The Impact of Church Planting on Evangelism and Community Development in Taraba State

Taraba State in the North East geopolitical zone is characterised by significant religious diversity and periodic ethno-religious tension, making church planting both an evangelistic imperative and a sensitive social act. This study examines the evangelistic outcomes and community development contributions of church planting activities in Taraba State, focusing on both indigenous-led and mission-supported church plants. A descriptive mixed-methods design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to 160 church planters and new converts from fifteen church plants established between 2015 and 2023 in Jalingo, Gembu, and Bali LGAs, supplemented by interviews with denominational mission coordinators and community leaders. Findings indicate that church plants in Taraba State contribute to community development through education (52 percent operate informal schools), healthcare (34 percent run community health outreach), and conflict mediation (68 percent report active peacebuilding engagement). Evangelistic fruit is strongest in mixed communities rather than exclusively Muslim areas, where conversion carries social sanctions. Church planting strategies that prioritise community service before direct proclamation show higher retention rates. The study concludes that church planting in Taraba State is most effective when it integrates holistic development with evangelism, reflecting the whole-person mission modelled in the life of Christ. Recommendations include strategic coordination among church planting networks in the North East to avoid duplication and optimise community impact.

Keywords: church planting, evangelism, community development, Taraba State, North East Nigeria