Influence of Digital Technologies on Evangelistic Outreaches as Perceived by Members of Selected Pentecostal Churches in Anyigba, Kogi State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21770096Keywords:
Electronic Innovations, Religious Outreach, Charismatic Congregations, Virtual MediaAbstract
The growing integration of electronic innovations into faith-based settings has completely reshaped how modern Christian preaching is conducted, forging novel pathways for broader connection, congregational involvement, and the sharing of spiritual messages. This study explored how congregants within specific charismatic assemblies in Anyigba, Kogi State, view the impact of these electronic systems on their outreach initiatives. Specifically, the research evaluated attendees' views on how well electronic tools attract and keep congregants, pinpointed the distinct digital applications utilized for preaching, and analyzed the broader impacts of these technological systems on ministry work. Grounded in the Media Systems Dependency Theory, the investigation utilized a survey-based methodology. A sample of 348 participants was selected from a broader population of 3,912 congregants utilizing the Krejcie and Morgan framework, and 300 properly completed surveys were evaluated via frequency counts, percentages, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The data indicated that 80.0% of participants felt electronic tools successfully reached younger demographics and facilitated access to scriptural teachings, while 83.5% noted that these platforms deepened relationships with individuals located outside the physical church premises. Furthermore, WhatsApp (73.3%), Facebook (66.7%), and YouTube (60.0%) were identified as the primary digital networks driving outreach. Additionally, 73.3% of respondents confirmed that technological integration boosted the overall success of ministry campaigns, and 76.7% recognized its beneficial impact on virtual tithes and expanding the ministry’s core teachings. Hypothesis testing highlighted clear variations in how male and female congregants perceived the effectiveness and utilization of these platforms, prompting the rejection of both null hypotheses. The research ultimately concluded that, despite lingering hurdles related to internet accessibility and technical literacy, electronic tools have massively upgraded preaching efforts within these congregations. The paper recommended continuous investments in technological frameworks, ongoing technical education for both leaders and attendees, and the deliberate incorporation of multiple online platforms to solidify congregational engagement and evangelical reach.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Timothy Abayomi Atoyebi, Ph.D, Edime Yunusa, Ph.D, Ajibade Moses Anderson Adeoye, Gabriel, Deborah Ojonugwa (Author)
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