THE EFFECTS OF INTEGRITY ON PASTORS’ PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE EVANGELICAL CHURCHES OF KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of integrity on pastors’ performance within the evangelical churches of Kenya. The case research is a case study of Africa Gospel church- Bomet Region in Bomet County. The research design used a descriptive survey in preliminary and exploratory studies in order to summarize, present and interpret information in order to arrive at a logical conclusion of the findings. The target population was 400 pastors in Bomet County and a sample of 40 of them of the total population was used. The preferred instrument for data collection was questionnaire (open and closed ended) for quantitative data. Data was analyzed and interpreted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics like means, percentages and standard deviations was used. Data was presented using figures and distribution tables. The study found that integrity affects pastors’ performance especially in their role in discipleship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, mission ministry and servant leadership. It was also found that pastors in the Africa Gospel Church perform well in preaching and that preaching forms the basis of pastors' integrity and effective performance in church. Teaching based on God's word was emphasized by the pastors and was one of their effective duties in the church. It was also found that pastors were entrusted with imparting the knowledge of God among the subjects and therefore, their subjects rely fully on the pastors’ teachings and preaching. Therefore, it was the responsibility of the pastor to gather his/her flock together to the saving knowledge of Christ and constantly ensure that their faith in Christ was always strong and the people could only trust his or her words if he/she upholds high level of integrity with performance in the church. The study therefore concluded that leadership and integrity among the pastors were also reflected in their behaviors and character and that effective preaching, evangelism and offering servant leadership that reflect the teachings of God was anchored on high integrity not only among the pastors but in the general church leadership. The study therefore recommends that evangelical churches should put management system in place that will address the issue of performance with integrity specifically in the areas of discipleship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, mission and servant leadership. This will enable the pastors to perform well on their jobs effectively. To strengthen the system of performance, evangelical churches need to provide participatory/ servant leadership environment where-by pastors and their leaders will set goals/target in terms of discipleship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, mission and servant leadership. This will enable pastors to work scientifically in order to have planned spiritual growth, transformation, Biblical knowledge, numerical growth, spreading the gospel cross-culturally and humility. To reinforce this, reward system should be part of management performance system whereby pastors who perform their jobs well with high level of integrity are given promotion, salary increment and acknowledgement. There is need to have a mentoring program for new pastors where they can share sermon thoughts, seek guidance and receive encouragement from seasoned pastors. New pastors in the field need mentors to guide them well so as to perform well in their duties with high level of integrity