By While Churches are struggling to keep open in developes countries, developing countries like Nigeria seems to be the direct opposite with worshipers looking up to God for basic provisions like food, water and social amenities.
According to a report by ABC News, in the late 1940s, nearly 80% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, as noted by Gallup. Today, that figure has dropped to just 45%, and only 32% report worshiping in a house of prayer weekly.
In 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States was losing as many as 1,000 churches annually. Some of these closed churches have been repurposed into businesses or residential spaces. For instance, a Methodist church in Atlanta, which had dwindled to about 60 members, was sold to a luxury real estate developer. It has since been transformed into a series of 3,000-square-foot condominiums. In other cases, historic churches in parts of Europe and America have been converted into bars, nightclubs, or event venues.
However, in Nigeria, the reverse is the case.
The number of places of worship continues to rise daily. Churches not only expand but also adapt, sometimes operating in unconventional spaces such as shops, malls, and other commercial properties.
The religious landscape in Nigeria is thriving, with a marked increase in the construction of large-scale worship centers and the establishment of religious enterprises, a typical example is the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel. The church is currently constructing a 100,000-seat capacity auditorium called The Ark at Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
This growing religious infrastructure is not limited to Winners Chapel. Other large churches in Nigeria, such as Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), have also embarked on massive projects, building mega-churches that can seat tens of thousands of worshippers. The RCCG, for instance, holds an annual convention at its Redemption Camp, which can accommodate over 30,0000 people, highlighting the power and scale of religious gatherings in the country.
Churches in Nigeria are increasingly acting as both spiritual centers and economic powerhouses, providing jobs, education, and healthcare services
With persistent issues like unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and inconsistent government services, many Nigerians turn to religion as both a source of hope and a means of survival.Some religious houses often provide food, water, shelter, and financial assistance to their members.
This religious infrastructure also comes with its own set of challenges. As the size of churches grows, so does their influence in local politics and society. Some critics argue that the vast wealth accumulated by these megachurches could be better directed toward addressing broader national issues, such as poverty alleviation and infrastructure development.
As religious institutions in developed countries adapt to changing cultural and social dynamics, developing nations like Nigeria may continue to see religion as a powerful force for social change and community support. In developed nations, religion is seen as less essential as material needs are met elsewhere. In developing countries like Nigeria, religion remains a central part of life, offering hope and support where other systems fall short.
