The Impact Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) On The Post Modern Church

ABSTRACT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is significantly changing old ways of sending, receiving, storing, retrieving and analyzing messages and data. Every sphere of life is caught up in this inevitable net of information revolution. The Church being a socio-religious organization is also involve in this net of information revolution offered by Information and Communication Technology and its many benefits and opportunities. This study thus took a critical look at the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the postmodern church with particular references to Foursquare Gospel Church, LIFE Chapel International, Ikorodu, Lagos that is making great utilization of ICT in the daily management of the Church and the church members. The research work adopts library/field based approach; this includes the study of related materials, books and the use of questionnaire. The research work revealed that majority of the Church members have knowledge of computer and the use of internet. And a good many of them use the social network to communicate with their love ones and to follow up church programs on the internet. The researcher hereby recommends that the church should get hold of the opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to propagate the gospel, because the world has become a global village and everyone is interconnected.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study 

The present recession been experience in the economy of Nigeria in recent time from 2015 – till date has been quite severe and has affected almost every area of the country. Unemployment has peaked, hunger and health challenges are on the increase, social life and activities have experienced a dip and violence is on the increase.

In Nigeria, faith plays an important role in people’s lives. Church participation affects sense of well being, financial status, social behaviour, economic behaviour and even political behaviour. Many of the populace are members of a church and other religions. It is interesting to the nation how religious participation is being impacted by changes in the economy.

Religiosity is an individual’s religious commitment and participation in church related activities. This work is all about, how members of households/church allocate their time and resources to religious involvement and how it varies with age, income level, position of membership and how the present economic hardship as affected the growth of the church in recent time.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Recession or economic hardship has always been a difficult time for the church in all ages both in the spiritual commitment of the membership of the church as well as their physical commitment to the growth of the church.  It was observed by the researcher that the changes in the economy of Nigeria has great effect on church participation (attendance) and the income of the church.  The researcher therefore will aim at making an holistic study of the impact of economic hardship on the growth of the church generally which involves church programmes, projects, welfare and administration.

1.3       Purpose of the Study

This study is aimed at:

1. Outlining the challenges or impact of economic hardship on the churches and growth of the church.
2. Looking at the effect of economic hardship on membership of the church.

• Suggesting solutions to the impact of economic hardship on the growth of the church.

1.4       Significance of the Study

1. This study will benefit church leaders and workers and will help them to know the several ways the growth of the church is being affected by economic hardships on the membership
2. The study will also benefits church leaders to know areas of prayers and assistance to severely affected members

• It will also enable church leaders to understand the need to re-organize church plans and programs and projects based on the reality of economic hardship on membership.

1. It will benefit administrators of church funds, by helping them to understand the need to be more prudent at this time of economic challenges
2. To make church leaders and members to look for other godly ways to maintain the church and ensure study growth.

1.5       Delimitation of Study

This study focuses on the impact of economic hardship on the growth of the church, particularly in areas of funds generated (tithes and offerings and regular Sunday attendance in service). The case study is restricted to Foursquare Gospel Church, Ketu District

1.6       Research Procedure

This researcher hopes to utilize primary and secondary data for the purpose for this work. The primary method will entail personal interviews, observations and discussions with church leadership of Foursquare Gospel Church.  The secondary data will be mainly from church books, journals and records of accounts, attendance and programs as much as possible. Also statistical techniques deemed appropriate shall be employed in the analytical procedure of data collected.

1.7       Limitation of  the Study

The envisaged challenges of this research are funds, timely and willing response of respondents to questionnaire, Access to relevant department of case study location.

1.8       Definition of Terms

Economy: The management of domestic affairs of household, and government of household matters, especially as they concern expenses or disbursement.

Hardship: Situation that is difficult and unpleasant because you do not have enough money, food, clothes etc.

Church: It is an assembly or the gathering together of people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and they meet regularly. To promotes the interest of God’s Kingdom in their lives and in the world.

Minister: One who is ordained by God and appointed to head and lead a religions function in a Christian church.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Delimitations of the Study
1.7 Limitation of the study
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Review of Related Literature
2.2 Empirical Studies
2.3 Theoretical Framework
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Area of the Study
3.3 Research Design
3.4 Population of the Study
3.5 Sample and Sampling Technique
3.6 Research Instrument
3.7 Validation of the Instrument
3.8 Data Collection Technique
3.9 Data Analysis Technique
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS
AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Data Presentation
4.3 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of Findings
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
5.5 Suggestions for Further Research
References
Appendix