HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies

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Church proliferation and immorality in Nigeria:

Interrogating the paradox

Authors: In Nigeria, there is an upsurge in the number of churches. This church proliferation in Nigeria
Nkechi G. Onah1,2
has given rise to the founding of a variety of denominations whilst moral decadence thrives.
Robinson S. Agbo1,2
This article therefore examines the issue of proliferation of churches, its causes and effects on
Affiliations: Christianity and the Nigerian society at large. Data for the study were drawn from journals,
1
Department of Religion and books and other relevant materials. Employing descriptive narrative approach, this article
Cultural Studies, Faculty of
indicates that the reasons for churches’ proliferation include God’s calling, unemployment,
Social Sciences, University of
Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria excessive desire for wealth or greed and leadership tussles. The article argues that despite the
positive effects of proliferation of churches, which include socio-economic development,
2
Department of New spiritual awakening and evangelism, it also has negative effects such as lack of quality
Testament Studies and Christian teachings, noise pollution, unhealthy competition and family disintegration. The
Related Literature, Faculty of
article suggests that the pastors and ministers of God should receive good training from
Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria, theological schools for proper interpretation of the Bible and better dissemination of the
Pretoria, South Africa gospel. They should show good examples to their members and the society at large. It further
suggests that noise regulation laws in the country should be enforced.
Research Project Registration:
Project Leader: E. van Eck Contribution: The article examines the issue of proliferation of churches in Nigerian society.
Project Number: 2400030 In Nigeria, churches are opened in every part of society but Christian religious worship is not
Description: being practiced in its true form. Notwithstanding the geometrical increase in churches, other
This research is part of the vices have remained unabated in the country.
research project ‘Africa
Platform for NT Scholars’, Keywords: Church proliferation; immorality; Christianity; Pentecostal; Nigeria.
directed by Prof. Dr Ernest
van Eck, Department of New
Testament Studies and
Related Literature, Faculty of
Introduction
Theology and Religion, Although Nigeria, a secular state, is home to millions of Christians, Christianity makes up 56% of
University of Pretoria.
the population of Nigeria (Akanbi & Beyers 2017:1). One of the main problems facing Christianity
Corresponding author: in Nigeria today is the issue of proliferation of churches. Scholars such as Ugwu (2002), Onyebuagu
Nkechi Onah, (2009), Ogbu (2008), and Diara and Onah (2014) acknowledged the proliferation of churches in the
[email protected] 21st century Nigeria. As observed by the World Council of Churches (WCC 2019):
Dates: Besides the large mission-founded churches such as the Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, etc.,
Received: 10 Nov. 2020 Nigeria has a large number of African Instituted, independent, and Pentecostal churches, which are very
Accepted: 26 Feb. 2021 active in evangelism and church planting in neighbouring countries, in Europe, North America, and other
Published: 21 June 2021 parts of the world. (n.p.)
How to cite this article:
Onah, N.G. & Agbo, R.S., Professing the gospel to all people is an injunction by Jesus Christ (Mt 28:19, Mk 16:15). As
2021, ‘Church proliferation observed by Ekpendu (2016):
and immorality in Nigeria:
Interrogating the paradox’, [I]n the early church the task of teaching (disdasko) required that the truth and the duties of the gospel be
HTS Teologiese Studies/ more deliberately unfolded and applied … Its intent was to apply Christ’s will to the daily life of the
Theological Studies 77(1), community as a word of instruction, of encouragement, and of consolation, to ‘live in Him’ (Col. 2:6; 3:16,
a6387. https://doi.org/​ Tm 1 6:2, cf. 1 Cor 14: 3; 26). (p. 2)
10.4102/hts.v77i1.6387

Followers of Jesus Christ are meant to be ‘the salt of the earth’ and ‘the light of the world’
(Mt 5:13–16). Christians are expected to live commendable lives for the growth and development
of society. However, according to Onah and Ugwu (2008:70), in Nigeria churches are opened in
every part of society but Christian religious worship is not being practiced in its true form. One
would expect that the geometrical increase in churches in Nigeria will reflect in the lives of the
Nigerian populace but this seems not to be the case. Instead, corruption and other vices have
Read online:
Scan this QR remained unabated in a country where churches are rising on a daily basis. Transparency
code with your International (TI) in 2020 released its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of which Nigeria was
smart phone or
mobile device
to read online. Copyright: © 2021. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
Note: Special Collection: Africa Platform for NT Scholars, sub-edited by Ernest van Eck (University of Pretoria).

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 Page 2 of 7 Original Research

ranked 149 out of the 180 countries assessed (Odunsi 2021). emergence and growth of Independent Church Movements
Sustainable development remains a mirage for Nigeria. (Obiefuna, Nwadialor & Umeanolue 2016). They further
Going by this trend, the questions that readily come to mind quoted Mbefo (2002), thus:
are: Why is there geometrical increase in churches in Nigeria? The members of the mainline Churches’ expectations from the
What are the effects on Christianity and society? Focussing on Churches were not met. The missionaries of the older Churches
these questions, the article examines the issue of proliferation failed to address the type of questions the African situation
of churches in Nigerian society. The article employed the raised for them: Witchcraft, demon possession, haunting by evil
descriptive narrative approach. This method concerns the spirits, the cult of ancestors; the use of protective charms,
use of indices on ground to describe the phenomenon and talisman; sorcery and the traditional dancing form of worship at
the shrines. The tendency among the missionaries was to dismiss
also allowing the data to speak for itself.
these questions as due to ignorance arising from a pre-scientific
mentality. (p. 29)
Trend and growth of Christianity
in Nigeria Taking a look at contemporary Nigeria, Christianity is
undergoing transformation. There is rapid proliferation of
Historically, Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century
churches. There are many Pentecostal churches springing
through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal
up in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that Pentecostalism has its
(Haruna 2018:175). Missionary activity in the 15th century
root in the 19th century Revivalist movement in Topeka,
was minimal because the overriding commercial interest in
Kansas in the United State of America (Gardner 1998;
slave trade and pepper took prominence (Adamolekun
Melton 2020). Pentecostalism having been influenced by
2012:2). After the abolition of slave trade there was fresh
Acts 2:1–13, which speaks of God pouring out his Spirit in
religious enthusiasm amongst the Europeans and Americans
the last days, developed into an international missionary
(Adamolekun 2012:4). The successful expansion of the
activity spreading from North America to Europe and sub-
Christian missions in Nigeria started in the 19th century
Saharan Africa (Melton 2020). According to Diara and Onah
with different missionary groups trying to establish their
(2014):
influence (Okpalike & Nwadialor 2015:16). The first mission
[T]housands of Pentecostal Churches have sprung up in Nigeria
of the Church of England was established in 1842 by Henry
since 1970 … The fast proliferating independent churches, which
Townsend in Badagry (Haruna 2018:175). They were
are mostly of the new wave firebrand Pentecostal type, began to
followed by other Protestant denominations from Britain, gain ground across the country in 1986 with the founding of
Canada and the United States and in the 1860s by Roman Benson Idahosa’s Church of God Mission. (p. 396)
Catholic religious orders (Metz 1991).
Haruna (2018:175–192) observed that there are over 300 000
Christian religion was one of the instruments that the colonial early Pentecostal Apostolic Churches in Nigeria with about
masters used to win the minds of people in their colonies. The 4.2 million members, including denominations such as the
missionaries preached messages of eternity through holiness, Christ Apostolic Church, the Apostolic Church, the Celestial
condemning worshipping of idols, detestable African customs Church and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. New
such as the killing of twin babies, killing people with Apostolic Christians in Nigeria include the Redeemed
hunchbacks and human sacrifice (Omonijo et al. 2016:637). Church, Deeper Life Church, Overcomer ministries and
Some of the freed African slaves also helped in propagating other new spring ups (Haruna 2018:175–192). There are also
Christianity. In the late 19th century, some of the freed slaves about 380 000 New Apostolic Church parishes constituting
began to trace their roots back home. Freed slaves from Nigeria about 6.5 million believers.
moved from Sierra Leone to Lagos and Badagry. Some of them
settled in Abeokuta and other cities in western Nigeria In the view of Fatokun (2016:n.p.), some of these Pentecostal
(Olulana 2015:n.p.). One of the freed slaves was Samuel Ajayi churches started as Christian fellowship centres before
Crowther who later became the first African to be ordained as metamorphosing into churches, for example, Deeper Life
bishop by the Christian Missionary Society (CMS) (Olulana Church, the Redeemed Christian Church, Living Faith
2015:n.p.). In 1853 St. Peter’s Church was founded in Lagos by (Winners Chapel), Rhema Church, New Testament
Catechist James White, Reverend Charles Gollmer and Church, Church of God Mission, Zoe Ministries, Christ
Reverend Ajayi Crowther (Olulana 2015:n.p.). Christian Embassy Church, Latter Rain Assembly and the Dominion
Missionary Society churches were established in many towns, Life Bible Church (Fatokun 2016). All the founders of these
such as Abeokuta (1846), Lagos (1851), Ibadan (1853) and Oyo churches are trying to fulfil the injunction of Jesus Christ
(1856). Offshoots of the CMS church were established in that Gospel should be preached to all nations of the world
south-eastern Nigeria, with Bonny and Brass as the chief (Mk 16:15).
centres (West African Senior School Certificate Examination
2018:100). With time Christianity began to spread and
churches were built in different parts of the country.
Reasons for the proliferation
of churches in Nigeria
However, the indigenous people felt that their religious There are specific factors behind the proliferation of churches
desires were not met by the missionaries and this led to the in Nigeria.

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God’s calling Nigerians live in extreme poverty. A total of 86.9 million

Nigerians living in extreme poverty represent nearly 50% of
God’s divine call could be one of the reasons towards church
its estimated 180 million population (Kazeem 2018:n.p.).
proliferation. Many founders of churches claim that God
Some poor and unemployed Nigerians see opening of new
called them or that they had a revelation to spread the gospel.
churches as lucrative business and the easiest way of
There are people who resign from good jobs or businesses to
becoming rich in pretence of divine call (Nmah 2008;
start ministry in response to divine call to spread the gospel.
Obiefuna et al. 2016), especially those who are eloquent.
Many of them go ahead to establish churches in response to
Going by this trend, it is amazing that within few years of
the call. Some still combine their new ministry alongside
opening a church or ministry, the person starts driving big
their jobs or businesses. To buttress this point, John Eze in an
flashy cars, building mansions, wearing expensive clothes,
interview (11 July 2017) stated that God called him in 1987
shoes, watches and so forth. Whilst preaching, their founders
when he was at Kano State, Nigeria to go to his town stress on offerings, payment of tithe and prosperity with little
Umuegwu, Neke in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu emphasis on spirituality. Hence, Onah and Ugwu (2008:66)
State to start a ministry thereby propagating Christianity. observed that ‘the socio-economic decay with the attendant
Claiming to have heard the call of God, the founders of this mass sufferings in Nigeria presents a veritable thriving
church display spiritual gifts to authenticate their call. This ground for religion as a means of survival’.
gift is the supernatural ability given by God to a person for
teaching, prophecy and healing. Hence, Paul says: ‘But to In the 1970s and 1980s, church workers were seen as poor
each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned’. ‘It people and they were called ‘church rats’. The priests or
was he who gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelist, church teachers hardly owned a motorcycle. At that time,
pastors and teachers’ (Eph 4:7 & 11). Moreover, he declares nobody wanted to be a church worker. The popular consoling
‘to one … message of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, slogan in Igbo language then was, eluigwegaakwuugwo (heaven
miraculous powers, prophecy …’ (1 Cor 12:8–10). These are will pay).
various gifts God gave to his children and in order ‘to prepare
God’s people for service, so that the body of Christ may be However, the reverse is the case today. Onah and Ugwu
built up’ (Eph 4:12). Thus, it is the grace of God that gives one (2008) noticed that:
the anointing to solve people’s problem. In Luke’s (Lk 4)
[C]hurches are being opened in all nooks and crannies of the
gospel, Jesus was quoted as saying: nation, several of which are demonic and evil in practice and
The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to their leaders immoral, corrupt and driven by materialism. (p. 70)
preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to Similarly, Onyebuagu (2009:34) observed that ‘immoral
release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor. behaviour, corruption and even rituals and cultism are seen
(vv. 18–19) in those new generation churches’. For example, the Daily
Post of 25 January 2016, reported that three dead bodies were
Paul declares in the letter to the Ephesians: discovered in a foundation of church under construction in
I became a servant of the gospel by the gift of God’s grace Ugwuaji, Enugu State. According to the report, some
(anointing) given me through the working of his power …. This residents claimed that the building believed to be a proposed
grace was given me to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable place of worship, belonged to a ritualist who disguised as a
riches of Christ (3:7–9). man of God. Such people are deviating from spreading the
gospel of Jesus Christ to money making.
This spirit leads to evangelism; the gospel of the Lord should
be spread to everyone thereby establishing churches to that
effect. These gifts are for the edification and building of the Excessive desire for wealth and greed
body of Christ through the propagation of the gospel. Some The getting rich quickly syndrome has penetrated all facets
pastors organise conventions with thousands of people in of the Nigerian society. This is evident in politics, social life
attendance. Obiefuna et al. (2016:27) observed that many and even in Christianity. Establishing churches or starting of
people go to these gatherings because they find in them ministries in the contemporary Nigeria society has been
answers to their desire for scripture reading, for singing and considered as a panacea to poverty and a gateway to wealth.
dancing and emotional contentment. Rather than emphasising spiritual growth, moral sanctity
and Christian anticipation of eternal life, signs of total
submission to capitalistic inclinations, especially voracious
Unemployment material acquisition looms large in Nigerian churches
One of the obvious reasons why churches are springing up in (Iheanacho 2009). According to Mbefo (2002):
Nigeria is unemployment. According to Longe (2017:63), a
[I]n the recent past, a breed of prophets has sprang up whose
report by National Bureau of Statistics (2016) showed that message is to realize the hope of heaven here on earth. Their God
52 million Nigerians within the economically active is neither poor God, nor is he a God of the poor. The sign of
population are unemployed: a figure that is comprised God’s blessing is the Mercedes car, the impressive mansions or
mostly of newly qualified university graduates. the expensive clothes they wear. They promise to make their
Unemployment breeds poverty in the country. Many followers millionaires. (p. 111)

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Some of these pastors have adopted ostentatious lifestyles misappropriation and other matters’ (Edike in Vanguard 13
and carry themselves as celebrities, superheroes and business April 2014) leading to the eviction of Paul Emeka, the General
executives (Ojo 2018:92). Kuka, in Achunike (2004:44), called superintendent, from the secretariat in March 2017 by a
them ‘harbingers of a “crossless” religion’. Some of these section of the church led by his former deputy, Dr Chidi
ministers lay emphasis on prophecies, visions, healing, Okoroafor (Nzomiwu Emmanuel in Independent 2019). Paul
miracles and preach a prosperity gospel. The ministers Emeka later initiated a suit challenging his eviction
convince their followers the importance of family deliverance (Nzomiwu Emmanuel in Independent 2019). This event
to avert ancestral curses, barrenness, sickness, premature divided the church into two factions, one led by Prof. Paul
death, poverty and other problems. They capitalise on the Emeka and the other group by Dr Chidi Okoroafor. Rather
poor economic situation in the country and the suffering of than settling issues amicably as spiritual men of God, the
the masses. These pastors or ministers de-emphasise the fact unhealthy rivalry amongst these leaders of the same church
that we cannot entirely eliminate sickness and poverty from led them to court. This has resulted in the South-South Zone
the world (Mk 14:7). Sickness, suffering and death are parts of the Assemblies of God church pulling out of the church
of being human. Iheanacho (2009) remarked that they: ‘alleging marginalisation, gross injustice in ministers’
[A]dvertise for harvest of miracle which would turn out to be remuneration, unhealthy rivalry amongst ministers,
harvest of money … they convince their followers to sow quality inefficiency and escalating administrative and financial
seeds and wait for the miracle coming on the way. (p. 104) malfeasance’ (Punch 07 February 2016). From the ongoing
discussion, it is obvious that leadership tussle can result in
They often convince their followers that the more they sow the proliferation of churches for every leader has his or her own
more blessings will come their way. They go against the followers who are ready to form a new church.
injunction in Matthew 10:8, ‘Freely you have received, so freely
give’. A number of these pastors and general overseers sell
stickers, anointing oil, handkerchiefs and wrist bands to their Religious doctrinal differences
followers. They prey on the myriads of problems existing in Doctrinal differences have been a major factor in the surging
the society. They sometimes use television, radio stations, cases of the proliferation of churches in Nigeria. The mode of
billboards and other social media to advertise their programmes. worship and religious teaching of church is based on the
doctrine. When a person or a group of persons feel(s)
Politicians and businessmen who want quick success also uncomfortable with doctrine being practiced, they decide to
patronise these pastors or self-proclaimed evangelists and form their own church or religious gathering. It is on this
prophets who claim to be miracle workers. In addition, it has basis that Ruth (1993:9) sketched that these specific set of
been observed that hardly would one consult such pastors doctrinal tenets form social bases of various churches and
without telling their clients that there is need to conduct para-church organisations in Nigeria.
deliverance for them and/or sowing of seed. To ensure
effective and successful deliverance, some items to be used
are to be bought from that ministry. Also, some money
The effects of proliferation of
should be paid to the man of God before or after the spiritual churches on Christianity in Nigeria
exercise. In some of these churches, mere seeing or consulting It is a popular opinion that the proliferation of churches is
the pastor or evangelist attracts financial charges. Through bad and nothing good comes out of it. But as much as there
these, the pastors continue to enrich themselves to the are negative effects, there are also positive effects of
detriment of their gullible congregation. They make
proliferation of churches in Nigeria. It is important to mention
merchandise of the gospel.
here the positive effects before delving into the negative
effects of proliferation of Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria.
Leadership tussle and unhealthy rivalry
Leadership tussle or disagreement between church leaders is Positive effects
tearing and breaking some churches apart in Nigeria and has
These churches have added considerably to the religious and
led to the proliferation of churches. For instance, the church
socio-economic growth of Nigeria. Their contributions are
(Assemblies of God) has been involved in leadership tussle
discussed in the following sections.
for two years, culminating into the emergence of two factional
leaders and multiple court actions (The Sun News 20
December 2016). Socio-economic growth
All the early missionaries started their missionary activities
The church that is supposed to be a place where people such as building of schools and skill acquisition and so
gather to worship their God and a place where human beings forth alongside other medical services. They started the
should be refined and prepared for the second coming of Western education that has changed the development of
Jesus Christ through the machinery of the word of God Nigeria (Ikeazota 2013:210). These new generation
sometimes becomes a battle ground. For example, for over churches, despite spreading the gospel, have also
two years, Assemblies of God has been in crisis, which landed established schools at all levels, hospitals and other
them in court ‘over allegations of misconduct, financial economic empowerment facilities for Nigerian citizens.

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Many people have benefited from those projects. It has Their activities give way to spiritual transformation. The
provided employment and a source of livelihood to those mode of worship, in these new generation churches gives
working in such establishments. the worshippers a sense of belonging and exhibition
of emotion. According to Nmah (2008) proliferation of
Some of the schools established by churches include, for religion (churches) in society caused the mother churches
example, Bowen University (owned and operated by the to wake up from spiritual slumber. Similarly, Obiefuna
Nigerian Baptist); Covenant University (owned by Living et al. (2016:39) affirmed that proliferation of churches has
Faith Church); Landmark University (established by made the authorities of the mainline churches sit up
Living Faith Church); Benson Idahousa University (owned properly and re-examine their method of operation and
by Church of God mission); Redeemers University, sometimes adjust the liturgy to suit the exigencies of
(owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God); the wider society. According to Ojo (2018), the rise
Rhema University (owned by Living Word Ministry); of Pentecostal and charismatic movements brought a kind
Hezekiah University (owned by Living Christ Mission); of spirituality into existence, constituting one of the main
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (owned by Christ forms of religion in Nigeria.
Apostolic Church); Mountain Top University (founded by
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries) and Anchor Negative effects
University (owned by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry
Even though the undaunted commitment of some priests in
amongst others).
propagating Christianity is acknowledged, there are some
negative effects of proliferation of churches in Nigeria. This
The main line churches are not left out in this laudable
is discussed in the following sections.
venture, which boosts the Nigerian economy. With regard
to healthcare services, some of these churches have also
established hospitals and other care delivery services to all Lack of quality Christian teachings
segments of the society, for example, Healing Stripes Christianity has been bedevilled by the teachings coming
Hospital, established in 2010 by the City of David Parish of from some pastors, priests and founders of churches. Agbo
the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos. They also (2010) stated in this regards that it is:
help in empowering the people for self-reliance. The Love [P]ainful to note that despite the glaring need of discipleship,
World Skills Acquisition Program of Christ Embassy most teachings flooding Christendom today are centered [sic] on
International (2020), as an example, provides: materialism, self-projection, self-making and avarice. These
teachings cannot produce the quality of Christians Christ had in
[S]pecialized training in online sales and marketing, wig-
making, fashion design, make-over, web design, mini- mind when he commanded us to ‘… go and make disciples of all
importation, photography, and video production, intended to nations’. (p. 5)
empower the beneficiaries to be self-employed and guarded
from financial insecurity. (p. 1) Much emphasis is laid on prosperity, forgetting that one
should ‘seek for the kingdom of God first and every other
Similarly, the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners thing shall be added’ (Mt 6:33). The New Revised Standard
Chapel, has mobilised doctors, lawyers, engineers, members Version of the Bible stated that when Paul saw what was
of the diplomatic corps, gospel ministers, high ranking happening amongst Christians in Galatia (Gl 1), he declares:
government officials and experts from all works of life to I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called
various cities outside Nigeria to train mostly the youths and you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel –
to empower them for self-reliance (Ikeazota 2013:210). not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you
and want to distort the gospel of Christ. (vv. 6–7)
Through these, the churches are contributing not only to
the spiritual life of the citizens, but also to human capital As Onah and Ugwu (2008:66) rightly pointed out, instead of
development and the development of the society in preaching holiness, righteousness, temperance and virtue,
general. pastors focussed their sermons on earthly treasures and
material comfort. These teachings are contrary to the word of
Spiritual awakening and evangelism God. Poverty is neither a crime nor a curse. The poor are
The emergence of the Pentecostal churches brought spiritual special and precious to God. The teachings based on
awakening in the mainline churches. Pentecostal prosperity and breakthrough cannot produce the quality of
churches’ emphasis on spiritual gifts, biblical authority and Christians that bears the mark of Christ.
evangelism make them stand out in the society. Most new
generation churches are seen carrying megaphones and Moral decadence
preaching in different places and converting people, thereby The issue of moral decadence in Nigerian society where
winning more souls for the body of Christ. They try to reach churches are springing up in their thousands is worrisome.
the masses at grassroots level. Their activities have led to the Christianity that is known with her high moral standard has
growth of the body of Christ and moral development of been bedevilled by immorality. Some pastors have been
individuals. accused of sexually abusing women and girls. For example, a

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53-year-old pastor of Holy Trinity Ministry Nsukka, Enugu Members of the same family attend different new generation
State was arrested for impregnating married women and churches than their parents. In a family where some children
young girls in his church (Vanguard 26 July 2014). Another are worshiping in different churches, there is bound to be
example is that of a pastor of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) disagreements because every one of them will be protecting
who was arrested for repeatedly raping his biological daughter his own faith or belief.
since 2015 in Ogun State. She became impregnated by her
father three times and the pregnancies were aborted (Vanguard Unhealthy competition
08 July 2020), amongst others. Many members of these new The proliferation of churches has brought unhealthy
generation churches have lost a sense of decency, decorum and competition amongst the Christian faith. With the upsurge of
virtue. Immodest dressing and immorality are on the increase. Pentecostalism, each group struggles for prominence and
Unfortunately, some of these churches have condoned miraculous power, accompanied by burning and unhealthy
indecent dressing and moral laxity. Many ladies go to church competition. Their main aim is to convert the Catholics and
half nude. Men are not exempted from these indecent wears. main line Protestants who they see as idol worshippers (Obi
Some wear tight and saggy trousers, etc. Explanation to this is 2015). This has led to different church leaders erecting church
that the Lord looks at the heart and not at the outward buildings close to each other in order to win more converts.
appearance. This explains the reason behind the influx of many These churches are seen clustered around each other in big
youths into such Churches. Christians are expected to be holy cities and urban centres. The members go about sharing fliers
(Pt 1 1:15–16) and the life of a Christian should be Christ-like. to people from other churches inviting them to their
conventions and crusades in the quest to win more souls for
Family disintegration Christ. Whilst making more converts, they also make more
Another consequence of proliferation of churches in Nigeria money from the offertory and paying of tithe. The unhealthy
is disintegration of families. Some of the Pentecostal churches competition sometimes leads to strife amongst church ministers
believe that misfortunes could be caused by witches and and more importantly leads to loss of true evangelism.
wizards who have magical powers to wreak havoc in the
lives of people. Many families have been disintegrated Recommendations
because of fake prophecies from some of these prophets who
From the given discussion, the following recommendations
are also founders or general overseers of churches. There are
are made.
cases where women are accused of being responsible for
mishaps on their children. Children are also being accused 1. The ministers of God should receive good training from
of witchcraft by some of these prophets. Those accused of theological schools for proper interpretation of the bible
witchcraft are seen as causes of misfortune and illnesses and better dissemination of the gospel.
such as miscarriages, cancer, human immunodeficiency 2. Church leaders, priests, prophets, evangelists and
virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), ministers should imitate Christ whom they claim to have
sudden death, accident and poverty to their family members. called them and whose priority is to save souls and not
Some of those branded witches or wizards are abandoned by make money out of the gospel.
their families whilst some are maimed or killed in the process 3. The priests, pastors, general overseers, evangelists,
of exorcism by these prophets. These fake prophets exploit prophets and ministers of God should live exemplary
especially the ignorant congregants. The Organization for lives worthy of emulation. They should shun evil and
World Peace (2019) stated thus: speak against the moral decadence in the society.
4. The government of Nigeria should enforce registration of
The practice of branding children witches has also become a very
the churches springing up in their thousands everyday so
lucrative one for Pentecostal preachers who are able to ‘exorcize’
that it is only the sincere people who will be in ministry.
children of the influence of Satan for a price, or as they call it,
‘enact deliverances’. In the British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC) documentary Saving Africa’s Witch Children, a preacher Conclusion
who calls himself ‘the Bishop’ says that he personally has killed
This article has discussed the proliferation of churches in
110 witches, and now practices deliverances by feeding children
a concoction of alcohol, mercury, and his own blood for two
Nigeria. It sees proliferation of churches as a challenge to
weeks, while also pouring a liquid into their eyes and ears. For Christianity. Despite the numerical growth of churches in
this, he charges parents 400 000 Naira (equivalent to 1108 USD), Nigeria, immorality is unabated in the country. The article
and if they cannot pay the children are held captive till they can. highlighted the reasons for the proliferation of churches in
(n.p.) Nigeria. It also recognises the positive impact church
proliferation has on Nigerian society. It further highlighted
The Organization for World Peace (2019:n.p.) further the negative effect of proliferation of churches. The word of
cited Ebe Ukara, a desk officer for the Child Rights God has been watered down by the priests or pastors,
Implementation Committee as saying ‘even in cases of evangelists and founders of these churches in the quest for
HIV, these fake prophets will tell a person, “No, it is family money and increased membership. It is on this note that this
witchcraft that is attacking you, so don’t go to the hospital, article argues that in order to preach the gospel as directed
come to my church’’.’ This belief has ruined the unity by Jesus Christ one should live a holy life worthy of
of many families. emulation. Pastors and priests should see themselves as

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 Page 7 of 7 Original Research

representatives of Christ on earth; they should avoid Fatokun, K.O., 2016, ‘Assessment of the growth rate of Pentecostal Churches in Oyo
town and its implication on Oyo West Baptist association’, An essay submitted to
engaging in any immoral actions, which may tarnish the the Faculty of the Baptist College of Theology, an affiliate of Nigerian Baptist
Theological Seminary, Ogbomosho. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for
image of the church. Christian leaders, priests or pastors, the award of the degree Bachelor of Theology.
prophets, evangelists, bishops should know that it is Gardner, S., 1998, ‘Catholic charismatic renewal fruit of second Vatican, seed of
important that their lives and preaching should reflect that of destruction’, The Angelus Magazine, viewed 06 April 2020, from http://archives.
sspx.org/miscellaneous/catholic_charismatic_renewal.htm.
Christ from whom Christianity took her name. Unhealthy Haruna, S.S., 2018, ‘The influence of competitive drive on immorality among church
competition should be minimised. planting ministers in Ejigbo Lagos’, African Journal for the Psychological Study of
Social Issues 21(3), 175–192.
Iheanacho, N.N., 2009, ‘A critical look at contemporary Nigerian Christianity’,
Acknowledgements International Journal of Theology & Reformed Tradition 1(1), 104–117.
Ikeazota, R.G., 2013, ‘Proliferation of churches and national development’,
Competing interests BassyAndah Journal 6(1), 207–214.
Independent, 2019, Assemblies of God crisis: Court denies throwing
The authors declare that they have no financial or general superintendent out of secretariat, viewed 10 March 2020, from https://
independent.ng/assemblies-of-god-crisis-court-denies-throwing-general-
personal relationships that may have inappropriately superintendent-out-of-secretariat/.
influenced them in writing this article. Kazeem, Y., 2018, Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world, Quartz Africa
viewed 19 May 2021, from https://qz.com/africa/1313380/nigerias-has-the-
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Authors’ contributions Longe, O. 2017, ‘Graduate unemployment in Nigeria: Causes, consequences and
remediable approach’, American International Journal of Contemporary Research
N.G.O. and R.S.A. contributed equally to this research article. 7(4), 63–73.
Melton, J.G., 2020, Pentecostalism encyclopædia Britannica Inc., viewed 06 April
2020, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pentecostalism.
Ethical considerations Metz, H.C. (ed.), 1991, Nigeria: A country study, GPO for the Library of Congress,
Washington, DC, viewed 07 March 2020, from http://countrystudies.us/nigeria/.
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Underemployment Report, viewed 19 May 2019, from https://www.nigerianstat.
without direct contact with human or animal subjects. gov.ng/pdfuploads/Q2_2020_Unemployment_Report.pdf.
Nmah, P.E., 2008, Religion and society in Africa, Rabboni, Enugu.

Funding information Obi, C.C., 2015, Dialogue as an imperative to ecumenical and interreligious problems
in Nigeria, Xlibris, Bloomington, IN.
This research received no specific grant from any funding Obiefuna, B., Nwadialor, K.L. & Umeanolue, I., 2016, ‘Costs and benefits of proliferation
of Christian denominations in Nigeria’, UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities
agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. 17(1), 19–44. https://doi.org/10.4314/ujah.v17i1.2
Odunsi, W., 2021, ‘Corruption: Transparency International ranks Nigeria 149 on list of
180 countries’, viewed 13 February 2021, from https://dailypost.ng/2021/01/29/
Data availability corruption-transparency-international-ranks-nigeria-149-on-list-of-180-
countries/.
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data Ogbu, K., 2008, African Pentecostalism: An introduction, Oxford University Press,
Oxford.
were created or analysed in this study.
Ojo, M.A., 2018, ‘Pentecostalism and charismatic movements in Nigeria: Factors of
growth and inherent challenges’, The WATS Journal: An Online Journal from West
Africa Theological Seminary 3(1), 75–94.
Disclaimer Okpalike, C.J. & Nwadialor, K.L., 2015, ‘The evolution of modern Nigeria through
missionary activities within colonial schemata, 1840–1960’, viewed 19 May 2021,
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276270281_The_Evolution_of_
Modern_Nigeria_through_Missionar y_Activities_Within_Colonial_
the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position Schemata_1840-1960.
of any affiliated agency of the authors. Olulana, D., 2015, Christianity in Nigeria, viewed 03 March 2020, from
https://the234project.com/arts-and-culture/nigeria/christianity-in-nigeria/.

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