Facing the Present Day Ecclesiological Challenge in Methodist Church Nigeria: Lessons from our Wesleyan Heritage

Abstract

The bid to survive the massive progress being made by the neo generation churches at the expense of the membership of the mainline churches in Nigeria has left most mainline churches with almost no alternative but to copy those factors that enhance the exceptional growth of the new generation churches. This paper therefore seeks to opine that Methodist church Nigeria, in seeking to face the challenge posed by the neo generation Churches should do that with the consciousness of preserving the distinctive ethos with which Methodism was established (scriptural holiness). More so, John Wesley was indeed a great leader who was able to transform the religious landscape of his time with orderliness desired in worship. The researcher will adopt historical phenomenological research method for this work. The researcher believes that if the church can carefully return to its distinguishing marks, she will not only overcome the challenge facing her but will remain a biblical Church, ready for the coming of our Lord.