Church Communication Strategies and Congregational Engagement in the Digital Age: A Study in Abuja

This study evaluates the effectiveness of digital communication strategies employed by churches in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, in fostering congregational engagement and community cohesion. The rapid adoption of digital platforms by Nigerian churches, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created both opportunities and challenges for pastoral communication. Using a mixed-methods design, data are collected from 200 church members and 20 communications officers across fifteen churches in Abuja spanning Pentecostal, Catholic, and mainline Protestant denominations. Questionnaires assess platform usage, content preferences, and perceptions of digital communication effectiveness, while interviews provide deeper insights into strategic intentions and implementation challenges. Findings indicate that churches employing a multi-platform strategy encompassing WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram achieve higher member engagement than those relying on a single channel. Personalised communication, timely information, and pastor-to-member direct messaging are identified as the most engagement-enhancing practices. However, digital fatigue, content overcrowding, and the exclusion of older members who lack digital access are significant concerns. The study recommends the development of an inclusive digital communication policy for churches in Abuja that balances online engagement with offline pastoral care. Keywords: church communication, digital strategy, congregational engagement, Abuja, social media