FACTORS THAT HINDER DISCIPLESHIP IN MISSIONS: A CASE OF CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NATIONS (COCIN) COMMUNITY MISSIONS SHIRORO ZONE NIGER STATE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study is streamlined to investigate factors that hinder discipleship in Nigeria Evangelical church. It became apparent that the results of this undertaking make available theoretical and useful platform for the improvement of sound mission strategies that would cause the church to advance towards God’s purpose. The research is centered on factors that hinder discipleship in Shiroro zone. The study adopted qualitative research methods through phenomenological design. The target population is missionaries, pastors, and elders all amounting to a total of 20 persons. The data collected through interviews were analyzed using Nvivo version 12, presented using diagrams. The second method was through participant observation method where the researcher has lived among the people under the study. When the data was collected and analyzed the findings revealed that strategies, church resources, culture, and leadership practices hinder discipleship in COCIN community missions. The mandate of the church is to grow by fulfilling the Great Commission given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ through making discipleship. It is important for those interested in the growth of the church and who desire their churches to grow to examine the factors that hindered discipleship. The purpose of this research is investigating the factors responsible for hindering discipleship among the churches in the CCM Shiroro zone of Niger State in Nigeria. It will also help the leaders of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) to identify the areas of the factors that are hindering discipleship to make redress. It will serve as a roadmap to those who desire for the church to sustain and preserve the foundations that the church is built on in regards to discipleship.