ISSN 2360-7998
Abstract
This study examined the demographic profiles and ministerial challenges of Pentecostal leaders and their implications for congregational growth in the Assemblies of God, Ikwerre District, Rivers State, Nigeria. Leadership in Pentecostal churches is a critical determinant of congregational vitality, yet little empirical attention has been paid to the everyday realities of leaders’ backgrounds and the challenges they face. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 100 respondents (40 leaders and 60 members) through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that church leadership is overwhelmingly male (82%) and predominantly middle-aged (70% between 35 and 54 years), with a strong majority married (84%). Education levels were high, with 65% of leaders holding bachelor’s, postgraduate, or theological degrees, while 67% had between 6 and 15 years of leadership experience. This profile suggests a mature, well-educated, and experienced cadre that positively influences congregational stability and growth. However, challenges persist: 75% of leaders reported inadequate theological training, 68% cited insufficient financial support, 60% highlighted poor member commitment to spiritual activities, and 54% noted socio-economic hardship among members as major obstacles. Additional issues included bi-vocational stress (47%), doctrinal resistance (42%), low youth involvement (38%), and inadequate teaching resources (30%). Statistical analysis indicated that educational attainment and leadership experience significantly predicted leaders’ effectiveness and awareness of members’ spiritual growth (p < 0.05), while gender and marital status did not. Importantly, chi-square results showed no significant association between leaders’ ministerial calling and their awareness of members’ spiritual growth (χ² = 21.88, df = 16, p = 0.142). The study concludes that while the Assemblies of God, Ikwerre District, benefits from a cadre of educated and experienced leaders, persistent ministerial challenges threaten to undermine long-term congregational growth.
Keywords: Demographic Profiles, Ministerial Challenges, Pentecostal Leaders