Transnational dynamics and the challenges of cultural adaptability among Nigerians in religious communities in the Netherlands

Abstract

The study investigated transnational dynamics and challenges of cultural adaptability experienced by Nigerians in religious communities in the Netherlands. Religious leaders operating in foreign environments encounter diverse cultural challenges, such as relating to their African worldviews on malevolent spirits. The objective of the paper is to identify the role of Nigerian religious leaders in replicating a Nigerian-led church in a foreign setting. The study adopted the Case study qualitative research method involving direct and participant observations of several of the churchs regular weekly and periodic programmes between 2008 and 2012. Findings reveal that this Nigerian church in the diaspora attempts to maintain her self-Identity and has not significantly assimilated Dutch culture. The church needs a re-think on some of her practices in relation to these issues in order to attract the Dutch people and be more relevant in the Dutch SOCiety/context. Indeed. a crucial demand of cross-cultural mission is the assimilation of the host' culture in areas that do not contradict scriptures, in order to truly incamate the gospel in the context of the people.