THE IMPACT OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE ON THE

CHURCH – A CASE STUDY OF THREE PENTECOSTAL

CHURCHES IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH LOCAL

GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE.

_______________________

OLEKANMA LIVINGSTONE ENYEREMADU

MATRIC NO: 20162022

LIFE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, IKORODU,

LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

NOVEMBER 2021
THE IMPACT OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE ON THE CHURCH: A CASE

STUDY OF THREE PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE.

BY

OLEKANMA LIVINGSTONE ENYEREMADU

MATRIC NO: 20162022

LIFE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,

IKORODU, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

NOVEMBER 2021.
 APPROVAL PAGE

I hereby attest that this research work was undertaken by OLEKANMA

LIVINGSTONE ENYEREMADU in the Department of Pastoral Studies in L.I.F.E.

Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos State under my direction.

Having satisfied all the institution’s academic requirement, I therefore appended

my signature that the research work be accepted for the award of the Bachelor Degree in

Theology (B.Th).

………………………………………..

REV. JAMES OLUSEGUN SOYELE (B.SC, B.TH, M.TH)

SUPERVISOR

…………………..……….

DATE
 TITLE PAGE

THE IMPACT OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE ON THE CHURCH: A CASE

STUDY OF THREE PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE.

BY

OLEKANMA LIVINGSTONE ENYEREMADU

A Project

Submitted to the Faculty of

L.I.F.E. Theological Seminary,

In partial fulfillmentof the Degree of

Bachelor of Theology

In Pastoral Studies

L.I.F.E. Theological Seminary,

Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.

November 2021.
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project has been written by me and that it is a

documentation of my project work. To the best of my knowledge, this project has not

been presented in any previous application in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the

Award of Bachelor in Theology.

All quotations are indicated by quotation marks (“ ’’) or indentation and the

source of information as specifically acknowledged by means of reference.

__________________________________________ __________________

OLEKANMA LIVINGSTONE ENYEREMADU DATE

 DEDICATION

This project is dedicated to The Faithful Father of light in whom there is no

variableness nor shadow of turning, God Almighty, for the grace He gave me to answer

the call and fulfill ministry.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Immortal, invisible, God only wise. To You alone, Faithful Heavenly Father, I

return all glory and adoration, for His unending mercies and grace upon my life that

enabled me to successfully complete my Theological Programme to His glory.

I deeply appreciate the expertise, fatherly counsel and guidance of my

indefatigable supervisor Rev. J. O. Soyele whose untirelessly saw to it that this project

work turned out to meet the required standard. Thank you immensely, daddy; God will

richly crown your efforts with more successes in Jesus name.

The unequivocal devotion of all the faculty members who diligently taught me

through my academic years cannot be easily forgotten in a hurry. I have been well tutored

by Rev. Oluronke N. O. (O possible!), Rev. Nkwusi E.F., Rev. Adetola R. O., Rev.

(Engr.) Akiyede, Pastor Ogundare, Pastor. Oyenekan, Rev. Oluwagbemiga and others.

The good God of Heaven will renew your strengths and freshly endow you with fresh

wisdom for greater impartation in Jesus name.

My contemporaries at L.I.F.E. Theological Seminary are second to none! Worthy

of special mention are Sis. Oladehin Bolanle, Sis. Aderinale, Bro. Aka Golden, Dcn and

Mrs. Oyeniyi, Bro. Egbeyemi Olumide, Sis. Kusimo, Bro. Elegbede Yinka, Elder

Omolola, Evangelist Sis. Jawolusi, Bro. Odukoya, Sis. Olanrewaju, Sis. Balogun, and

Dcn Odutade. May all that concerns us all in life and ministry be perfected in Jesus name.

Fulfilling life and ministry and receiving academic training to that effect was

made possible by God through individuals of note namely: Dr. and Mrs. Obafemi

Olekanma, Pastor and Pastor (Mrs.) Adebayo, Rev. (Prof.) Samuel Onadeko, Rev.

Oyekan Adebayo, Rev. (Mrs.) Babatunde, Dr. Awodein G., Dr. Favour Aderinto
(U.S.A.), Elder Joel Oshoja (U.K.), and others too numerous to name. I am forever

grateful that you believed in me. God will reward you all abundantly!

I want to specially appreciate my dearest wife, life and ministry partner, Mrs.

Funminiyi Elizabeth Olekanma who gave me the devoted support and encouragement

much needed for this programme, and also to my God-given and adorable children:

Precious and Samuel Olekanma. Thank you, my lovely M.P.3s (My Priceless, Princess

Precious and My Promising Peculiar Prince), for giving me the best and most fulfilling

times of my life; I love you all, my darlings!

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Approval Page …………………………………...………………………… i

Title Page ………………………………………………………………….. ii

Declaration ………………………………………………………………… iii

Dedication …………………………………………………………………. iv

Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………….. v

Table of Contents …………………………………………………………. vi

Abstract ……………………………………………………………………. viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ………………………………… 1

1.1 Background of The Study

1.2 Statement of The Problem

1.3 Purpose of The Study

1.4 Delimitation of The Study

1.5 Significance of The Study

1.6 Research Procedures

1.7 Limitation of The Study

1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE …………

2.1 Brief History of Family Settlements/ Home

2.2 Pointers for Recognizing Christian Homes

2.3 Concept of Christian Homes

2.4 Christianity and Parenting

2.5 Effect of Parenting on Children – Positive and Negative

2.6 Worldview on Effect of General Parenting on Children

CHAPTER THREE: BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON INTENTIONAL

PARENTING ……………………………………………………….

3.1 In The Old Testament

3.2 In The New Testament

CHAPTER FOUR: AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF INTENTIONAL

PARENTING BY CHRISTIANS ON THEIR CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY OF

SELECTED CHRISTIAN HOMES IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH LOCAL

GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE …………………....

4.1 Brief History of Abeokuta South Local Government Area

4.2 History of Juvenile Delinquencies in Abeokuta South Local Government Area

4.3 Impact of Effective Intentional Parenting in Some Selected Christian Homes

4.4 Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussions

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS…

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

APPENDICES

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 ABSTRACT

THE IMPACT OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE ON THE CHURCH: A CASE

STUDY OF THREE PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES. IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE

By

Olekanma Livingstone Enyeremadu

Supervisor: Rev. James Olusegun Soyele (B.Sc, B.Th, M.Th)

This research work examined the impact of Corona Virus Disease on the Church with
three selected churches in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State as case
studies. The study was guided by the following objectives, namely: to examine the
positive and negative effects that the novel Corona Virus Disease had on the Church of
God, to elucidate means by which the church is to respond to pandemics, and to
strengthen the church’s belief and resolve that no gate of hell can prevail against her
marching forward in victory. The study employs the descriptive and survey design:
questionnaires were used as research instrument to collect data from Pastors, Church
Workers/Leaders, Church Members/Worshippers and other individuals in three (3)
selected churches in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State: Foursquare
Gospel Church, Idi-aba Zonal Headquarters, Idi-aba, The Redeemed Christian Church of
God, Olorunsogo and Rock Foundation Church, Tekobo, Abeokuta. The study findings
include that there is need to reinforce the truths found in God’s word concerning His
people, the Church, that no harm can come to them if they follow all His instructions,
seen also as protocols/procedures adopted the government of the day. The research
recommends that adhering strictly to God’s instructions as outlined in and taught from
the Bible by Pastors and Leaders will guarantee safety on all sides, sound health and
godly wealth with it.
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Many aspects of the lives of the Nigerian citizenry have been affected one way or

the other by the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. The multi-dimensional impact of this

virus on the Nigerian Economy has brought about disruptions spanning social, economic,

environmental, political etc. domains of society.1 One of the hardest hit is the economy.

The world has been shocked by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and no country is

spared of the effects of the pandemic. However, the effects and strategies to cope with the

effects of the pandemic might vary from one country to another.

The effects of

1.2 Statement of The Problem

1.3 Purpose of The Study

1.4 Delimitation of the Study

This study will be limited to some selected homes in Fajol, Asero, Ijeja, Ibara,

Oke-Ilewo and Abiola Way all in Abeokuta South Local Governmemt Area of Ogun

1
Falaye, Tiwatola Abidemi. Impact of COVID-19 on the Chuch of God in Nigeria. KIU Journal of
Humanities, [S.I.], v. 5, n. 2, p. 319-330, July 2020. ISSN 2522-2821. Available at
https://www.ijhumas.com/ojs/index.php/kjuhums/article/view/924. Date accessed: 22nd November 2020;
Pages 319-330
State and the findings on the impact of intentional parenting by Christians on their

children in question.

1.5 Significance of The Study

i. This study seeks to determine what the intentional parenting by Christians has as

an effect on their children in some selected homes in Abeokuta South Local

Government, Ogun State, and to further determine ways to address the negative

effects, if any, as well as prevent future occurrence of same.

ii. To identify factors responsible for the non-compliance of parents to intentional

parenting.

iii. To determine ways in encouraging compliance with scriptures as touching raising

children in the godly way..

iv. To decipher means of addressing the negative effects intentional parenting on the

children in the selected homes.

1.6 Research Procedure

The study employed the descriptive and survey design: questionnaires were used

as research instrument to collect data from individuals/family members in twenty (20)

selected homes in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The Research

will employ a combination of library and field (survey) research.

The library work will be based on extraction of data from records based on studies

relevant to the field of health, physical and psychological well-being as well as biblical
studies that addresses God’s will for His people to be in good health in every

ramification.

The field (survey) research will comprise of the use of a questionnaire to capture

various individual’s attitude, knowledge, factors etc. on intentional parenting by

Christians and the overarching effects on their children. The Research Population will

comprise of twenty (20) homes selected randomly in Abeokuta South Local Government

Area of Ogun State.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Limitations of this study include the lack of validated instrument to measure the

Impact of Intentional Parenting and the restriction of the study to twenty homes/

individuals in total selected in Abeokuta South Local Government.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Intentional

Parenting

Chistian

Home
1. a particular quality or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or

group of people.

2. any harmful deviation from the normal structural or functional state of an

organism, generally associated with certain signs and2

Church:

1. a building for public Christian worship; public worship of God or a religious

service in such a building.

2. the whole body of Christian believers; Christendom.

3. any division of this body professing the same creed and acknowledging the same

ecclesiastical authority; a Christian denomination.3

2
https://www.britannica.com/science/disease
3
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/church
Life Theological Seminary,

Ikorodu, Lagos.

Attached herewith is the copy of the questionnaire that is designed to collect data on the

research topic: The Impact of Corona Virus Disease on The Church: A Case Study of

Three Selected Churches In Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ogun State.

You are please required to complete it sincerely. You are also assured that your response

which will be used mainly for this research work will be treated with utmost

confidentiality.

Kindly tick ( ) any appropriate option of your choice and complete space provided below

the questionnaire.

I shall be grateful if you could assist to complete the questionnaire on time.

Thanks for your anticipated response.

Yours faithfully,

Olekanma Livingstone Enyeremadu

Researcher
 SECTION A

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

Age: 15 – 25 26 – 35 41 – 50 51 and above

Sex: Male Female

Qualifications: SSCE ND NCE HND BSC Others

Marital Status: Single Married Divorced Separated

Years in Church: 0 – 10 yrs 11 – 20 yrs 21 – 30 yrs Above 31 years

Please indicate your response to eag of the following by marking (X) in the appropriate

box.

SECTION B

KEY: SA – Strongly Agree, A – Agree, D – Disagree, SD – Strongly Disagree

S/N QUESTIONS SA A D SD
1. The whole issue about Corona Virus Disease is a
hoax (lie).
2. The coming of the Corona Virus Disease had a
positive effect on my faith.
3. The coming of the Corona Virus Disease had a
 negative effect on my faith.
4. The lock-down was a good period for me to
develop my spiritual life (Prayer, Bible study etc.)
5. Palliatives by the government authorities were
received by me and my family.
6. A close relative/loved one of mine was lost to
COVID-19.
7. The lock-down was a good opportunity for me to
involve in self-development courses (Tailoring, etc)
8. I see the onset of the Corona Virus Disease as a
ploy of the devil rather than the handiwork of God.
9. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted on
attendance to regular services
10. Biblical teachings on sicknesses and diseases
helped me keep my faith during the lockdown.
11. To the best of my knowledge, the protocol put in
place by the government is backed by scriptures.
12. Adequate teachings were made by the church
authorities to sensitize members.
13. The church adequately catered for the needs of
members during the COVID-19 lockdown.
14. Government policy during the pandemic negatively
impacted on the mission of the Church.
15. Social media and technology use helped the church
a lot to reach members during the lockdown.