Master's theses (NEGST)

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    Analysis and Critique of Traditional Explanations of African Indipendency : a case study of the Eternity Worship Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
    (2014-05-26) Weah, Jackson Garpu
    In the last two decades a new phenomenon has occurred within African Christianity. There has been a proliferation of new religious groups, churches and ministries which for the most part have seceded from the classical African Initiated Churches or among themselves. These movements arose in the wake of the collapsed economic and political systems in the decade of the 1980s. The failure of nationstates created massive disillusionment which resulted in many Africans turning to these popular religions as a place believed to give full participation and satisfaction. This present work attempts to tell the story of the Eternity Worship Centre as an example ofthis new phenomenon by utilizing oral history, relying heavily on the memories of the founding members. It aims at analyzing and critiquing the traditional explanations of African independency which states that Africa Initiated Churches emerged as a result of revolting against legitimate missionary leadership. The first chapter/ introduction state the purpose, significance and methodology of this task and review some of the relevant literature. The next four chapters tell the story of the Eternity Worship Centre and its secession from the Rhema Fellowship. The second chapter briefly traces the background of Christianity in Africa as well as the rise and traditional explanations of African independency. Chapter three mainly focus on the rise of the new phenomenon (popular religion) in Africa in the decade of the 1980s and concluded with the history of Rhema Fellowship and the birth of Eternity Worship Centre. Chapter four highlights the analysis and influences on the Eternity Worship Centre by different religious forces. Chapter five takes a careful look at the factors which were responsible for the secession of Eternity Worship Centre from the Rhema Fellowship. The thesis concluded with lessons, recommendations, and future of the new phenomenon in Africa in Chapter six.
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    Contribution of Kenya Baptist Theological College to the Growth of Baptist Churches in Kenya 1981-1982
    (2014-05-23) Samuel, Rugambage
    The purpose of the study was to find out the contribution of Kenya Baptist Theological College to the growth of the Baptist churches in Kenya Irorn 1981 to 1992, and to offer recommendations. In order to achieve this purpose, an extensive review of the Related Literature dealing with (1) the history and role on education of the Southern Baptist Mission and the Baptist Convention of Kenya, (2) the educational view of Christian churches and missions. (3) the objectives and role of Foreign Missionaries in educating African Church leaders, (4) the purposes, goals, and objectives of theological schools, and (5) church growth in relation to theological education were scrutinized.
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    A study on Conversion from Islam to Christianity among the Borana Women in Nairobi, Kenya with Implications for Christian Witness.
    (2014-05-23) Murumba, Pauline Cherop
    The Borana MBB women are converts from Islam to Christianity. The Borana in Nairobi originated from Isiolo, Moyale and Marsabit. Some of them have lived in Nairobi all their lives though their parents migrated from the rural area. The Borana are part of the wider Oromo people group. The dominant religion among the Borana is Islam but there are also minority Christians among them. This study is an attempt to understand the conversion process of the Borana MBB women living in Nairobi. It applies Rambo's model of understanding conversion with regard to the experiences of these women. The changes resulting from the conversion are also examined. This study employs the ethnographic research method to gain insight into the experiences of the Borana MBB women. Being a phenomenon that touches human behavior, the research has preferred this anthropological research method in order to establish what cannot be studied scientifically. For better understanding of this complex phenomenon, the study has used Kraft's worldview theory of relationships as the running theme together with Love's concepts of 'encounters'. Through the findings of this study, it has been established that the Borana MBB women mostly came to Christ after they faced some form of crisis in their lives at the personal, social and the supematurallevels. The agent who left the greatest impact in the life of the informant is the one who came into their life at the point of crisis. Power encounter greatly contributed to conversion through healing and deliverance from evil spirits. Upon conversion, the convert came not only to Christ but also to the body of Christ, the church. This called for a smooth transition that could reduce 'culture shock' to the new convert as was often experienced. Recommendations are made out of the findings with proposals that can be applied in ministry to the Borana Muslim women in particular and Muslims in general. There is need for better understanding of the specific needs of Muslim women in order to reach them better with the gospel of Christ. The MBB should be empowered to become an agent of the gospel of Christ in his family and community at large. This will only happen if she has proper follow up and sound discipleship that can strengthen the new convert.
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    A study of Karen Residents' Perception of Corruption in Kenya Police with a Special Implication for Discipleship
    (2014-05-21) Njuguna, Stephen Ndirangu
    There are few issues that generate reactions like someone being associated with corruption, worse still in a Christian or rather in a religious setting and environment like Kenya. This is because before right thinking human beings, nobody wants to be seen as wicked. The instinct to be right is the first and original position of man's heart according to our maker God Almighty. Evil is an intruder and in second position. In our hearts we love and always choose the best. Even a thief at times when caught in the act of stealing some would say, "I was keeping it safe." Some may say, "I did not give a bribe but a catalyst," which they also call facilitator. To the Police it is called TKK, meaning, 'Toa kitu kidogo," In other words, give something small (bribe). Those who demand TKK generally are Traffic Police on the road, or at the Police Station counter, or Regular Police on patrol. But, to the few high and mighty Police Officers in air-conditioned rooms their meaning of 'TKK" may construe 'Toa Kitu Kikubwa' meaning, give something big (bribe) which has to befit the status or rank. A study of Karen resident's perception of corruption in Kenya Police, with its implication for discipleship seeks to understand this monster called corruption. At the same time, this study seeks to know the causes, the nature, extent and impact of corruption. It Vt~11. then be known the effective interventions in Kenya government, the Church, the Society have made and are able to make in bn.iging an end to this vice. The choice of Karen area was because it represents the farming community since Kenya is basically an agricultural country. Karen also has business people who can afford a bribe if cornered or the need arises to avoid sleeping in Police cells. People are likely to give a bribe also to avoid being taken to court, which is a tedious, time and money consuming process. Karen has residents of all status, races and religious persuasion. The Karen Police area falls within Langata Police Division. Among the constituents of the region are top politicians who are advocating for change with eradication of corruption as their key agenda. The study has three primary strands: 1. The individual encounters and experiences of the researcher who has spent over thirty years in the midst of corrupt elements in Kenya. He has also worked for sixteen years in the Tax arena an area infested with corruption. 2. A literature review that surveys literature from several disciplines 3. Field research The findings indicate that, the majority of the society, given a freehand, would rather not have corruption but like sin many are helpless so they give in to the vice. For graft to be eradicated it would require divine intervention, the government, church and private sector efforts, all working together. This calls for witnessing and discipleship in the Police Force where the need is overwhelming. Certainly like any other human beings, not all Police Officers are corrupt, though most are perceived to be by society.
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    The Educational Level of the Boy Child in the Low Economic Class Estatesopf Nairobi Kenya : case study of Kawangware
    (2014-05-16) Omagwa, Samwel Atunga
    Kawangware is a small market suburb located about 11 kilometres west of the capital city of Kenya - Nairobi. Most of the residents belong to the low-income class. It's inhabited by 86,000 people and most of them provide domestic and support services to the neighboring suburbs. Amongst the things that one notice on visiting the area are the number of boys loitering around and ferrying various goods to the market, instead of being in school. This study explores the Educational Level of the boy child in Kawangware, and the factors that cause a significant number of boys not to attend school. A qualitative research design employing ethnographic tradition was used for study. Data was collected using face-to-face open-ended interviews. The findings revealed that many covert factors hinder the educational level of the boy child in Kawangware. Twelve themes emerged to explain these factors. The researcher concluded that there is a dire need to facilitate and offer solutions to these hindrances, which impede meaningful education to the boy child in Kawangware. Although the findings in this research offer implications to the Church, government and non-governmental organisations and the society in general, the recommendations provided are limited to the role the Church can play to alleviate the suffering of the boy child. At least one other research topic arose out of this investigation; in order to grasp deeper insights into the educational level of the boy child in Kawangware and to establish more effective strategies to help them, the researcher recommends a further study that explores the social life of the boy child in a home context. Based on the findings, the educational level of the boy child is in dire need of help and the church and society must be challenged and be engaged in this issue in meeting their felt needs.
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    An Investigation into the factors that Influenced Numerical Growth of Deliverance Church Eistleigh in Nairobi, Kenya from 1981 to 2006
    (2014-05-16) Lang'at, Joshua Kibet
    The purpose of this research was to bring to light the factors that influenced the growth of Deliverance Church Eastleigh (DCE) from a congregation of 500 in 1981 to a congregation of2500 in 2006. One of the main reasons that made it necessary to carry out this research is because many Churches struggle with the issue of Church growth. By making these factors aware, such Churches are able to compare their methods with the methods used at DCE and thus be able to determine which methods work for them best. The research was carried out using qualitative method of research where 32 participants were interviewed using open ended, .semi-structured questions. The findings were analysed and it was discovered that the major factors that caused growth in the Church were effective leadership, committed members, effective church activities and meetings, effective departments, evangelism, missions and follow-up and good administration. The main factor that stood out as a major influence on the other factors of growth was effective leadership.
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    Examination of 1 Corinthians 10 and 11, with special reference to the Lord's supper:implications for the Methodist Church in Kenya
    (2014-05-08) Nii Okai Clottey, Emmanuel
    This thesis is an examination of 1 Corinthians 10: 14-22 and 11: 17-34. The findings from the examination were applied to the practice and meaning of the Lord's Supper in the Methodist Church in Kenya. In chapter one, we looked at introductory matters such as the statement of the problem, potential benefits of the study, presuppositions, methodology, and delimitations. In chapter two, we looked at the historical, geographical, social and textual contexts of the Lord's Supper. This included the background of the Corinthian Church, the origin ofthe Lord's Supper as well as meal- eating in the time of Paul. Also a general survey of the book was done to establish the textual context of the Lord's Supper. Chapter three is an exegesis of the 1 Corinthians passages, with due attention to all issues of hermeneutical interest in order to establish Paul's teaching about the Lord's Supper. In chapter four, we examined by way of exegesis how Paul related the Lord's Supper to the judgment of God. In other words, for what was God judging the Corinthians? Chapter five is a summary of the examination of the two passages. The principles from the research were applied to the African situation of the Methodist Church in Kenya. A conclusion was then drawn.
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    A study of the traditional perception of sin among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with view to presenting a holistic Christian witness that will meet the felt needs among this community
    (2014-04-17) Nchama, Thomas Gitugu
    The main aim of this study was to examine the traditional perception of sin among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with the objective of presenting a holistic Christian witness that will meet the spiritual needs of these people. In order to achieve this goal, research was carried out in this community by focusing on the Abakuria traditional views of sin, the causes of sin as perceived by the Abakuria, and the traditional methods used to deal with sin whenever it occurs. The research was a qualitative study, and data was collected primarily through ethnographic interviews with selected participants among the Abakuria people. Questionnaires were also used to capture the general understanding of sin in this community. A keen analysis of the Abakuria cultural worldview regarding sin revealed the following observations: To begin with, the Abakuria like most African societies acknowledge the existence of sin. This acknowledgement is demonstrated by the terms and local phrases they use to describe sin/an offensive act. The research revealed that two terms iriraga and umugiro are used to describe sin. An examination of the two words revealed that sin has two dimensions at least according to Abakuria. While sin on one hand offends the divinity (ancestral spirits, spirits and ghosts), it also hurts and spoils relationships. Secondly, the Abakuria people categorize sins. There are those termed as the most horrible sins, there are terrible sins but can be put aright and there are also minor offences. The most horrible sins include murder, witchcraft and incest. The second category has sins like adultery, physically assaulting one's parent, and rape. The third category consists of sins such as lying, stealing foodstuffs, bitterness and greedy. Thirdly, this research discovered that the Abakuria people believe sin is caused by three forces; angry ancestors, influence from witchcraft and inheritance from parents. Fourthly, it was discovered that Abakuria deal with sin promptly whenever it occurs. The major means of dealing with sin in this community is through animal sacrifices. Sacrifices are meant to appease angry ancestors and other deities so that curses and other forms of punishment will not befall the living. Another form of dealing with sin in this community is by publicly shaming the wrongdoer and making him/her compensate the offended party. However, the first category, the most horrible sins do not have a solution except by killing the victim or totally excommunicating him/her from the society. The findings of this study raised several implications for missions in the continent of Africa and more so among the Abakuria community, for which appropriate recommendations have been made. The recommendations are intended to provide both theoretical and practical platform for the development of sound mission strategies. These mission strategies will go a long way in helping Christian witnesses to present a relevant and holistic gospel among the abakuria people.