Nominalism in the Church of Nigeria: A Response for a Return to Biblical Christianity

Nominal Christian practice in Christianity is found among church members in Nigeria.It is also common to an extent that it saps the vitality of even churches that appear vibrant.As a matter of fact, the church in Nigeria has become nominal.At best, it has limited the Christian faith and practice to a narrow segment of peoples' lives.This kind of Christian life that is practiced according to traditional beliefs and also mixing it with the Bible is a problem to Christian spirituality.Thus, there is a problem of nominal Christianity even among those who provide leadership in churches and among Christians in general.Therefore, this work provides a statement of the problem, discusses nominalism, offers theological response, critical contextualization to uproot nominalism in Christianity as a way forward to biblical Christian practice in the churches in Nigeria.Practical steps are recommended for pastors in Nigeria to effectively address the challenges of Christian nominalism in order to bring transformation in the life and ministry of their respective local churches. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMAs a result of nominal Christian living among some Christians, pastors, and even organizational leaders, worldliness seems to be taking over the contemporary church in this present generation.For example, academic research in Jos, Central Nigeria shows that many Christians even pastoral care givers, Church organizational leaders falsify their credentials to make them eligible for employment, elections and or jobs and to elongate themselves with false credentials.Result of the research showed that 47% of respondents admitted to have falsified their ages or their data information.15% had used false measures in business transactions.14% had also abused their offices and its privileges.22% had committed electoral fraud while 17% were culpable to theft of money at workplace and mistreatment of those under their leadership.14% respondents who remembered that they are members of churches affirmed they had not engaged themselves any form of social sins, unrighteous or nominal lives.The questions are clear.Today, like in the days when Prophet Isaiah started his prophetic functions (Isaiah 1: 1-31), Israel was confronted with so many social vices.So, contemporary church in Nigeria