Church Adaptation Strategies to Secularisation in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Abuja and Lagos

Abstract

This study aims to examine the strategies employed by churches in Nigeria—particularly in Abuja and Lagos—in responding to the challenges of secularisation, a process that reduces the societal significance of religion. As secular ideologies and materialist values reshape public consciousness, churches must adapt to remain socially relevant, especially among youth increasingly disengaged from traditional worship. Using a qualitative research design, this study integrates focus group discussions, participant observations, and secondary literature to explore how churches adopt innovative worship practices, digital technologies, and community engagement programs. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), allowing for in-depth interpretation of institutional and individual responses. Findings reveal that churches in both cities are implementing a multifaceted strategy: digital tools to attract younger audiences, community service programs to enhance public trust, and theological revisions to address ethical issues like inclusivity, social justice, and ecological responsibility. These adaptations have led to increased engagement, a stronger sense of belonging among congregants, and expanded the churches’ social roles. The study contributes to existing literature by offering a holistic understanding of church responses in a non-Western context. It highlights how the synergy between worship innovation, community service, and theological flexibility enables churches to survive and thrive in a secular environment. This research offers practical implications for church leaders, policymakers, and scholars interested in the evolving role of religion in society. The originality of this study lies in its integrated approach to secularisation and adaptation within African urban religious institutions, providing insights often overlooked in Western-centric research.