International Journal for Faith Integration Volume6 Issue1
Faith as an Enabler of Entrepreneurial Innovation in Developing Economies: Evidence from Lagos State
Kingsley Nwaimo and Chidinma AkparantaAbstract
In the dynamic landscape of developing economies, resources and opportunities are often constrained, forcing entrepreneurs to rely on faith for conviction to undertake entrepreneurial innovation and drive economic growth. However, the role of faith in shaping entrepreneurial innovation remains under-examined. The study adopted a Schumpeterian theoretical lens and used a qualitative, exploratory design with Gioia. Lagos State was purposively selected based on its status as the most preferred business destination for entrepreneurs and startups in Nigeria. The study examines the impact of religious faith on entrepreneurial innovation in Lagos State. This was with a view to ascertaining the subliminal contributions of deeply rooted religious faith and practices that motivate and give rise to entrepreneurial innovation amongst religious adherents in Nigeria. Fifteen (n=15) participants comprised the study sample. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 10 entrepreneurs and start-ups. Additionally, content analysis of personal documentation on the faith-life/business practices of 5 top entrepreneurs was carried out. Data were analysed using qualitative data analysis tools. Findings revealed that in the face of limited access and bureaucratic bottlenecks, some Nigerian entrepreneurs often turn to faith for strategic guidance, resilience, and business sustainability. These insights suggest that faith functions not merely as a personal spiritual compass but also as an enabling tool for entrepreneurial innovation and sustainable economic growth. Hence, faith-based organisations are encouraged to partner with government agencies to promote entrepreneurship innovation. The study contributes to the expanding discourse on faith as a critical impetus for entrepreneurial innovation, leveraging relevant legal frameworks for economic growth in Nigeria.
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Maintaining Integration of Faith and Learning in Faith-Based Institutions in the Age of AI: The Shadow Controversy
Noblefather Uyaiabasi and John SotunsaAbstract
The adoption and implementation of concepts of “Integration of Faith and Learning” (IFL) has been identified as one of the components that make Christian-based institutions unique and decidedly different from secular universities. IFL aims to promote and instil Christ-like qualities of honesty, hard work, academic excellence, and integrity in students. While many faith-based teachers grapple to incorporate IFL into their classes, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has introduced new levels of challenges to IFL. A core tenet of IFL is presenting the Christian worldview of “Christ is everything and the great custodian of knowledge,” and this understanding comes from studying the Bible. This Biblical worldview is distinctively being challenged by AI due to its enormous capabilities and usefulness. The ease of access to AI technologies, repeated exposure, and reliance on its capabilities to undertake many complex academic tasks for students may challenge some core components of IFL and also present an alternative narrative to God as the ‘omniscient one’. Faculty also face a higher risk of tough, complex questioning from students through the use of AI, which can potentially throw off a faculty member or derail the class. The absence of standardised policies and guidelines for AI usage further compounds this brewing controversy. Faith-based institutions, therefore, as a matter of urgency, must begin to formulate guidelines for AI use, with guardrails to protect core components of IFL. Administrators must also prioritise training and capacity-building for both faculty and staff in faith and AI.
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Faith-Based Crowdfunding and the Development of SMES In Africa
Muhindo Elivin, Jerry Kwarbai, and Appolos Nwabuisi NwaobiaAbstract
Financial innovation has revived crowdfunding as a financing opportunity for SMEs worldwide. However, the impact of faith-based crowdfunding platforms as a tool for entrepreneurial growth and SME development in Africa remains underexplored. This study examined the impact of faith-based crowdfunding platforms on the development of SMEs in Africa. A desk review approach was adopted, drawing on social networking theory, Sen's capability approach and participatory development theory, signalling theory, and information asymmetry to underscore the leverage of faith-based crowdfunding platforms for SME financing and development. The study finds that faith-based crowdfunding has become a recipe for social sustainability and sustainable community development. Faith-based crowdfunding further promotes high ideals of trust, social welfare, collectivism, synergy, and philanthropy. In Africa, cultural heritage imbibed in the spirit of the "economy of affection" among East African countries, collective responsibility and self-help within communities (e.g., South Sudan and Nigeria), the spirit of "Ujamaa" for communal villagisation towards productivity in Tanzania, the spirit of "Harambee" for synergy and collaboration in Kenya, and the Emyooga and Parish Development Models in Uganda all point to the unique spirit of communal reciprocity and voluntary cooperation among community members. Therefore, the study recommends hybrid modes of crowdfunding platforms that are more localised, taking care of the African context including low levels of technology, but built on the synergy of networks and faith-based principles.
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African Tradition and Modernity in Faith Integration
Emmanuel Peter AkwuAbstract
This study examined the coexistence of traditional religious beliefs with contemporary values across African faith communities, focusing on African Traditional Religion, Christianity, and Islam. The primary aim was to explore how communities navigate the intersection of indigenous spiritual practices and modern influences, and how these negotiations influence religious identity and collective resilience. The research was grounded on the concept of cultural hybridity, which views faith integration as a complex, non-linear negotiation shaped by both historical continuity and modern transformation. Using qualitative methods such as ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, and interview, the study revealed how individuals and communities preserve traditional customs while adapting to modern values like inclusivity, gender equity, secular education, and social justice. The study concluded on the importance of fostering intergenerational dialogues, and continued critical engagement with both traditional and modern elements in shaping resilient, inclusive communities.
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International Journal for Faith Integration Volume5 Issue1
Editorial | Representing God in our Spheres of Influence
Constance C. NwosuIn an era defined by rapid technological progress and an increasingly secular worldview, the notion of faith-once pivotal to personal and societal values-has become something of a rarity. Alarmingly, even those entrusted with teaching faith often hesitate to fully integrate it into their professional or intellectual lives. The result is a world where faith is frequently relegated to the margins, seen as incompatible with modernity or critical inquiry. A poignant story shared during the Conference Sabbath of the 2025 International Conference on Faith Integration (held August 5–10) captures this tension in a disarmingly simple way. The Sabbath speaker told of a little girl named “Faith.” Spirited and curious, Faith was always wandering - much to the frustration of her mother. One day, while at the market, Faith met another friend, a big woman, who asked her name. “My name is Faith,” she replied. Her mother, exasperated, interjected: “The problem with Faith is that she goes everywhere.” To that assertion, the other child innocently responded: “But isn’t that what faith is supposed to do?” I invite you to reflect on these questions as you read the articles. Enjoy!
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Integration of Faith and Learning in Adventist Education: A Brief History and Acknowledged Challenges
Barbara Fisher and Merle Cozens | Pages:1-8Abstract
The concept of the Integration of Faith and Learning has challenged Adventist Education since Ellen White wrote an article about “Proper Education” in the early days of our denominational history (White, 1872). This paper provides a brief history of the contributions made by a number of outstanding and innovative Adventist educators in more recent years. The paper concludes by acknowledging and outlining some of the challenges that still remain, along with some questions to elicit further discussion and possible research.
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Volume4 Issue1Editorial | Representing God in our Spheres of Influence
Constance C. NwosuAs Christians, we are called to be Christ’s representatives at all times and in all we do. The word of God in our lives should shape our character and leadership roles. We should learn to do things like Jesus our Master who lived by “thus says the Lord”. It is His word that makes us His true disciples. In John 8:31, “Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed”. Today, Jesus still invites us to be true disciples in our service delivery and interaction with others. As Christ’s followers, we need to remember that we have been given a mandate to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)! In this issue, we present articles that reflect the attitude of leaders who take their faith with them into their world of work. Meet Daniel in Babylon in his role as a political leader in His time. What lessons from him stand out for Christians today who are inclined to join the political arena? Also, in our roles as supervisors of postgraduate students, how can our faith lead us to take seriously the assignment to mentor our students to discover their God-given potentials as well as develop their own faith in God? I invite you to reflect on these questions as you read the articles. Enjoy!
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Faith Integration and Leadership: The Legacy of Daniel in Socio Political Administration of Ancient Near East
Abiodun F. Adeoti and Olasunkami E. Osundina | Pages:1-9Abstract
This paper examines the active participation of Daniel in socio-political administration in the Ancient Near East. His involvement inter alia demonstrates the beauty and blessing of the discreet interplay of faith and governance. Daniel's faith in God's sovereignty comes to stardom when instead of breathing political apathy as a captive that threatens not only the peace but also the lives of rulers and the ruled in the Ancient Near East. The paper focuses on the legacy of Daniel in the socio-political terrain and how the chronicle reinforces the importance of integrity, simplicity, and prudence as factors of good governance in any polity. Daniel's political participation therefore demystifies political apathy to reinforce the conviction for a reconstruction of the integration of faith and leadership in society. The narrative of Daniel throws light on God's interest in the growth of nations. Hence, Daniel's excellent performance in the administration of Babylon and Medo-Persia settles the puzzle of whether a man could maintain a societal leadership mandate and still serve God faithfully.
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Responding to the Call for Integration of Faith and Learning in the Postgraduate Research Supervision Context
Conrad Zygmont | Pages:11-21Abstract
Postgraduate education is a key determinant for development, productivity and innovative problem-solving for developing nations and the church itself. Concerns, however, exist, especially in developing regions, about postgraduate programme quality, particularly in the areas of research standards and supervisory quality. Low standard in supervisory processes is often a consequence of high workloads and losing sight of the fact that not every academic with a doctorate degree is equipped for effective supervision; which invariably lead to a perpetuation of negative practices. There are a number of styles, frameworks, and factors within supervisory practice that can facilitate improved quality. Postgraduate supervision has evolved to emphasise broader goals beyond research product completion. It is now seen as a pedagogical relationship and form of praxis that nurtures students into independent researchers. Supervisors must, in addition to facilitating the completion of a research project, address developmental, knowledge, transformational, spiritual, and social challenges. Integrating faith and learning is essential, going beyond adding scriptural texts to work but deeply engaging religious commitments in scholarly pursuits. Integration of faith and learning in the supervision process will benefit the experience of students and ensure that supervisors are more resilient to the challenges and stressors in postgraduate supervision. This paper outlines some principles guiding the integration of faith and learning in the supervisory processes.
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Duane Covrig , Glynis M. Bradfield , Steven Injety , Duduetsang Kakhu | Pages:1-15
Abstract
For centuries, Christians have cultivated faith in themselves and others by engaging in prayer, evangelism, discipleship, and education, with Christian tertiary institutions playing a vital role in this nurturing of faith. However, previous studies have shown that Christian educators have also been complicit in depleting faith in others. This erosion of faith has been well documented in American "Christian" universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, primarily due to modernity and secularization. For faith to thrive, it has to be backed with intention, and this is especially of paramount importance in American higher education today. As the oldest Seventh-day Adventist University, Andrews has nurtured faith in the global Adventist community through its large seminary, educational training, publication work, international teaching schedule, and participation in key committees of the global church. This case study explored how faith impacts the work of employees at Andrews University. Although previous studies have explored intentional faith integration, this article focused specifically on how the employees at Andrews University integrate faith in curriculum planning, employee interviews and publications, in relation to the ten types of faith integration framework of Azusa Pacific University (n.d.) outlined in their Faith Integration Faculty Guidebook.
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Volume3 Issue1Augusta Y. Olaore | Pages:1-8
Abstract
Social workers and other helping professionals often encounter clients with a history of marginalization. Professional ethics demands client centered approaches, which include a client’s right to self-determination. Practitioners often face the dilemma of determining what will be in the best interest of the client against prevailing psychosocial and sometimes spiritual limitations in the environment. The encounter of Jesus and the man at the Pool of Bethesda presents a biblical model of service intervention. This paper presents five social work practice: principles of engagement, assessment, client’s right to self-determination, strengths perspective and empowerment as illustrated by the Pool of Bethsaida scenario in John 5:1-10. It presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the Master Social Worker, and gives biblical guidance for client interventions.
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International Journal for Faith Integration Volume2 Issue1
Editorial | Instructions for Our Everyday Living
Constance C. NwosuA couple of years ago, I was in a prayer meeting, and one of my colleagues was asked to pray. While praying, she acknowledged God as” The God Who Gives Instructions”. For some reasons, that sounded so new to me as if that were the first time I would think of God in that role. And, at that time, I was reading the Old Testament portion of the Bible for my morning devotions. From that moment, each time I opened my Bible, I saw God giving series of instructions to us Himself and through various channels – humans and nature...
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Faith Integration: The Missing Links
John W. Taylor, V | Pages: 1-10Abstract
While the concept of faith integration, in and of itself, is not the missing link in Christian education, what is heralded as “faith integration” is often merely a veneer, a sugar-coated secular pill. What is missing is authentic faith integration. This article examines two links frequently missing in faith integration, links that can carry integration from pretense to reality and whose absence can place the entire faith process in critical jeopardy. These end links connect faith integration to its Source and to its object.
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Integration of Faith and Learning: An Incidental or Intentional Approach?
Barbara Fisher | Pages:11-25Abstract
In recent decades the ‘Integration of Faith and Learning’ (IFL) concept, and its application have prompted research, dialogue and deliberation amongst SDA academics, researchers and educators (Akers & Moon, 1980a; Korniejczuk, 1994; Nwosu, 1999; Rasi, 2013; Roy, 2001; Taylor, 2012). It is the IFL concept that makes Christian education unique. Yet, despite all the research and information available about IFL the author has discovered that an ‘Intentional’ or an ‘Incidental’ approach to integrating faith and learning in the Christian classroom is still a topic of discussion and debate among teachers. Therefore, in this article the author proposes that both ‘Incidental’ and ‘Intentional’ IFL approaches are complementary and indispensable if a balanced and realistic engagement with Christian education is to be experienced by the students. The application of this thesis in the elementary school setting is then discussed and practical suggestions for its implementation outlined and explored.
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The Ant Model: God’s Framework for Sustainable Institutional and National Development
Babalola Akinola and Babalola Yemisi | Pages: 26-36Abstract
God has provided sufficient information to
guide our relationships, socioeconomic wellbeing and enhance our productivity. He communicates with
mankind through the Bible and nature. Urbanization and the new-age
civilization is, however, eroding qualitative nature study. This paper
examined the challenge recorded in the book of Proverbs 6: 6-11 and
analyzed the model that God has deposited in the ant for sustainable
development. The scope of the paper covers analysis of the model’s
framework and its application to leadership, communication, and
conservation as drivers of institutional and national development. The
study focuses on the key goals of the ants in sustaining and developing
the colony through building and maintenance of the anthill, achieving
inclusive system of colony governance, and ensuring food security and
security of the colony. The principles underpinning these goals were
identified and their application to human system discussed. The activities
of the ants in trail formation, communication using pheromones, and
conservation of food and building materials were particularly examined.
Based on the analysis of the model, the paper concludes that effective
communication, servant leadership, focused planning, subordination of
personal goals, unity of purpose, application and preservation of biblical
culture are sine qua non to achieving the identified development goals
and ensuring institutional and national development.
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International Journal for Faith Integration Volume1 Issue1
Editorial | A Dream Come True!
Constance C. NwosuOver the years, I have been dreaming of ways to help move faith integration from being a subject for discussion to being a living experience. God put several ideas in my head. Sometimes those dreams felt like fantasies. I wanted to sponsor workshops that emphasized the “how-to” (pedagogy) of IFL in the classroom, workshops on the integration of faith in service for non-teaching staff, symposia on faith integration, a recurring international conference for faith integration, and a journal that will encourage both thinking about and living out our faith. Prior to writing this editorial, I could not say that I had implemented all the ideas God put in my heart. There was one left to be completed: the journal focused on faith integration! Thank God that is no longer true! Today, you have before you a brand new online, open access journal that will encourage your walk with God! At last, the International Journal for Faith Integration (IJFI) is a dream come true!...
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An Innovation Configuration Map for Integrating Faith in Learning
Adventor M. Trye, Jr.a, Rita Henriquez-Greenb, and William H. Greenb | Pages:1-17Abstract
This article presents the results of an appreciative inquiry of the integration of faith and learning practices in Adventist higher educational institutions in Southeast Asia. A descriptive qualitative case study design was used, closely guided by processes for developing Innovation Configurations. Observations, documents, a literature review, and appreciative inquiry interviews were used to collect the data. The participants included six experts from four continents, 35 online participants in a pilot test, and 21 IFL practitioners from three Adventist Higher Educational Institutions in Southeast Asia. The result was ten innovation configuration components that defined the integration of faith and learning practices of Christian educators operationally from an Adventist perspective. The innovation configuration map of the integration of faith and learning practices may be useful for professional development, program evaluations, observations, team coaching, reflection, and self-analysis.
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Toward Christian-Identity Response Theory: Exploring Identity, Spirituality, and Response to Adversity among African American Males Placed At Risk
Charity H. Garcia | Pages:18-41Abstract
Christian-Identity Response Theory (C-IRT) adds to limited research integrating spiritual development as a central component of human development across the life span and provides a substantive theory for how spiritual development may lead to transformative practice. Thirty-four African American males in three age groups (13-17; 18-25; 26+), placed at risk during adolescence and connected with Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) organizations at the time of data collection, engaged in the research process. Focus group discussions or initial interviews were followed by in-depth interviews. Line-by-line and incident-by-incident coding led to the formation of tentative categories and themes. Data was compared to data and codes, and raised to conceptual categories. Substantive grounded theory emerged. A framework of adversities, self-constructs, adversity response strategies, positive and negative influences to adversity response strategies, and spiritual development components work cyclically to form CIR-T. Spiritual development overlays other components, allowing for spiritual development to be a core developmental dimension with which other theory components interact and enact influence over the course of the life span. Implications for a wide variety of educational contexts include targeted awareness of adversities faced, intentional development of Christian identity’s influence on responses to adversity, and development of consistent relationships.
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Inter-Faith Relation in Nigerian Educational Institutions: A Case Study of Selected Tertiary Institutions in the Ilorin Emirate
Lydia B. Akande| Pages: 42-53Abstract
The relevance of higher education in contemporary times has brought students of
different religious backgrounds together in the same academic environment in Nigeria’s
institutions of learning. This practice can be enriched to become a positive experience
that students as well as the immediate and larger society can benefit from. Currently,
ethno-religious conflicts have left untold hardships on families and grudges in the minds
of many Nigerians. Therefore, if the practices of faith integration and interfaith relation
are managed well, it will result in social, economic and academic benefits. It is in line with
this that the author examined the concept of faith integration and the practice of inter-faith
relations in some federal and state owned tertiary institutions in the Ilorin Emirate of Kwara State.
Methods employed were historical and descriptive. Data were collected through interviews, information
from textbooks, journals, and electronic sources. Findings revealed that cases of religious crises in
some institutions of higher learning have led to the killings of innocent students and lecturers;
destruction of properties; disruption of families and academic calendars of institutions; and harm
to the economy of the nation. However, such ugly scenes are seldom heard of in tertiary institutions
in the Ilorin Emirate. It is, therefore, the intention of this paper to highlight the various
approaches to inter-faith relations adopted by these institutions, which can make them serve as models
to other educational institutions in Nigeria. The paper concludes and recommends, among others, that,
to sustain good inter-faith relation on institutional campuses, the management of the institutions, student
leaders, different religious groups and leaders must come together regularly to discuss their areas
of convergences for holistic human development.
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Nurturing the Faith of Students: The Role of Support Staff
John W. Taylor, V| Pages: 54-64Abstract
The article addresses two fundamental questions: What is the role of the non-teaching
staff in nurturing faith in student lives? How can support staff be most effective in
fulfilling that role? In response, the article first presents a biblical perspective regarding
the function of the non-teaching staff in the spiritual development of students, shaping lives
for God's kingdom. Second, the article delineates sixteen faith-nurturing strategies, organized in
contextual, relational, conceptual, and experiential clusters. Each of these strategies can be
instrumental in the hand of a committed staff member to intentionally touch and transform the lives of students.
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Integrating Faith or Fear? Workplace Bullying as a Barrier to Faith and Service
Godspower A. Chiabuotu| Pages: 65-75Abstract
The relevance of higher education in contemporary times has brought students of
different religious backgrounds together in the same academic environment in Nigeria’s
institutions of learning. This practice can be enriched to become a positive experience
that students as well as the immediate and larger society can benefit from. Currently,
ethno-religious conflicts have left untold hardships on families and grudges in the minds
of many Nigerians. Therefore, if the practices of faith integration and interfaith relation
are managed well, it will result in social, economic and academic benefits. It is in line with
this that the author examined the concept of faith integration and the practice of inter-faith
relations in some federal and state owned tertiary institutions in the Ilorin Emirate of Kwara State.
Methods employed were historical and descriptive. Data were collected through interviews, information
from textbooks, journals, and electronic sources. Findings revealed that cases of religious crises in
some institutions of higher learning have led to the killings of innocent students and lecturers;
destruction of properties; disruption of families and academic calendars of institutions; and harm
to the economy of the nation. However, such ugly scenes are seldom heard of in tertiary institutions
in the Ilorin Emirate. It is, therefore, the intention of this paper to highlight the various
approaches to inter-faith relations adopted by these institutions, which can make them serve as models
to other educational institutions in Nigeria. The paper concludes and recommends, among others, that,
to sustain good inter-faith relation on institutional campuses, the management of the institutions, student
leaders, different religious groups and leaders must come together regularly to discuss their areas
of convergences for holistic human development.
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