The Need for Expository Preaching in Transforming Nigerian Pentecostal  Churches in Chicagoland

Ebiobowei Indiamaowei

Etd

The Need for Expository Preaching in Transforming Nigerian Pentecostal Churches in Chicagoland

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Ebiobowei Indiamaowei . The Need for Expository Preaching In Transforming Nigerian Pentecostal Churches In Chicagoland. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/53d20b0d-a235-41a5-a8df-dd88989f52d8?locale=en.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

E. Indiamaowei. The Need for Expository Preaching in Transforming Nigerian Pentecostal Churches in Chicagoland. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/53d20b0d-a235-41a5-a8df-dd88989f52d8?locale=en

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Ebiobowei Indiamaowei . The Need for Expository Preaching In Transforming Nigerian Pentecostal Churches In Chicagoland. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/53d20b0d-a235-41a5-a8df-dd88989f52d8?locale=en.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Ebiobowei Indiamaowei

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

This study examines the impact of expository preaching on Nigerian Pentecostal Church members in Chicagoland, addressing the prevalent trend of prosperity theology and topical preaching that often lacks contextual biblical interpretation. The research investigates two primary questions: (1) How, if any, does expository preaching enhance understanding of Scripture? and (2) How, if any, has expository preaching influenced spiritual growth and maturity, leading to missional impact on unbelievers? Using a mixed-methods approach, the researcher preached an expository sermon at six Nigerian Pentecostal Churches in Chicagoland and collected data through surveys (n=47), focus group interviews (n=18), and participant observation. Based on Acts 3, the sermon demonstrated proper exegesis and African Hermeneutics to ensure cultural relevance while maintaining biblical fidelity. The research findings indicated that 72% of participants reported a deeper understanding of Scripture after experiencing expository preaching. In comparison, 98% believed regular exposure to expository sermons would aid their spiritual growth and lead to a missional impact. The research revealed that most Nigerian Pentecostal Church members had limited prior exposure to expository preaching, with many churches prioritizing prosperity theology and motivational messages over systematic biblical teaching. The study identified several challenges to implementing expository preaching in this context, including limited theological training among pastors, cultural expectations around preaching style, and structural constraints such as insufficient sermon time. The 2025 United States presidential transition coincided with the timing of the research fieldwork (January to March 2025). This event significantly impacted immigrant church attendance and research participation. This researcher concludes that expository preaching has substantial potential to transform Nigerian Pentecostal Church Members in Chicagoland. Expository preaching would enhance biblical literacy, foster spiritual maturity, and equip the members for effective evangelism. This researcher's recommendations include increased theological training for pastors, structural adjustments to accommodate in-depth biblical teaching, and the integration of African Hermeneutics within expository methodology to maintain cultural relevance while correcting prosperity theology's misconceptions.

Year