By
GUMAP, SHEM DANLAMI
09067946060/08129913616
The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo Sate, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the intricate relationship between pastoral Leadership and Evangelism in the context of Northern Nigeria, a region marked by its unique sociocultural, religious, and geopolitical dynamics. The study delves into the multifaceted ways pastoral leadership influences and shapes the practice of Evangelism in this predominantly Muslim region. Drawing from a comprehensive review of existing literature, this research aims to provide an understanding of the pivotal role of pastoral leaders in the dissemination and reception of Christian faith in Northern Nigeria.The study reveals that pastoral leaders in Northern Nigeria play multifaceted roles as spiritual guides, community builders, and agents of social change. They serve as intermediaries between the Christian faith and the diverse communities they serve, adapting their evangelistic strategies to Northern Nigeria’s specific cultural and religious contexts. Pastoral leaders are instrumental in building bridges of understanding and dialogue between Christians and Muslims, promoting interfaith harmony. The research highlights the impact of pastoral Leadership on the growth and sustainability of Christian congregations in Northern Nigeria. The study also sheds light on the challenges religious leaders face in Northern Nigeria. These challenges include Islamic fundamentality, cultural barriers, political instability, and poverty. Pastoral leaders must navigate these obstacles while maintaining their commitment to spreading the Christian faith. The writer employs the descriptive analytical method in this paper. The study suggests that Pastors in leadership positions at various levels of the Church should wake up to their responsibility of influencing the work of Evangelism in Northern Nigeria.
Key Words:
Influence, Pastoral Leadership, Northern Nigeria
Introduction
Evangelism and Disciple-making is the mandate of the Church as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15. The Church and its leaders are to embark on that mandate with no reservation as it is the reason for their existence. Opeyemi opines that “Church leaders are called and commissioned by God to perform specific assignments in bringing souls to the kingdom of God … several men of God… made undisputable impacts in evangelism and mission outreach, so also, leaders of the contemporary church ought to contribute in no small measure if the purpose of God for the church will be achieved.”[1] The assertion above by Opeyemi is valid and should be the concern of every Pastor. But what some Churches in northern Nigeria are experiencing is almost the opposite. Some of the Church Pastors have abandoned the primary work of the Church (Evangelism and Disciple-making) and are busy accumulating wealth for themselves. However, this paper will examine the influence of pastoral Leadership on Evangelism in northern Nigeria. The writer discusses some method used in Evangelism that has laudable impacts on Evangelism by the Church in Northern Nigeria so that today’s leaders will emulate and strive for it. The paper also identifies the various challenges confronting Evangelism in northern Nigeria and pastoral influence concerning Evangelism in northern Nigeria.
EVANGELISM
The meaning of Evangelism in this paper is significant as it is central to the paper’s discussion. Evangelism has its roots in the great commission, where Jesus instructed his disciples to go and make followers of all nations (Matt. 28:19). In the early years of Christianity, Evangelism in the early Church was through personal testimony and preaching. The apostles and other early Christians traveled a lot to share the message of Jesus (Staudt 6).[2]
Evangelism, according to Billy Graham in his book titled Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, is “the announcement of the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again base on Scriptures and that as a reigning Lord, he offers the pardon of sins and the liberating gift of the life to all who repent and believe.”[3] J.I. Packer also defines Evangelism as “the task of communicating to unbelieving people, in their situation, the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ in such a way that leads to repentance and faith and becoming members of the fellowship of his disciples.”[4]Packer’s definition tells us the people (unbelieving people) who are the receiver of the message. He also conceptualizes his definition by this phrase “in their situation.”
Opeyemi explains Evangelism to mean “… a definite and purposeful presentation of the gospel of Christ to sinners with the sole aim of bringing them to the saving knowledge of Christ…. an act of proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ… persuading sinners to accept Him as the Lord and Savior.”[5] Evangelism is definite and purposeful because it is the mandate of the Church and cannot be taken for granted. It is a concept that has to be loved by every serious-minded Church or denomination. Evangelism is the whole Church’s responsibility, taking the Gospel to the world. The Church’s task is to reach every corner of the world with the Gospel. It is the whole Church on a mission to the entire world. Odesola concurs with this and avows that “evangelism should not be the sole responsibility of specific people like pastors or evangelists but should be the work of every church member, including the young people.”[6] Since it is not the sole responsibility of the Pastor, they are to lead other church members to do it.
