TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                      -                                   -                      

Certification                                                 -                                   -                      

Dedication                                                    -                                   -                      

Acknowledgement                                                -                                   -                      

Table of Contents                                       -                                   -                      

Abstract                                           

Chapter one 

Introduction

1.1 Background to the study

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY       

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.5 HYPOTHESES

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

1.9 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

                                                           CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the research methodology. It entails the method used to carry out the research work and also explains the research design that was used for the study, sample design, methods used in collecting data and how the results data are analyzed.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY

3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND SAMPLE SIZE

3.5 SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION

3.6 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT

3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

3.8 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

   CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

  CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study

Religious doctrines advocate for compassion and generosity to the poor and the needy. It is therefore incumbent upon the Church, a religious institution, to demonstrate these ideals by tackling societal issues like economic hardship. Many churches in Nigeria have established welfare programs, skills development centers, and funding programs for the benefit of their members and their immediate communities.

Research has shown that churches have played an important part in poverty alleviation through social interventions like food aid, scholarship programs, and micro-financing programs (Adeyemi & Oladipo, 2025). This goes a long way in mitigating the impact of economic hardships on their members, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, in addition to this, churches offer a kind of moral and psychological support to their members who suffer from economic hardships.

Although churches have done much to mitigate economic hardship in Nigeria, some people feel that many churches are engaged more in spiritual work than economic activities aimed at helping people overcome economic difficulties. Some also feel that churches lack the necessary funds and proper organization that will ensure maximum impact (Okonkwo, 2025). It is therefore necessary to analyze the role of the church in dealing with economic hardships.

Statement of the Problem

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria is going through a tough economic situation with issues like soaring prices, joblessness, and a lot of people living in poverty. These problems have really put a lot of strain on people, and they are now relying more on social support systems.

Even though the church is seen as a major player in helping to solve these problems, it is still not clear how effective the church can be. Some churches have started different kinds of support programs, but their contribution to the reduction of economic hardship is not very obvious.

Besides that, there is a fear that some churches might be giving more importance to preaching than finding actual economic solutions. This is why some people think that the church is not doing everything it can to tackle socio-economic issues. Research shows churches are involved in welfare support but their combined efforts might not be able to cover the extent of poverty and economic suffering in Nigeria (Adeyemi & Oladipo, 2025).

Moreover, there is hardly any factual research on what exactly churches do to fight economic hardship and what problems they encounter in carrying out their strategies. This situation leaves a void in knowledge that calls for more exploration. Hence, this paper proposes to investigate how the church is contributing towards mitigating economic hardship in Nigeria..