5 Massive church growth has its dangers

a) Widespread evangelism unaccompanied by follow-up and balanced teaching

b) Divisions

c) Second-generation nominalism in both traditional and younger churches is becoming a big problem

d) Syncretistic Christianity

6 Christian leaders are under great stress in today's Nigeria – economic and political pressure, but also for those in the north, real dangers from Muslim extremists

a) A multiplication of leaders well versed in the Scriptures

b) The 160+ seminaries and Bible schools in Nigeria and a growing number of missions training schools

c) Mentor leaders to be raised up

d) Improved cooperation and fellowship across denominational boundaries

7 Persecution in Nigeria's northern states between 1991 and 2000 led to the death of thousands of believers, murder of pastors and destruction of hundreds of churches

a) Forgiveness for persecutors and deliverance from a spirit of revenge

b) Restoration and recovery for those who have suffered loss, bereavement and rape

c) The Christian Association of Nigeria and its ministry of representing Nigeria's 58 million Christians to the local and federal authorities

d) The conversion of Muslims – both persecutors and those appalled by the behaviour of their co-religionists

8 Nation-wide interdenominational movements have been used of God to make a deep impact on specific sections of the community

a) Secondary schools

b) Universities and colleges

c) The upper and business class

9 Signs of visionary advances

a) Significant research by Calvary Ministries, AoG and the Nigerian Baptist Convention has focused the attention of churches and agencies on the unreached

b) The AD2000 and Beyond Movement had a significant impact in bringing together denominations and agencies during the 1990s

Peoples

Guinean 49.5%.

Hausa-Chadic 20.6%.

Bantoid peoples 12%.

Fulbe (Fulani) 11.1%.

Kanuri 3.2%.

Sudanic 1.2%.

Other 2.4%.

Literacy 64%. Official language English.

Economy

Rich in agricultural land and mineral resources and large oil reserves. HDI 0.456; 146^th/174. Public debt 68% of GNP. Income/person $280 (0.9% of USA).

Politics

Independent from Britain as a federation in 1960.

Religion

Constitutionally Nigeria is a secular state with freedom of religion.

Churches in Nigeria

Missionaries from Nigeria

approx. 3,700 in 110 agencies to 50+ lands

Missionaries to Nigeria

697 in 71 agencies from 22 lands

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Geography

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Area 923,768 sq.km. Mangrove and tropical rain forests in the south, savannah and grasslands in the north.

Population (2000) 111,506,095 +2.42%AGR

Capital Abuja 500,000.

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