Factors that affect Muslim Evangelization in Kigoma, Tanzania : with Implications for Contexualization

Abstract

The objective of this study was to interview the pastors involved in Muslim evangelism in Kigoma, Tanzania in order to understand their perception of effective evangelism to Muslims. The interview covered the pastors doing Muslim evangelism and a few Muslim converts. The purpose of this study was to listen to those pastors as they explained their understanding of and effective Muslim evangelism in Kigoma town. This study was important because it sought: 1. To be helpful to my missionary activities to Muslims in Kigoma, as well as to other Muslims in other parts of Tanzania. 2. To be of significance to my local church in Kigoma, Tanzania which has been involved in Muslim evangelism. 3. To be of significance to other pastors, churches and evangelistic teams that have heart for Muslims in Kigoma and in Tanzania at large. 4. To have missiological significance to those who have heart for mission to Muslims in Tanzania, East Africa, Africa at large as well as other parts of the world. 5. To be of significance to other researchers who might be interested in addressing factors affecting Muslim evangelism in other parts of the world with Muslims of similar kind. The collection of data through interview allowed the researcher to listen to pastors doing Muslim evangelism in Kigoma, as they shared their experience in Muslim evangelism. Three points emerged from that experience. (1) the necessity to carry on with sharing the message of salvation with Muslims regardless whatever the cost it might be, (2) the need for holistic ministry in terms of meeting other important needs that Muslims have as physical needs, spiritual needs, emotional needs, (3) the need to improve better contextualized approach in Muslim evangelism in order to address their felt need and to make the message of the gospel meaningful to them following the example of Jesus Christ. Literature supported the experience of pastors doing Muslim evangelism in Kigoma. In summary, both the findings and the previous studies concurred that there is a big need for Muslims to be reached with the gospel of forgiveness of sin, healing, love, compassion, friendship and genuine acceptance when they come to Christ. Some recommendations for further studies were made in chapter five that studies should be carried on about: 1. Better methods and approach to Muslim evangelism. 2. Contextualized basic training on Muslim evangelism.