1.1 Introduction
Illiteracy refers to the inability of a person to read and write with understanding, particularly in relation to simple everyday information. UNESCO explains literacy as the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create and communicate through written materials, while functional literacy extends these abilities to effective participation in personal and community activities (UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2018). In the context of church leadership, literacy is important because leaders are expected to read biblical materials, prepare teachings, keep records, communicate written information and understand administrative documents.
Pentecostal churches are an important part of Christianity in Nigeria and have experienced considerable growth over the years. Their leaders perform several responsibilities, including preaching, teaching, counselling, administration, evangelism and supervision of church activities. Ojo (2006) noted that the development of charismatic and Pentecostal movements in Nigeria resulted in the growth of numerous organized religious groups across different parts of the country. These developments have increased the responsibilities associated with church leadership.
Illiteracy among church leaders therefore has implications for how some of these responsibilities are performed. A leader who has difficulty reading or understanding written information could experience challenges in preparing sermons, studying religious materials, maintaining records and communicating written instructions.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, Pentecostalism in Nigeria is closely connected with the development of indigenous Christian revival movements during the twentieth century. Early forms of Pentecostal spirituality appeared through prayer, healing and revival groups that developed within and around established Christian missions. The Precious Stone Society, which emerged around the early 1920s, is identified as one of the important early indigenous movements that contributed to the development of Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria (Fatokun, 2006). As cited by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, literacy involves the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute through written materials in different contexts. The concept goes beyond simply knowing how to read individual words because it involves the practical use of reading, writing and related skills in everyday life (UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2018).
According to UNESCO, functional literacy relates to the ability to participate effectively in activities that require reading, writing and calculation within a person's community. This means that literacy has a practical dimension that is relevant to social and organizational responsibilities. Similarly, church leadership involves several practical activities that require these skills. Church leaders often read biblical passages, study religious literature, prepare announcements, maintain records and communicate information to members. In the same vein, Pentecostal Christianity has developed into a major religious movement in Nigeria. According to Ojo (2006), the Nigerian Pentecostal and charismatic movements developed through different phases and experienced substantial growth, particularly from the 1970s onward.
Likewise, the historical development of Nigerian Pentecostalism shows that the movement has passed through several stages. Early Pentecostal and indigenous revival movements emerged during the first half of the twentieth century, while later developments produced new Pentecostal and charismatic organizations. The historical development of Pentecostalism therefore reflects changes in religious practice, organization and leadership (Pew Research Center, 2006). Furthermore, Pentecostal churches in Nigeria operate within communities where leaders interact with people from different educational, economic and social backgrounds. Leaders are expected to communicate religious teachings and manage various church activities. According to Ukah (2008), Pentecostal organizations in Nigeria have become important institutions within urban social life, influencing religious practices and aspects of social interaction.
Literacy is relevant to the effective handling of many church responsibilities. A leader who is able to read and understand written materials is better positioned to study religious documents, prepare teaching materials, examine church policies and communicate written information. Supporting this position, UNESCO distinguishes basic literacy from functional literacy, showing that the usefulness of literacy depends partly on how effectively the individual applies reading, writing and calculation skills in real-life situations. Relatedly, church leaders are not responsible only for preaching. They often participate in financial administration, membership records, planning of programmes, preparation of reports, correspondence and communication with other church leaders.
According to Ojo (2006), the growth of Nigerian charismatic movements was accompanied by the development of organized ministries, branches and leadership structures. Consequently, leadership effectiveness is influenced not only by spiritual responsibilities but also by the ability to handle organizational duties. The situation is also important because Pentecostal churches place strong emphasis on biblical teaching. Church leaders are expected to interpret biblical passages and communicate religious messages to their congregations.
Similarly, the rapid growth of Pentecostalism in southern Nigeria has created a large number of churches and religious organizations. Research on Pentecostal Christianity indicates that the movement became particularly prominent in southern Nigeria and expanded significantly from the 1970s and 1980s (Ojo, 2006). Aba, located in Abia State in southeastern Nigeria, forms part of this wider religious environment. The city has a strong commercial and urban character, creating an environment where churches operate alongside numerous social and economic institutions.
This study is set against the backdrop of the need to examine the implications of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that illiteracy among some church leaders has the potential to affect their ability to read, understand, interpret and communicate written information effectively. On the other hand, church leaders are often required to study the Bible, prepare teachings, keep records, read official documents and communicate information to members, making basic literacy skills important for effective leadership.
Additionally, illiteracy has the potential to create difficulties in sermon preparation, record keeping, interpretation of written materials, financial documentation and communication with church members. Furthermore, where leaders have limited literacy skills, they could experience difficulties in understanding administrative guidelines, educational materials and information relating to church programmes.
Furthermore, the rapid growth of Pentecostal churches in Nigeria has increased the responsibilities placed on church leaders, including teaching, administration, counselling and supervision of church activities. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the implications of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the implications of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
The specific objectives of this research are to:
- Examine the level of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State;
- Determine the implications of illiteracy on the teaching and preaching responsibilities of church leaders;
- Examine the effect of illiteracy on communication between church leaders, workers and members;
- Determine the implications of illiteracy on church administration and record keeping; and
- Examine the measures used by selected Pentecostal churches to support leaders with limited literacy skills.
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 is the level of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State?
- What are the implications of illiteracy on the teaching and preaching responsibilities of church leaders?
- What effect does illiteracy have on communication between church leaders, workers and members?
- What are the implications of illiteracy on church administration and record keeping?
- What measures are used by selected Pentecostal churches to support leaders with limited literacy skills?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
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 level of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
- H1: There is a significant level of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Illiteracy has no significant implication for the teaching and preaching responsibilities of leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
- H1: Illiteracy has a significant implication for the teaching and preaching responsibilities of leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Illiteracy has no significant effect on communication between leaders, workers and members of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
- H1: Illiteracy has a significant effect on communication between leaders, workers and members of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
Hypothesis Four
- H0: Illiteracy has no significant implication for administration and record keeping in selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
- H1: Illiteracy has a significant implication for administration and record keeping in selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
Hypothesis Five
- H0: There is no significant relationship between support measures and the effective participation of church leaders with limited literacy skills in selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between support measures and the effective participation of church leaders with limited literacy skills in selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help church leaders understand the practical areas in which literacy skills are important for preaching, communication, administration and record keeping. The study will also provide church authorities with information for planning appropriate literacy, training and administrative support programmes.
Furthermore, the result obtained will help members understand how literacy relates to the communication and administrative responsibilities of church leaders. It will also provide information relevant to organizations involved in adult literacy and continuing education programmes.
Lastly, the study will provide useful academic material for researchers investigating literacy, religious leadership and Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study focuses on the implications of illiteracy among leaders of selected Pentecostal churches in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
The study covers selected church leaders and examines illiteracy in relation to teaching and preaching, communication, administration, record keeping and support measures. The study is limited to selected Pentecostal churches within Aba rather than all Pentecostal churches in Abia State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Delay from Respondents: Delay from respondents was experienced because some participants required additional time before completing and returning the research instrument.
- Financial Constraints: Financial constraints limited the resources available for transportation, printing, photocopying and other research activities.
- Time Constraints: Time constraints affected the amount of time available for visiting churches, administering instruments and collecting responses.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Illiteracy:
Illiteracy refers to the inability to read and write with understanding. UNESCO defines an illiterate person as someone who is unable, with understanding, to read and write a short simple statement relating to everyday life (UNESCO, 1978).
Literacy:
Literacy refers to the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create and communicate using written materials in different contexts (UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2018).
Functional Literacy:
Functional literacy refers to the ability to use reading, writing and calculation skills effectively in activities required for participation in a person's community (UNESCO, 1978).
Church:
A church refers to an organized Christian religious body established for worship, teaching, fellowship, evangelism and other Christian activities.
Pentecostal Church:
A Pentecostal church refers to a Christian church that places strong emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, prayer, evangelism, healing and related Pentecostal beliefs. Pentecostal Christianity has developed into a major Christian movement in Nigeria (Ojo, 2006).
Church Leader:
A church leader refers to a person given responsibility for providing spiritual guidance, teaching, administration, supervision or other leadership functions within a church.
Illiterate Church Leader:
An illiterate church leader refers to a church leader whose reading and writing skills are insufficient for effectively handling activities that require written information.
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