Abstract:
This was a descriptive study done as a case study of Nairobi Evangelical
Graduate school of Theology (NEGST) to examine the perception of attitudes and
factors influencing usage of Internet for evangelism in Nairobi. As a case study,
NEGST provided an appropriate place to capture some insights from faculty members
and students, who are a representative sample of the leaders of churches and ministries
in Africa and other parts of the world. The insights could be used as a relevant reference
document containing valuable guidelines that could suggest ways to help other
ministries in the same category as NEGST to harness internet for use in communicating
the gospel to non-believers. This study assumes Internet is one of those new skills
which can offer an exciting new opportunity for evangelism as it has become a part of
everyday life for millions of people around the world.
The target population of this study was all post graduate students from
evangelical theological schools in Nairobi. The accessible population however was tile
faculty and students of NEGST. Most of the information was gathered by use of a
questionnaire; however some information was obtained by personal interview with a
web designer in Nairobi.
Among the major findings in this study were: The NEGST faculty and students
have computer skills to use internet however they lack the techniques of using the same
for evangelism. This contributed to a great number of them indicating an undecided
perception as they were not sure whether it was an appropriate tool to use. Secondly, the
perception of attitude towards use of internet for evangelism is dependent on the role of
the respondent (faculty member or a student). Thirdly, gender and level of education at
entry would influence the perception of attitude whereas other socio-economic factors
like the size of family, the age pattern, level of income and marital status would not
affect. The disparity in the socio-economic factors is a major characteristic of the
NEGST community. This scenario would offer a great opportunity for harnessing and
using Internet for evangelism.
In light of the above findings the researcher recommends that the NEGST
faculty and students be exposed to the skills of using internet for evangelism to make
them more effective fishers of men. The researches further challenges and recommends
the faculty members and students of NEGST to encourage their churches and ministries
launch websites with evangelistic and apologetic messages to non-Christians.
The researcher suggests that this tool of internet is being redeemed it is not to
replace the other traditional methods but they can be used in tandem or where situation
demands.
The researcher recommends further research on the same topic but on a church
set up. The church set up is expected to come up with more insights which could not
have been captured in this study.
