Abstract:
The issue of taking social responsibility as part of Christian outreach has been ignored
and overlooked for a long time. The purpose of this study was to establish the
determinants of participation in Church among the marginalized people groups.
Specifically, the study looked at social needs as determinants that hinder Church
participation among the Pygmies.
Two research visits were done in Congo. One was in Katana forest and the
other in Ijwi forest. Data collection involved the use of discussion questions which
guided the focus groups. The discussions were held in these two different regions to
establish whether social needs among the Pygmies would determine their Church
participation. Participant observation was also used to give independent findings as
well. Four groups involved in discussions were; a group of Pygmy men, Pygmy
women, Pygmy children as well as pastors who have Churches in the Pygmy
neighborhood or having ministry among the Pygmies.
It emerged from the study that social needs hinder participation in Church
directly or indirectly. In order to transform the lives of the Pygmies, social
responsibility must be given its rightful place.
Recommendations from the findings were made calling Christians, the
Church, NGOs, and other stakeholders to do holistic ministry to the Pygmies and by
extension to the marginalized people groups.
