Abstract:
This research seeks to investigate the impact of Organizational Development
(OD) program on the nationalization process of Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya
(F.P.F.K) from a missionary led Church organization to a national led Church from
1997 to 2007. Specifically it seeks to investigate the impact OD program has created
on national leadership in F.P.F.K, find out whether through OD nationalization
process has been achieved, and if the national leaders have embraced the changes
produced as result of the OD program
The results of this research show that OD program is successful in the
nationalization process of F.P.F .K.The mission and vision of the organization has
been understood by the leaders at the national level. The policies and manuals have
been formulated and implemented at the national level and that leaders at the national
level have been positive about the changes introduced as a result of the OD program.
A sense of national identity has been created and the church has become an active
partner in the civil society. However, the challenge with the structure of the
organization is that it does not give leadership authority to individual leaders.
Leaders have understood their responsibilities without depending on the
former missionaries. They have taken firm control of running the organization and
their presence is felt throughout the organization. The capacity of the national leaders
has been built through different trainings offered through OD, which has made them
achieve management skills in running the organization. This is a positive development
in F.P.F.K.
Based on these findings, it is necessary that any nationalization process be
initiated early to prepare the leaders for hand over before the expatriates leave. OD
should be an ongoing process in the organization so that leaders are developed and
equipped without waiting until the time for hand over is ripe. Since running an OD
process requires a lot of finances, the churches should be sensitized to start
development accounts which can be used in the training of leaders. Emphasis should
be made in all congregations so that they may continually contribute to this account
and be willing to send more leaders for the training. In addition partners from the
overseas should not withdraw their funding quickly as soon as they hand over
leadership to the locals but they should do it gradually.
