The Role of Church Leaders in Church Growth and Its Survival in Nigeria. A Study of Assemblies of God, Okrika

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The church, as both a spiritual and social institution, is primarily called to fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism, discipleship, and holistic community transformation. From the earliest days of the Christian movement in the New Testament, leadership has been a decisive factor in determining the health, direction, and impact of the church. Apostolic leadership in the first century laid the foundation for the church’s growth by combining spiritual guidance with strategic decision-making (Acts 6:1–7). In contemporary times, the same principle holds true: effective leadership is central to ensuring that churches remain vibrant, mission-focused, and sustainable. Church leaders—including pastors, elders, deacons, and ministry heads—act as vision bearers, spiritual shepherds, and administrative stewards who shape the trajectory of the church’s life (Adeboye, 2012).

In the Nigerian context, church leadership carries additional weight due to the socio-cultural and economic environment in which churches operate. Nigeria’s religious landscape is diverse, competitive, and often influenced by political, ethnic, and economic factors. As such, leaders are expected not only to preach and teach the Word of God but also to navigate complex realities that can either enhance or hinder church growth. Leadership in this setting involves guiding members toward spiritual maturity while simultaneously ensuring that the organization remains relevant in meeting the social and emotional needs of its congregation (Ojo, 2020).

The Assemblies of God Church in Nigeria is one of the oldest and most influential Pentecostal denominations in the country. Since its establishment in 1939, it has played a significant role in evangelism, doctrinal instruction, and the promotion of holiness and Pentecostal spirituality (Kalu, 2008). Its strong emphasis on biblical preaching, missions, and theological education has contributed to rapid expansion over the decades. However, like many other denominations, it has not been immune to challenges such as declining attendance in certain branches, leadership succession disputes, generational shifts in worship preferences, and the impact of societal secularization (Ukah, 2016).

In Okrika, a predominantly riverine and culturally unique area of Rivers State, the church operates in a context shaped by both opportunities and constraints. The community’s deep cultural heritage, communal values, and strategic location provide fertile ground for church influence. Yet, economic instability, migration patterns, denominational competition, and cultural practices occasionally create resistance to sustained church growth. Furthermore, the proximity to industrial hubs like Port Harcourt exposes the population to diverse worldviews that can both enrich and challenge traditional faith expressions.

Church growth itself should be understood in a multidimensional sense. It goes beyond numerical increase to include spiritual formation, discipleship depth, infrastructure development, community outreach, and the expansion of ministries (Wagner, 1996). A growing church must be able to disciple converts into mature believers, address community needs, and develop a leadership pipeline to sustain ministry momentum. Without these, numerical growth alone will be short-lived. In this regard, leadership plays a critical role in defining the vision, mobilizing resources, and creating an enabling environment for holistic growth.

The survival of a church, especially in challenging socio-economic and cultural contexts, depends on its ability to adapt without compromising its core mission and values. This requires maintaining relevance, ensuring financial stability, preserving unity, and offering clear direction in times of change (Osakwe, 2014). Leaders must be proactive in crisis management, sensitive to cultural dynamics, and innovative in ministry approaches. In a time when many churches face member attrition due to migration, secular influences, or internal conflict, the sustainability of the church rests heavily on the shoulders of capable leadership.

Therefore, understanding the role of church leaders in promoting both growth and survival is not just an academic concern but a practical necessity for the Assemblies of God, Okrika. Strategic planning for the future of the church must be grounded in a realistic appraisal of leadership strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. By examining the leadership approaches currently in place, this study seeks to highlight effective strategies, identify areas needing improvement, and ultimately contribute to a model of leadership that can sustain the Assemblies of God in Okrika for generations to come.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the long-standing presence and influence of the Assemblies of God in Okrika, recent developments have revealed growing concerns regarding the overall health and stability of the church in the area. While some congregations report steady growth in attendance, membership retention, and ministry expansion, others are experiencing visible decline. Declining attendance in certain branches has been linked to a combination of factors, including leadership conflicts, lack of innovative ministry approaches, and insufficient engagement with younger generations. Such patterns threaten the unity and collective vision of the church in Okrika.

Leadership disputes have also emerged as a significant source of instability. Internal disagreements among pastors, elders, and ministry workers can erode trust and diminish the church’s capacity to function as a unified body. In some cases, unresolved conflicts have led to the formation of splinter groups or the departure of long-standing members. This not only weakens the numerical strength of the church but also undermines its public image within the community. The persistence of such disputes suggests gaps in conflict resolution mechanisms, leadership training, and accountability structures.

Youth engagement has become another pressing concern. In an era marked by rapid social change, digital connectivity, and shifting moral values, many young people find traditional church programs less appealing or relevant to their daily experiences. Without intentional efforts to involve youth in decision-making, ministry leadership, and community outreach, there is a risk of creating a generational disconnect. Such disengagement can accelerate membership decline and jeopardize the church’s future sustainability.

Financial constraints further compound these challenges. The ability of a local church to fund its ministries, maintain infrastructure, and support evangelism depends heavily on consistent giving and prudent financial management. Economic instability in the Niger Delta region, coupled with occasional lapses in transparent financial stewardship, has made it difficult for some Assemblies of God branches in Okrika to meet operational needs. This financial strain can limit the church’s capacity to expand programs, invest in leadership development, and engage in community impact initiatives.

Underlying these issues is the broader question of leadership quality and strategic planning. Effective church leadership requires the capacity to analyze community needs, adapt to cultural shifts, and implement sustainable growth strategies without compromising biblical values. Where leadership is reactive rather than proactive, churches tend to struggle with change management and fail to harness opportunities for growth. In Okrika, this raises critical concerns about whether church leaders possess the vision, skills, and adaptability required to lead the Assemblies of God into a thriving future.

Therefore, the central problem this study addresses is how church leaders in the Assemblies of God, Okrika, are influencing the growth and survival of their congregations amidst these pressing challenges. Without deliberate, innovative, and biblically grounded leadership interventions, the risk of declining influence, reduced membership, and eventual closure of struggling branches becomes significantly higher. This calls for a systematic examination of leadership practices, challenges, and potential solutions tailored to the unique socio-cultural context of Okrika.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of church leaders in church growth and survival in Nigeria, with a focus on the Assemblies of God, Okrika. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Assess the leadership strategies used by Assemblies of God leaders in Okrika to promote church growth.
2. Examine the relationship between leadership effectiveness and church survival.
3. Identify the challenges faced by church leaders in sustaining growth and stability.
4. Suggest practical strategies for enhancing church leadership effectiveness in Okrika.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to church leaders within the Assemblies of God and other Christian denominations because it provides practical insights into leadership strategies that promote both growth and sustainability. By examining how leadership style, decision-making processes, and vision casting influence church performance, the findings will offer actionable recommendations that leaders can apply to strengthen congregational unity, deepen spiritual engagement, and encourage active participation. Furthermore, the study will highlight the importance of ethical leadership, transparency, and cultural sensitivity—qualities that are crucial for navigating the challenges of ministry in complex socio-cultural settings like Okrika.

For the Assemblies of God, Okrika, this research will serve as a valuable resource for strategic planning and policy formulation. The findings can inform the design of targeted leadership training programs that address specific gaps in pastoral administration, conflict resolution, and youth engagement. By understanding the root causes of membership decline and ministry stagnation in certain branches, church executives will be better equipped to implement reforms that promote holistic growth. Additionally, the recommendations can guide the allocation of resources toward initiatives with the greatest potential for long-term impact, ensuring that the church remains relevant and resilient in the face of change.

In the realm of theological education, the study will make a notable contribution to the growing body of literature on pastoral leadership and church management in Nigeria. Seminaries and Bible colleges can integrate the insights into their curricula, equipping future ministers with the skills necessary for both spiritual shepherding and organizational leadership. This integration will ensure that emerging leaders are trained to address the dual demands of preaching the gospel and managing the practical affairs of the church. The research findings will also encourage theological institutions to prioritize leadership development alongside doctrinal instruction.

From an academic research perspective, the study will serve as a foundation for future scholarly work on church leadership, growth, and sustainability within similar socio-cultural contexts. Given the unique interplay of cultural heritage, economic realities, and religious diversity in Okrika, the study’s findings can be compared with those from other regions to identify universal principles and context-specific strategies. Such comparative analysis will enrich the broader discourse on African ecclesiology and the practical challenges of ministry in rapidly changing environments.

For Christian ministry development organizations and non-denominational church support agencies, the study will offer empirical evidence on the importance of capacity building for leaders in grassroots congregations. By identifying key factors that contribute to healthy church growth and survival, the research can guide the creation of leadership workshops, mentorship programs, and resource-sharing networks that benefit not only the Assemblies of God but also other churches facing similar challenges. This cross-denominational application broadens the impact of the study beyond its immediate scope.

Finally, the study holds societal significance as it indirectly contributes to community stability and moral development. Churches that are well-led and thriving often play vital roles in social cohesion, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and moral instruction. In a community like Okrika, where socio-economic challenges and cultural shifts are constant, strong and visionary church leadership can inspire collective action for community improvement. Therefore, by strengthening church leadership, this study also promotes broader societal transformation.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The study will focus exclusively on selected Assemblies of God congregations within Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State. It will consider both ordained ministers and lay leaders in evaluating their roles in church growth and survival. The analysis will be limited to leadership practices within the last ten years..

1.6 Limitation of the Study

Limitations include potential bias in respondents’ self-assessment, restricted access to certain church records due to confidentiality, and the geographical limitation to Okrika, which may affect the generalizability of findings to other regions.

1.7 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What leadership strategies are employed by church leaders in the Assemblies of God, Okrika, to promote growth?
2. How does leadership effectiveness influence church survival in Okrika?
3. What challenges hinder church leaders in sustaining growth and stability?
4. What strategies can enhance the effectiveness of church leadership in Okrika?

1.8 Definition of Terms

Church Growth:Church growth refers to the process through which a local congregation experiences not only an increase in numerical membership but also a deepening in the spiritual maturity of its members and an expansion in its ministries and outreach activities. It involves effective evangelism, discipleship programs, leadership development, and community engagement, all of which contribute to the church’s holistic development (Wagner, 1996). In the context of this study, church growth within the Assemblies of God, Okrika, is assessed by considering both quantitative indicators (such as membership statistics and attendance rates) and qualitative indicators (such as spiritual transformation, ministry diversity, and community impact).

Church Survival:Church survival refers to the capacity of a congregation to remain relevant, stable, and operational over an extended period, even in the face of internal and external challenges. This includes the ability to maintain unity among members, sustain financial health, adapt to socio-cultural changes, and preserve its core mission and values (Osakwe, 2014). In Okrika, church survival for the Assemblies of God also encompasses the preservation of its doctrinal heritage, the retention of active members, and the maintenance of positive relationships with the surrounding community despite economic, cultural, or denominational pressures.

Church Leaders:Church leaders are individuals entrusted with positions of spiritual oversight and administrative responsibility in a local congregation. This category includes pastors, elders, deacons, ministry coordinators, and other persons responsible for guiding the spiritual life, organizational structure, and mission implementation of the church (Adeboye, 2012). Within the Assemblies of God, Okrika, church leaders are expected to be both shepherds who nurture the faith of believers and administrators who ensure that the church functions efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with its biblical mandate.

Assemblies of God: The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal Christian denomination founded in the early 20th century and established in Nigeria in 1939. It is known for its strong emphasis on evangelism, doctrinal teaching, spiritual revival, and the experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues (Kalu, 2008). The church operates through a network of districts and local congregations, each led by ordained ministers and governed by a constitution that emphasizes both local autonomy and denominational unity. In Okrika, the Assemblies of God plays a significant role in community life through preaching, education, charity work, and social engagement.

Okrika:Okrika is a predominantly riverine community located in Rivers State, Nigeria, renowned for its fishing industry, vibrant cultural festivals, and distinct language and traditions. It has a diverse Christian presence, with churches from various denominations actively involved in both religious and socio-economic activities. Okrika’s geographical and cultural context presents unique opportunities and challenges for church growth, as leaders must navigate traditional beliefs, interdenominational competition, and the economic realities of the Niger Delta region. In this study, Okrika serves as the specific socio-cultural setting within which the leadership and survival of the Assemblies of God Church are examined