Browsing by Author "Nwosu, Victor Chinedu"

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    Mobilizing the Laity for Effective Small Group Evangelism in Aba North Conference, Nigeria
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2016-07) Nwosu, Victor Chinedu
    The researcher observed that public evangelistic campaigns conducted by pastors and a few pioneer evangelists as a method of soul winning since the 1930’s have not yielded effective results to the membership growth, spirituality and financial stability of the churches in the Aba North Conference. The conference was established in 2012 and seeks to direct her outreach in effective and efficient ways. The reason for this ineffectiveness in membership growth, spirituality, and financial stability was the inadequate involvement of the laity in the evangelistic campaign plans of the churches. It was apparent as pastors spoke alone for the number of weeks that the public evangelism campaigns lasted, while members sat, inactive and listening. The outcome was poor attendance and non-participation. The researcher proposed a paradigm shift from public evangelism to small group evangelism where the membership of the churches selected for this research work was effectively mobilized for greater involvement in the gospel commission of Jesus. The research was conducted using a mixed method that included qualitative and quantitative measures. The qualitative was carried out through data collection. This included, but was not limited to library research involving textbooks, journals, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, the internet and other electronic devices needed for the research. The quantitative method involved data collection from questionnaires, figures, and tables. The two approaches were adopted because they are appropriate for the research objective. A theological foundation was proposed from the Old and New Testament of the Bible. The writings of Ellen G. White were examined for meaningful information about small group evangelism. The academic works of some Seventh-day Adventist Church pioneers and contemporary scholars were consulted to evidence the importance of mobilizing the laity for effective small group evangelism. A strategy was developed, analyzed, implemented and evaluated on the basis of measurable indicators to ascertain the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the project. The chapters of the dissertation were summarized, lessons learned outlined, recommendations made to appropriate organizations and results presented to Aba North Conference Executive Committee for adoption as a resource material for small group evangelism for churches in the conference. The training generated interest, as the laity actively participated in small group evangelism outreach. Bible studies, prayer conferences, membership explosion, constant visitation to prospects, and communal relation are been experienced. The financial stability of the conference has improved through the tithes and offerings returned. Moreover, un-entered areas are being reached and the researcher’s spiritual life fulfilled. Mobilizing the laity for effective small group evangelism is a biblical assignment that should be engaged in by all of God’s faithful and obedient servants for healthy church growth to occur. Before the task begins, pastors and the laity should be educated for successful implementation to take place or this will attract resistance. The clergy should avoid thinking they are the only ones employed to do ministry. They should train their members in harmony with their spiritual gifts and delegate them to work for their Master, Jesus.