Participants’ perceptions on the relevance of the membership classes at the friends Church-Ngong road

Abstract

This phenomenological study sought to provide information that would show the relevance of the membership class in assisting those who go through it to lay Christian foundations for their lives. The study also sought to assist the church with information that would show whether there was need for the church to evaluate, and, or revamp its membership class program. The study indicated that participation in the membership class resulted in transformation of the spiritual and social aspects of class participants. Regular class attendance assisted respondents in cultivating their relationship with God. It also improved their relationship with other people. The study further indicated that respondents appreciated the class content, teachers, fellow students, church leaders, family, and the learning environment. However, respondents took issue with the shallow content, inept teachers, a laity that stood aloof and learning environments that were not conducive. In spite of these short comings, respondents ended up more committed to the Friends Church than they were before. Their commitment was seen in their involvement, and heightened willingness to participate in church activities and, or leadership. In view of the findings, the researcher recommended enhancement in the depth of the content taught in the class, and the inclusion of the history of the Friends Church-Ngong Road in the class content. He also recommended that only qualified and available class teachers should be allowed to teach the classes. The researcher further recommended that there be an improvement in the facilities that were used for classes.