1.1 Introduction
Revivals are movements of Christian religious renewal that are ignited by the Holy Spirit and driven by fervent ministers’ preaching. They lead to many people being personally converted to Christianity and then being accepted into the Christian community. Similarly, revival typically entails a generalized rise in the degree of serious concern for Christian claims as well as a focus the adoption of Christian principles on a personal level. 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 questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In recent times, revivals have been a common feature of Christianity; Pentecostal congregations have contributed significantly to the term’s widespread popularization. based on the idea that the subtle effect of worldliness on the Church has undermined the essence of worshiping God, which should be the priority of our sacrifices to Him. Christianity continues as the predominant religion. However, the proportion of the population affiliated with Christ likeness continues to decline. Occasionally, a movement would emerge as proof of a heavenly visitation. Its emphasis on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would force a reworking of its spirituality and organizational structure. More people would be interested and there would be a great deal of enthusiasm than in previous years.
In light of the New Testament, Christians must consider certain troubling tendencies in contemporary Christianity, even though the idea of revival essentially portends something good and constructive. By use of Old Testament wording, the New Testament concept of REVIVAL is practically wiped out. First of all, there is a certain difficulty about defining the term “revival”. If not carefully defined, it can cause confusion. Secondly, since the concept of revival is mainly based on the Old Testament, it is necessary to consider in what way the Old Testament conceives of the concept of revival, and then to compare it with the New Testament concept.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Revival Movement Practice that serves as a Catalyst for Church Growth.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that most local churches are becoming cold due to a lack of outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s power caused by sin or a lack of intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit in the twenty-first century.
An elderly man remarked to a young man, "young man, don’t let me deceive you, your generation is overdue for revival." It is the researcher’s responsibility to invite the contemporary church to experience a new move of the Holy Spirit.
Another problem is how best to measure numerical growth of church through revival movement. A variety of indicators for attendance and occasional offices are available, but all are affected to some degree by measurement error and random fluctuations. Such variability poses particular problems with small churches, where the addition or subtraction of just a few people produces large proportional changes in the totals.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Revival Movement Practice that serves as a Catalyst for Church Growth. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine what gave rise to a Revival Movement in the Church;
- To elaborate the core meaning of a Revival Movement; and
- To investigate how Revival Movement can serves as a means for Church Growth.
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:
- How can revival movement serve as a means for Church Growth?
- What gave rise to a Revival Movement in the Church?
- What is the core meaning of a Revival Movement?
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will be of immense benefit to Churches and Societies in the following ways:
- It would help churches or ministries to understand the basis of Revival Movement.
- It would help churches and ministries to develop a working policy towards raising concerned movement or coalition for Revival in the Church.
- It would help churches and ministries to invest resources (material and immaterial) to make the plans work out effectively.
- It would help churches and ministries to give more attention or encourage Revival Movement in the Church.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope / Delimitation of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Revival Movement Practice that serves as a Catalyst for Church Growth using the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Delta State as a reference point. This study will extensively observe the essence of a revival movement in the church setting mostly by those having the burden for the unprecedented move of God in the Church.
1.8 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:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.9 Definition of Technical Terms
Revival:
A period of spiritual rebirth where the spiritual state of one is brought to life, also a time of renewed religious interest.
Revival Movement:
It is an organized effort or activities toward achieving or promoting a spiritual objective. It is also referred to as a tactical or strategic maneuver towards an attainable end.
Church:
Church is a building used for public Christian worship. It is a particular Christian organization with its own distinctive doctrines.
Catalyst:
It is a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions than otherwise possible.
Growth:
It is a process of progressive development. It is also an anticipated progressive increase in value both quality and quantity.
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