three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos, with the goal of identifying key leadership practices that contribute to both qualitative and quantitative growth.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent decades, Lagos has become one of the epicenters of Pentecostal Christianity in Africa, marked by the proliferation of churches across neighborhoods, business districts, and suburban communities. While the Pentecostal movement has recorded remarkable numerical expansion, the pattern of growth is uneven. Some churches experience rapid increases in membership, resources, and influence, while others stagnate or witness a gradual decline. This raises critical questions about the factors that distinguish thriving congregations from those that struggle to remain viable.

One recurring factor in scholarly and ministerial discussions is the role of pastoral leadership. Pastors are the visible heads of local congregations and are often the most influential figures in shaping members’ spiritual experiences, communal relationships, and collective vision. Inexperienced or young pastors may demonstrate zeal but often struggle with complex aspects of ministry such as conflict resolution, congregation management, strategic planning, and effective discipleship. These limitations can hinder church growth, leading to membership turnover, weakened evangelism efforts, and poor organizational structure.

On the other hand, seasoned pastors typically leverage years of ministerial experience, spiritual maturity, and tested leadership skills to navigate challenges within the congregation. Their ability to cast vision, maintain organizational discipline, and inspire confidence among members often correlates with sustainable church growth. Such pastors are also better positioned to mentor younger leaders, foster stability in times of crisis, and adapt to changing socio-religious contexts. However, much of this understanding remains at the level of anecdotal evidence rather than systematically tested research within the Nigerian Pentecostal setting.

Although global literature emphasizes pastoral leadership as a major determinant of church vitality, there is limited empirical research that focuses specifically on the Nigerian context, particularly in Lagos, where Pentecostalism has grown exponentially. Existing studies often highlight charismatic leadership, evangelistic methods, or worship styles, but little attention has been given to the unique impact of pastoral experience on church growth. This creates a significant research gap that this study intends to address.

The absence of empirical data on the relationship between seasoned pastoral leadership and church growth limits the ability of church leaders, theological institutions, and policy makers within denominations to design informed strategies for sustainable ministry. Without adequate understanding, succession planning becomes difficult, pastoral training remains incomplete, and churches risk instability when leadership transitions occur. This problem is particularly urgent in Pentecostal churches, which often rely heavily on the personal charisma and vision of their pastors.

Therefore, this study seeks to examine the effect of seasoned pastors on church growth in three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos. By investigating how pastoral experience influences spiritual formation, evangelistic outcomes, and administrative development, the study aims to provide both theoretical and practical insights. The findings will not only enrich scholarly discourse but also serve as a guide for church leaders seeking to strengthen leadership practices and ensure the long-term growth and stability of their congregations.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the effect of a seasoned pastor on church growth in selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos. The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the role of seasoned pastors in spiritual growth and discipleship of members.
2. Examine the influence of seasoned pastors on numerical growth and evangelism outcomes.
3. Investigate the administrative and leadership impact of seasoned pastors on church development.
4. Challenges of Pastors regarding Church Growth.

1.4 Research Question

The following research questions guide this study:

1. What role do seasoned pastors play in promoting spiritual growth and discipleship?
2. How do seasoned pastors influence numerical growth and evangelism in the church?
3. In what ways do seasoned pastors’ leadership and administrative skills impact church development?
4. What are the challenges of Pastors regarding Church Growth?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study will test the following hypothesis:

• H₀: There is no significant relationship between the leadership of seasoned pastors and church growth in Pentecostal churches in Lagos.
• H₁: There is a significant relationship between the leadership of seasoned pastors and church growth in Pentecostal churches in Lagos.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it contributes to the growing body of scholarly knowledge on church growth, particularly within the African Pentecostal context where leadership dynamics play a pivotal role. Much of the existing literature on church growth has emerged from Western contexts, with limited focus on Africa’s unique socio-religious realities. By examining the effect of seasoned pastors on church growth in Lagos, this study provides a localized perspective that enriches global discussions on pastoral leadership and congregational development. It addresses a gap in empirical research, thereby extending the frontiers of academic inquiry into Pentecostalism in Nigeria.

The study also holds practical importance for church leaders, especially within Pentecostal congregations where pastoral leadership is often central to organizational stability. It highlights the necessity of pastoral experience and training as critical ingredients for sustaining both qualitative and quantitative growth. By demonstrating how seasoned pastors influence discipleship, evangelism, and administrative management, the findings can serve as a practical guide for pastors seeking to strengthen their leadership practices and enhance congregational health.

Another key significance of the study lies in its relevance to theological seminaries and Bible colleges. Training institutions often emphasize theological knowledge without sufficiently equipping pastors with leadership and administrative skills necessary for church growth. The findings of this research can inform curriculum development by underscoring the importance of integrating leadership training, conflict management, and vision-casting into pastoral education. In doing so, seminaries can produce pastors who are not only theologically sound but also competent leaders capable of guiding churches toward sustainable growth.

Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers and administrators within church organizations. Many Pentecostal denominations face challenges in pastoral appointments, transfers, and succession planning. By showing the positive relationship between seasoned pastoral leadership and church growth, the research can help denominational leaders make informed decisions when assigning pastors to congregations. This will ensure that churches are not only spiritually vibrant but also organizationally stable, reducing the risk of stagnation during leadership transitions.

The study also has broader societal significance. Churches in Lagos, as in much of Africa, serve not only as spiritual centers but also as social institutions providing education, healthcare, and community support. Strong pastoral leadership therefore has implications beyond the congregation, influencing community development and social stability. By demonstrating the role of seasoned pastors in sustaining healthy churches, the study indirectly contributes to strengthening civil society in Nigeria.

Lastly, the study will be beneficial to researchers and students interested in leadership, organizational studies, and religious development. It provides a framework for further investigation into how pastoral leadership styles, experiences, and strategies affect church outcomes in diverse contexts. By opening up new areas of inquiry, it lays the groundwork for future comparative studies across denominations and regions, thus making a lasting contribution to both scholarship and practical ministry.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on three selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos, Nigeria. It examines the role of seasoned pastors in shaping spiritual maturity, numerical growth, and administrative strength. While the study acknowledges other factors such as socio-economic conditions, worship style, and congregational culture, its scope is restricted to the influence of pastoral leadership.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Seasoned Pastor: A pastor with significant ministerial experience, spiritual maturity, and leadership competence, often marked by years of service, tested character, and proven results.
• Church Growth: Both numerical increase (membership and attendance) and qualitative development (discipleship, spirituality, and organizational stability) within a church.

Pentecostal Churches: Christian congregations emphasizing baptism of the Holy Spirit, charismatic worship, and evangelism