PASTORAL CARE AND CHURCH GROWTH IN IKWERRE SOUTH DISTRICT OF ASSEMBLIES OF GOD (AG) NIGERIA, RIVERS STATE

This research explored the relationship between pastoral care and
church growth in the Ikwerre South District of the Assemblies of God
Church, Nigeria. This is predicated on the fact that since its
establishment in the 1950s, the district has expanded to 142 churches
by 2022. It examined the historical background of the district, analyzed the link between effective pastoral care and church
expansion, evaluated the impact of pastoral care practices on growth,
identified challenges affecting their delivery and proposed strategies
for improvement. It also highlighted relevant tools and platforms that
can enhance pastoral effectiveness and promote church development
in the district. The study was anchored on the Transformational
Leadership Theory and the Systems Theory of Church Growth. A
descriptive survey design was employed. The target population
consisted of 2,000 members of the Assemblies of God Church in
Ikwerre South District, with a sample of 100 participants drawn from
50 different churches in the district. The sample includes 30 pastors, 25
deacons, 20 deaconesses, and 25 full members (communicants). Data
were obtained through oral interviews, observations and secondary
materials and analyzed descriptively. The findings revealed that
pastoral care activities such as intentional discipleship, counselling, visitation, community outreach, mission participation and welfare
support, revival meetings, contemporary musical instruments,
improved worship facilities, prayer groups, digital innovations, and
leadership training are essential resources that enhance both spiritual
and numerical growth. The study concluded that pastoral care serves
as the cornerstone of the Assemblies of God Church’s spiritual vitality
and numerical expansion in Ikwerre South District. It recommendedstrengthening discipleship structures, broadening welfare support, ensuring steady mission funding, and adopting digital technologies to
boost pastoral effectiveness.