CRS 303 — The Synoptic Gospels: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course title The Nigerian Christian History (1864–1960) Course code CRS 303 Course units 3 Series 1: Strands and Brands of the Nigerian Church (1864–1960) Series 2: Founders and the Growth of Nigerian Church Movements Series 3: Distinctive Features of Nigerian Church Traditions Series 4: Social, Political, and Economic Roles of the Churches Series 5: Community Development Contributions of Nigerian Christianity Series 1: Strands and Brands of the Nigerian Church (1864–1960) Series outline This Series is organised into five Parts, reflecting the 3-unit course requirement: Part 1: Historical background of Nigerian Christianity (1864–1960) Part 2: Major strands of the Nigerian Church Part 3: Denominational brands and their distinct identities Part 4: Interactions among strands and brands Part 5: Challenges and opportunities within the period Introduction Christianity in Nigeria developed distinctive features between 1864 and 1960 as churches adapted worship, leadership, theology, and social contributions to local realities. These traditions reflected both missionary influence and indigenous responses, producing a rich diversity of practices and identities. In this Series, you will explore how Nigerian Christianity became rooted in local culture while maintaining connections to global Christian traditions. The aim is to highlight the unique characteristics of Nigerian church traditions during this formative period. We will begin with worship practices and liturgical traditions, focusing on Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, and African Independent Churches. Next, you will examine organisational structures and leadership models, including hierarchical governance, indigenous leadership, and charismatic leadership. Following that, we will analyse theological emphases and doctrinal distinctives, such as sacramental theology, evangelical emphases, and Spirit-led theology. Finally, we will assess the social and cultural contributions of Nigerian church traditions, particularly in education, healthcare, and cultural identity. Series learning outcomes By the end of this Series, learners should be able to: SLO 1.1: Define the historical background of Nigerian Christianity between 1864 and 1960. SLO 1.2: Identify and describe the major strands of the Nigerian Church. SLO 1.3: Analyse the denominational brands and their distinctive identities. SLO 1.4: Evaluate the interactions among strands and brands of the Nigerian Church.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS SLO 1.5: Assess the challenges and opportunities faced by Nigerian Christianity during this period. part 1.1 Historical Background of Nigerian Christianity (1864–1960) Christianity in Nigeria between 1864 and 1960 was shaped by missionary activity, colonial influence, and indigenous responses. Missionary activity refers to organised efforts by Christian groups to spread their faith, often involving education, healthcare, and evangelism. The year 1864 marks the consolidation of missionary efforts, while 1960 represents Nigeria’s independence, which created new contexts for the Church. The year ______ marks Nigeria’s independence, which influenced the Church’s development. Practical example: In Lagos, mission schools established by Anglican and Methodist societies in the late 19th century educated future Nigerian leaders, blending Western curricula with local realities. This education pipeline later supported indigenous leadership in churches after 1960, as trained Nigerians assumed pastoral and administrative roles. Figure 1.1 Map of missionary centres in Nigeria (1864–1960). pilot questions [Part 1.1] Independence year: Which year marks Nigeria’s independence? 1844

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1864 1960 1970 Definition check: What does missionary activity primarily involve? Colonial administration Organised evangelism, education, and healthcare Political mobilisation Trade and commerce Context link: Why is 1864 significant in Nigerian Christian history? Start of colonial rule Consolidation of missionary efforts Emergence of revivalist movements Founding of African independent churches Application: One direct effect of mission schools in Lagos was: Reduced literacy rates Increased indigenous leadership in churches Decline of denominational brands End of colonial influence Short answer: Briefly explain how colonial influence affected the development of Nigerian Christianity between 1864 and 1960. Part 1.2 Major Strands of the Nigerian Church The Nigerian Church developed into several strands, including mission churches, African independent churches, and revivalist movements. A strand is a distinct stream or line of development within the Nigerian Church. Each strand reflected different theological emphases and cultural adaptations. Mission churches were established and supported by foreign missionary societies, introducing Western forms of worship, governance, and education. African independent churches emerged as a response to colonial restrictions, emphasising cultural adaptation, indigenous leadership, and contextual worship. Revivalist movements focused on renewed spiritual fervour, emotional worship, and personal conversion, often challenging established traditions. African independent churches are one of the major ______ of Nigerian Christianity.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Practical example: The Aladura movement in southwestern Nigeria is a notable example of African independent churches. It emphasised healing, prophecy, and prayer, blending Christian doctrine with indigenous cultural practices. Plate 1.2 African independent church worship in Nigeria. Pilot questions [Part 1.2] Which of the following is NOT a strand of the Nigerian Church? Mission churches African independent churches Revivalist movements Islamic reform groups Mission churches were primarily established by: Indigenous leaders Foreign missionary societies Colonial administrators Revivalist movements African independent churches emphasised:

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Western liturgy and hierarchy Cultural adaptation and indigenous leadership Colonial administration Doctrinal disputes Revivalist movements in Nigeria focused on: Emotional worship and personal conversion Colonial governance Liturgical uniformity Trade and commerce Short answer: Briefly describe the focus of mission churches and African independent churches as strands of Nigerian Christianity. Part 1.3 Denominational Brands and Their Distinct Identities Within each strand, denominational brands emerged, such as Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, and African independent denominations. A denominational brand is a recognised church identity distinguished by its doctrine, worship style, and organisation. These brands developed distinctive liturgies, governance structures, and theological emphases. Anglican Church: Known for hierarchical governance, structured liturgy, and strong ties to the Church of England. Methodist Church: Emphasised preaching, hymn singing, and circuit-based pastoral care. Catholic Church: Recognised for hierarchical governance under the Pope, sacramental worship, and missionary expansion. African Independent Churches: Emphasised indigenous leadership, contextual worship, and resistance to colonial control. The Anglican Church is an example of a denominational ______ in Nigeria. Practical example: The Catholic Church established schools and hospitals across Nigeria, reinforcing its hierarchical governance while contributing to social development. Meanwhile, African Independent Churches like the Cherubim and Seraphim emphasised prophecy, healing, and contextual liturgy, reflecting Nigerian cultural identity. Table 1.3 Comparison of denominational brands in Nigeria.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions [Part 1.3] Which denominational brand is recognised for hierarchical governance? Methodist Catholic Anglican African Independent The Anglican Church in Nigeria is an example of: A denominational brand A revivalist movement A colonial administration A strand of Islam African Independent Churches are distinctive because they: Follow Western liturgy strictly Emphasise indigenous leadership and contextual worship Operate under the Pope’s authority Reject evangelism and education

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Methodism in Nigeria is characterised by: Circuit preaching and hymn singing Sacramental worship under papal authority Prophecy and healing emphasis Colonial administration Short answer: Explain one way denominational brands differed in their worship and governance. Part 1.4 Interactions Among Strands and Brands Strands and denominational brands interacted through cooperation, competition, and dialogue. Interaction refers to the ways in which different strands and brands influenced one another through cooperation or conflict. Mission churches often influenced African independent churches, while revivalist movements challenged established denominations. These interactions shaped the Nigerian Church’s identity between 1864 and 1960. Cooperation: Mission churches and African independent churches sometimes collaborated in education and healthcare, contributing to community development. Competition: Denominational rivalry arose as churches competed for membership and influence, especially in urban centres like Lagos and Ibadan. Dialogue: Ecumenical efforts promoted unity, though doctrinal differences often limited long-term collaboration. Challenge: Revivalist movements emphasised emotional worship and personal spirituality, questioning rigid traditions of established denominations. Revivalist movements often ______ established denominations in Nigeria. Practical example: The Aladura revivalist movement challenged Anglican and Methodist churches by emphasising healing, prophecy, and prayer vigils. This created tension but also pushed mission churches to reconsider their approach to spirituality and worship. Box 1.4 Case study of revivalist movements challenging established denominations.

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