Abstract:
The fourfold purpose of this study was: 1) to
discover the ministry philosophy of the Nairobi Baptist
Church (NBC) towards the urban upper class (UUC) , 2) to
identify the strategies that are being used by NBC
to reach the uue, 3) to know the factors that help to
attract the UUC to NBC, 4) to find out the ministries
for which the converted members of the UUC are being
equipped at NBC and those in which they are being
involved. This was conducted among the members of the
leading team of the above Church.
To gather the data concerning this topic, the
researcher proceeded by composing five categories
of research questions, interacting with some of the
respondents and making a personal observation in the
research field.
Sixty-seven members from the Church Boards and the
elders made the population t.o which wa s administered the
questionnaire to fill out and fifty responded. Findings
of this study have shown that:
(1) It is not haphazardly that the UUC are being won
through various ministries of NBC. Rather, there
is a preconceived project with a determination
to include this social class in the NBC's outreach
ministries.
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(2) There are specific strategies in use by NBC to
reach the UUC. The six following strategies were
found to be the most used: home Bible study,
personal evangelism, reaching the UUC's children,
invitations to special events, recreational clubs,
and pUlpit ministry. The following five were found
to be the most effective: home Bible study, personal
evangelism, pulpit ministry, invitation to special
events and reaching the UUC's children.
(3) There are various important factors that help to
attract and maintain the UUC at NBC.
(4) NBC equips also the converted members of the UUC
for Christian ministries.
(5) The UUC are being involved in various Christian
ministries within and outside the Church according to
their gifts.
(6) New comers with various gifts are being selected
and given responsibilities in the Church's
activities.
(7) There is a need of working in partnership with other
churches to reach the UUC through some delicate
methods such as banquets in top hotels.
(8) There is also a need to expand the actual Church
building if the growth rate of attendants keeps
the current rhythm.
