PENTECOSTAL HOUSE CARING FELLOWSHIP AND CHURCH GROWTH IN RCCG AND LIVING FAITH CHURCH, JALINGO, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper explored the role of house fellowships in the growth and sustainability of Pentecostal Churches. Drawing on scholarly works and case studies, the study examined how small-group meetings serve as effective platforms for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. House fellowships created intimate settings that fostered deeper interpersonal relationships, ensuring spiritual mentorship, retention of church members, and active engagement in church activities. The paper highlighted various factors influencing the effectiveness of house fellowships, including leadership styles, evangelism strategies, and community support structures. It also suggested that churches that invested in participatory leadership and structured home cell programmes experienced higher levels of engagement and spiritual growth. Furthermore, the study underscored the socio-economic role of Pentecostal fellowships, showing how they extended beyond religious gatherings to provide financial assistance, vocational training, and social support for members. Despite their significance, the study identified key challenges such as sustainability in rapidly expanding churches, leadership autonomy, and adaptation in Non-Christian or religiously diverse societies. The paper concluded that house fellowship plays a significant role in the growth of Pentecostal churches and therefore recommended strategic investments in leadership training, participatory governance, and the integration of social support programmes to ensure the continued effectiveness of house fellowships in Pentecostal movements.