Abstract:

The great concern in recent times has been the speed of immorality and decadence in churches and society, much of which have been attested to globalization and Information communication Technology (ICT). The study examined this position as it posed some questions on the relevance of global system networking and information technology for church growth, wealth accumulation, job creation and welfare for the Nigerians. The study also corrected the notion that globalization is a recent phenomenon that came up in the twentieth century. It gave out the true picture of what global networking really is, and, its contributions to human development. The study adopted historical, sociological and hermeneutic methods to trace the history and social global lifestyles of people in the Bible and world at large. It also discussed the background to global connectivity between the indigenous Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria and Overseas; the development of information communication and the global technology right from the western world to Africa, particularly Nigeria. Data were collected through the use of texts in Christ Apostolic Church archives in Ibadan, University of Ibadan archives and from the Akure main Library. Interviews were conducted in selected secretariat Churches in Akure, Ibadan and Lagos. Such church secretariats include Christ Apostolic Church Secretariat Ibadan, Mountain of Fire Ministry Secretariat Akure and Redeemed Christian Church of God Secretariat Lagos. The study revealed that globalization, a topical phenomenon is not new as many scholars assumed. It has been in existence right from the Bible through the contemporary world with modifications. Also, the study revealed that Pentecostal Churches are custodians of ICT right from the twentieth century and this trend contributed greatly to the rapid expansion in the contemporary Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed historically and hermeneutically.