IMPACT OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP ON THE CHURCHES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of economic hardship on the churches in Nigeria. Secondary data were used in the paper. The secondary data were collected from print and online publications. Content analysis was employed for literature screamed in the paper. The paper concluded that reduction in offering and tithe, reduction in church attendance, suspension of churches infrastructural projects, poor implementation of church programs, increments in welfare expenditure and high operational cost of running services are the impact of economic hardship on the churches in Nigeria. Based on this finding the paper recommend that church Pastors should look outside the box to increase the internal generated revenue of the church by engaging in commercial ventures and the government should include the churches in their Social intervention programme. Churches should provide subsidized buses to aid movement of members to church. Church Pastors should look for alternative means of raise money to finance church infrastructural project. Churches should partner with international organizations to raise funds for welfare programme. Churches should adopt solar energy for church services to reduce operational cost.