1.1 Introduction
Prosperity gospel, also referred to as the “health and wealth gospel” or “word of faith” movement, is a theological doctrine that emphasizes material success, health, and overall well-being as signs of divine favor. According to Bowler (2013), prosperity gospel is a form of Christian teaching that links faith, positive confession, and generous giving to the attainment of wealth and personal success. In essence, it asserts that God rewards believers materially and physically when they exercise faith and obedience, particularly through tithes and offerings.
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Prosperity gospel preaching has become a central feature of Christianity in Nigeria, shaping religious beliefs, social behaviour, and economic expectations among its adherents. According to Bowler (2013), prosperity gospel is a theological approach that links faith, positive confession, and financial giving to material and spiritual blessings, asserting that God rewards obedience and generosity with health, wealth, and success. It is reported that the rise of prosperity gospel in Nigeria is closely associated with the expansion of Pentecostal and charismatic movements since the 1970s. Early proponents such as Benson Idahosa, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and David Oyedepo played instrumental roles in establishing mega-churches, media ministries, and educational institutions that disseminated prosperity teachings widely (Gifford, 2008).
In Nigeria, prosperity gospel preaching has experienced exponential growth since the 1970s, becoming a dominant feature of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity. Preachers often offer hope and inspiration to congregants who struggle with these challenges, presenting faith as a mechanism for personal transformation and financial breakthrough. Studies indicate that the appeal of prosperity teaching in Nigeria is closely linked to the promise of immediate and tangible benefits, which resonates with the aspirations of many Christians living under economic uncertainty (Chukwuemeka, 2015; Ojo, 2006).
Several scholars have affirmed that prosperity preaching has had both transformative and controversial effects. Chukwuemeka (2015) stated that while the gospel provides hope and inspiration for individuals struggling with poverty and unemployment, it may also encourage materialism and unrealistic expectations, potentially undermining work ethic and fostering financial dependency. On the other hand, Adeboye (2012) contended that the movement has contributed to the growth of social capital by encouraging charitable acts, church-based business networks, and educational initiatives, highlighting the complex and sometimes contradictory outcomes of the movement.
Researchers have also reported that the spread of prosperity gospel aligns with Nigeria's economic and political history. Ojo (2006) asserted that periods of economic instability, political uncertainty, and social hardship created fertile ground for messages promising divine intervention and material success. Similarly, Smith (2010) affirmed that congregants often interpret prosperity preaching as a practical solution to structural inequalities, even though some critiques suggest that the movement may inadvertently reinforce social stratification by concentrating wealth and influence among church leaders.
Furthermore, the historical development of prosperity preaching in Nigeria is marked by adaptation and innovation. Preachers embraced modern media, including radio, television, and later the internet, to extend their reach, while contextualizing biblical teachings to resonate with Nigerian audiences. Scholars contend that this contextualization is critical to understanding the enduring popularity of the movement, as it reflects both global Pentecostal trends and local socio-cultural dynamics (Gifford, 2008; Bowler, 2013). This study is set against the backdrop of the need to provide a historical account of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that prosperity gospel preaching is now deeply embedded in Nigeria's religious landscape, yet its rapid rise over the decades is understudied in a comprehensive historical way. While many Christians embrace its promise of wealth and health, this teaching also raises serious theological, social, and economic concerns. The first problem is that much of what is written about prosperity preaching in Nigeria is not grounded in rigorous historical scholarship.
Rather, many publications are motivational or devotional in tone, lacking critical engagement with how the movement evolved, who its key actors were, and how it shaped the lives of congregants over time. At the same time, the way prosperity gospel is taught often involves questionable exegesis. Preachers frequently interpret isolated biblical texts (such as Malachi 3:10 or 3 John 2) in ways that strongly emphasize immediate material gain, but they may downplay or ignore the broader biblical themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the cost of discipleship.
Furthermore, some argue that prosperity teaching dilutes the gospel, turning faith into a formula for financial success. Others contend that prosperity preaching offers legitimate hope and empowerment, especially in a context of economic precarity. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to reconstruct the history of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria from 1970 to 2014.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the historical development, theological foundations, and socio-economic impact of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria from 1970 to 2014. To achieve this aim, the study has the following objectives:
- To examine the historical origins and development of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria from 1970 to 2014.
- To identify the major figures, churches, and institutions involved in the spread of prosperity preaching.
- To analyze the social, economic, and theological impact of prosperity gospel on Nigerian society.
- To evaluate the ethical and moral implications of prosperity preaching in religious and societal contexts.
- To provide recommendations for constructive engagement with prosperity gospel teachings in Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the historical origins and development of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria from 1970 to 2014?
- Who are the major figures, churches, and institutions responsible for the growth of prosperity gospel in Nigeria?
- How has prosperity gospel preaching influenced social, economic, and religious life in Nigeria?
- What are the ethical and moral implications of prosperity preaching on church members and society?
- What measures can be recommended for constructive engagement with prosperity gospel teachings?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant historical, social, or economic impact of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria between 1970 and 2014.
- H1: There is a significant historical, social, or economic impact of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria between 1970 and 2014.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria between 1970 and 2014 has no significant historical, social, and economic impact.
- H1: Prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria between 1970 and 2014 has a significant historical, social, and economic impact.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will help religious leaders reflect on the ethical dimensions of their teachings and guide policy makers in considering the socio-economic implications of unregulated religious practices. Also, the study will provide awareness of the historical roots and social effects of prosperity gospel preaching, allowing informed participation.
Furthermore, it will provide ordinary congregants with information that will encourage informed engagement with prosperity teachings. In addition, the study will illuminate the relationship between religion, wealth accumulation, and social change, facilitating more balanced discussions on prosperity preaching.
Lastly, the study will serve as a foundation for future research in Nigerian religious studies, theology, and socio-economic development.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study focuses on prosperity gospel preaching in Lagos State, Nigeria, due to its high concentration of mega-churches and influential religious leaders. The research will cover the period between 1970 and 2014, tracing historical developments, social and economic impacts, and theological debates within this context.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
The study was limited by restricted access to some historical records and archival materials of churches. Some data was unavailable or incomplete, and certain key informants were difficult to reach, which affected the comprehensiveness of information.
1.10 Research Methodology
This study adopts a historical research design to examine the development, spread, and societal impact of prosperity gospel preaching in Nigeria from 1970 to 2014. Historical research is appropriate because it allows for a systematic investigation of past events, trends, and influential figures to understand their relevance to contemporary contexts (Best & Kahn, 2006). According to Ojo (2006), historical research is valuable in tracing social, cultural, and religious phenomena, enabling scholars to reconstruct events and analyze their implications on society.
Data for this study was collected through a combination of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include archival records, church publications, sermons, and interviews with clergy and long-standing church members. These sources provide first-hand accounts of the development of prosperity preaching and insights into the practices, beliefs, and strategies employed by Nigerian preachers during the period under study. Secondary sources include academic journals, books, dissertations, and media reports, which offer critical analysis and contextual information on the growth and socio-economic impact of prosperity gospel preaching (Chukwuemeka, 2015).
The study employs purposive sampling to select key churches, prominent preachers, and significant events that shaped the prosperity gospel movement in Nigeria. This approach is justified because not all churches or preachers contributed equally to the historical evolution of the movement, and purposive sampling ensures that the most relevant sources of data are examined (Bowler, 2013).
Data collection involved document analysis and oral interviews. Document analysis allowed for the systematic review of church archives, published sermons, media reports, and official church statements to identify patterns, trends, and historical milestones. Interviews were conducted with selected clergy, church historians, and members to supplement archival findings and provide interpretive insights into the social, theological, and economic dimensions of prosperity preaching (Smith, 2010). On the other hand, challenges such as incomplete archival records and limited access to private church documents were mitigated by triangulating multiple sources of data to ensure reliability and validity.
Data analysis was qualitative and interpretive. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring motifs, practices, and theological emphases within the prosperity gospel movement. Historical contextualization was employed to link these findings to socio-economic and cultural conditions in Nigeria from 1970 to 2014, including periods of economic boom, political instability, and social change. By combining historical documentation with interpretive analysis, the study ensures a comprehensive understanding of the movement and its broader implications for Nigerian society (Gifford, 2008).
Ethical considerations were strictly observed throughout the research process. Informed consent was obtained from interview participants, confidentiality of sensitive information was maintained, and the study ensured respectful representation of religious beliefs and practices. The research also avoided biased interpretation by cross-checking historical data and consulting multiple sources.
1.11 Operational Definition of Terms
Prosperity Gospel:
Prosperity gospel is defined in this study as a form of Christian teaching that emphasizes material wealth, health, and overall success as indicators of divine favor. According to Bowler (2013), it is a theological movement that links faith, positive confession, and financial giving to tangible blessings, asserting that God rewards obedience and generosity with prosperity. In the Nigerian context, prosperity gospel is manifested through sermons, church programs, and media communications that encourage believers to give offerings as a means of securing divine favor.
Preaching:
Preaching is defined as the act of delivering religious messages or sermons to a congregation with the intention of instructing, motivating, or inspiring spiritual growth. Smith (2010) asserts that preaching not only conveys theological content but also shapes social behaviors and ethical conduct among believers. In this study, preaching specifically refers to the messages delivered by Nigerian pastors and church leaders that emphasize prosperity teachings between 1970 and 2014.
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