PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES

This study examined the extent to which Pentecostal Churches use ICT for church activities in Benin City. The study was designed to ascertain the rapid rise in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) across nearly all aspects of human activity, including religion, in the 21st century. This study aims to determine the extent of ICT usage in the act of worship, to determine the challenges faced in the usage of ICT, to assess how ICT affects method of worship and gospel sharing, to ascertain the importance of ICT usage in growth and development of selected Pentecostal churches in Benin City and to ascertain the purpose for which ICT is being utilized. The technological determinism theory formed the theoretical foundation of the study. A survey research design was used and a questionnaire consisting of 17 items was distributed to 89 respondents who were specifically chosen based on their prior knowledge of this study. The data collected from the study were analysed and displayed using the frequency and simple percentages based on the 5-point Likert scale. The research showed
that Pentecostal churches utilize ICT to a significant degree, leading to an increase in membership growth and aiding in evangelism even with the challenges faced. Thus, the study concludes that ICT has not only facilitated the spread of gospel but also enriched worship experience. As a result, the study suggests that the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and other governmental organizations should support Pentecostal churches in acquiring ICT devices and ensure that messages are broadcasted online without any internet subscription fees. Also, due to technical challenges in using ICT, members of Pentecostal Churches should be trained on how to operate these devices.