Denominational Merger and Church Identity: A Case Study of the United Methodist Church in Taraba State

This study examines the effects of denominational merger processes on congregational identity, ministerial morale, and community relations within the United Methodist Church in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Denominational restructuring and mergers have become increasingly common responses to resource constraints, declining membership, and the rationalisation of mission, yet their pastoral and organisational consequences are seldom rigorously studied in the Nigerian context. Using a qualitative case study design, data are gathered from thirty semi-structured interviews with clergy, lay leaders, and long-serving congregants across ten United Methodist congregations in Jalingo, Zing, and Gassol. Thematic analysis identifies patterns in identity disruption, theological conflict, leadership displacement, and congregational resistance or acceptance of merger outcomes. Findings indicate that congregations with strong pre-merger identities and long-established ministry cultures experience significant disruption when merged with congregations of different theological temperaments or cultural backgrounds. Communication deficits, lack of congregational consultation, and rushed implementation timelines are identified as the primary drivers of post-merger dysfunction. The study recommends a phased merger protocol that prioritises theological dialogue, transparent communication, and shared visioning before formal structural integration. Keywords: denominational merger, church identity, United Methodist, Taraba State, ecclesiastical governance