Small Group Empowerment: An Approach to Membership Retention in Aba South Conference, Nigeria

Abstract

Problem This study attempted to develop and implement a model ministry to revitalize the church for membership retention in Aba South Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church is losing more members than are baptized annually. However, in a careful study of the statistical records from 2012-2015, this problem was clearly observed. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this dissertation is to develop a model ministry program to be adopted by pastors and lay leaders for membership retention. This project focused on how small groups function in the life of the local congregation. It also demonstrated how to live a good spiritual and prayer life, and how to help others grow, too. Project Setting The macro setting for this work was Aba and the micro setting is Aba South Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church. The intervention was implemented in five churches within Aba South Conference. The intervention adopted three stages: material development, organizing and implementing the research, and evaluation. Seminars were delivered using the assistance of the research team. The project was monitored for seven months using observation forms. Three elements were of importance in the monitoring: 1. Attendance and participation, 2. assessing the effect of Bible study and prayer on the participants, 3. to assess the process of fulfilling their spiritual goals. Interaction was conducted with six focus groups that were organized to collect data for evaluation. Method The method used for the research after determining the problem was the qualitative method. Data were collected by using focus groups of 6-10 persons. The rationale for population sample was having men, women, and youth from various professional background to participate. A set of structured questions were designed for the focus group discussions. The data collected was analyzed and the findings stated in the work. Results The small groups organized were empowered, mobilized, and coordinated. When evaluated the result was that members have more insight into Bible study, prayer life enhanced, care-giving experienced, and commitment experienced in other church activities. More small groups have been established as a result of the outcome of the earlier groups established. Conclusion The project was successful and the result is evident in the churches used as members are revitalized and their spiritual needs met. This researcher recommends that pastors and lay leaders should be directly involved in coordinating the small group programs. There are more opportunities for further research into how small groups can help retention of members.