Mission Studies Department
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Item 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 CheropThe 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.Item Effective Leadership Development in Urban Kenyan Churches : an evaluation of Key Leadership PrinciplesTaught on theInternship Programmes of Five Select Nairobi Churches(2014-05-19) Kikuyu, David MasidzaThis study was an evaluation of key principles of leadership that are taught on the internship programme of five select churches in Nairobi. The primary method of data collection was by way of a questionnaire. This questionnaire consisted primarily of close-ended questions, mainly due to the nature of the research. Its intention was to determine the perspective of the respondents in regards to the principles of leadership taught to them on their respective internships. In order to derive this information adequately, the researcher developed three research questions. He further raised twenty nine items that would clarify in detail the intention of the research questions posed. It was faintly discovered that there were three key principles of leadership which were taught on these internship programmes in general. These were Planning, Delegation and Vision. However, it was also observed that principles of leadership are not strongly taught on the internship programmes of these five churches.Item The Educational Level of the Boy Child in the Low Economic Class Estatesopf Nairobi Kenya : case study of Kawangware(2014-05-16) Omagwa, Samwel AtungaKawangware 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.Item 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 KibetThe 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.Item Factors that Account for Growth or Non-growth : a study on the Growth and Development of the Eastleigh (section 3) Pentecostal Assemblies of God in the Bahati region - Nairobi(2014-05-16) Asante, Emmanuel CollinsIt was in the urban context that the Eastleigh Pentecostal Assemblies of God church was born in 1975. In that early setting it struggled, thrived and grew. Today, the Eastleigh Pentecostal Assemblies of God has plateaued. The Eastleigh church today cannot be said to be an excellent model of harmony and effectiveness. It seems to be minced in mediocrity. To attempt to enhance a glorious resurrection from its urban grave, the researcher engaged in an investigation of the malady of this church. This study, therefore, is concerned with describing and analysing the growth and development of the Eastleigh PAG church by identifying the factors which made for growth or non-growth. The grave situation is that the church does not express herself as an urban church. The church has not been contextualized from an earlier ruralism, in her mentality, nor does she even exist as a reaction against the urban psyche. However, this researcher demonstrates that there is a departure from the ideals which made the church grow. These ideals include: Bible study, corporate prayer, oneness and evangelism. Also to be revealed is the frequent transfer of pastors and the tribal factor which have had a negative effect on the growth of the church. For the study, the descriptive method was used as the research design. In one aspect of carrying out the research, the Eastleigh church was diagrammed and in another the researcher quantified the population earmarked for the research. The tools employed to procure data were questionnaires (both structured and unstructured for four different kinds of respondents)personal interviews, the researcher's personal case history (having participated in the church for the past six years) and library resources. The observed causes of blocked growth are diagnosed and principles that will enhance growth are suggested. While calling the church to return to the ideals of Bible study, corporate prayer and evangelism, the researcher also suggests the "Integrative Multifarious Principle" which is a contextualized form of McGavran's Homogeneous Unit Principle as a method of carrying out evangelism and planting churches. This should enable pastors and the members to evangelize cross-culturally.Item Approaches used in Asian Evangelism in Nairobi(2014-05-09) Kiriga, Mwiranga GideonThe objective of this study was to investigate how churches and para-church organizations reaching out to Asians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Nairobi prepare and carry out evangelism and nurture converts, relating that to the resulting experiences. In order to achieve this, the researcher undertook an extensive review of related literature. Literature on with preparation for evangelism, methods of evangelism, follow-up and nurture of converts, and especially giving special attention to those written with an understanding of the context. It was a descriptive study that sought to discover the situation as it is and thus the researcher used open-ended questions more than closed-ended questions in much of the data collection. Three methods of data collection were used, i.e. questionnaires, interviews and participatory observation. A sample of twenty two (22) participants from five different churches were served with questionnaires, six pastors/evangelism team leaders interviewed, and the researcher personally participated in six outreach related activities organized by individual churches besides attending their Sunday services. The findings indicate that all the churches involved in Asian outreach do some form of preparation for evangelism but for most of them it is not sufficient. The methods used in evangelism are well chosen and appropriate to the targeted community. Some of the activities used for evangelism such as dinners and clubs are unique to this group as they are not characteristic of conventional approaches. It was clear that each approach bring about a different kind of response and consequently experiences that result. Where strong friendship relationship was established before hand, e.g. in neighborhood evangelism where a person reaches out to a neighbor he/she already knows, better results and experiences are achieved than when the gospel is presented to strangers or by strangers. When genuine conversion is achieved, discipleship is exciting as the converts are zealous to know more about God. Both new believers' classes and home fellowships or care groups are used to nurture the converts.Item Light on innovative approaches to youthwork in Nairobi(2014-05-08) Clyne, Iain Henry GeorgeThe need for appropriateness and relevance in youthwork practice is no less an issue in Nairobi than in any other place around the world. In the 34 years since independence, the city has undergone rapid change under the effect of modernity and now increasingly postmodernity. This has affected all strands of society, and particularly so the young people who constitute some 60% of the Kenyan populace. To maintain contact and relevance with these young people within their midst, and who are at the same time so vulnerable and sensitive to change, the church, which is so often slow to change, must be aware of their opinions and aspirations. From this information, the church should be encouraged to respond and develop in a fashion that does justice both to the teachings of Scripture and the nature of the culture. The record is clear that there has been much in the way of the by-passing, neglect and misrepresentation of young people in and by the church. Furthermore, given that 60% of the Kenyan population could be called young, and that statistically, the young years are those in which most people become Christians, a valid youth ministry is essential for the future of the church. Furthermore, it is dear that young people, who are in the forefront of development, can also help with the positive reorientation of entire communities in the face of change: they are definitely not the church of tomorrow. All the more so when these young people proceed deeply rooted in Christian values and beliefs. In face of this, there are still too many church leaders who are not prepared to develop, who are not reading the signs of the times. Simply, the church must be given data that will broaden their understanding of this situation, especially at a time when most of the literature in this field is from outside the country. The central instrument was that of a survey questionnaire that included open ended, structured and projective questions. Opinion was gathered from a body of young people and youth practitioners across the city of Nairobi. The research questions were generated from the researcher's existing perception of the youthwork situation, further networking and the literature review. The data, once collected was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively.Item Urban church planting strategies :a study of Nairobi Chapel's expansion to upper class communities in Nairobi(2014-04-22) Kiamu, Dave Gbayanminin BlawheenThe objective of this study was to find out the strategies of expansion used by Nairobi Chapel to plant churches in some upper class communities in Nairobi. In order to achieve this, the researcher undertook an extensive review of literature related to church planting strategies. It was a descriptive case study that sought to discover the situation as it is, and thus the researcher used open-ended questions more than closed-ended question in much of the data collection process. Two methods of data collection were used, i.e interviews and participant observation. A population of nine (9) respondents from three Nairobi Chapel related churches was interviewed, and the researcher personally attended and participated in worship services in the churches for a period of three months. The findings indicate that Nairobi Chapel is expanding in upper class communities in Nairobi because of well-chosen and appropriate strategies relevant to the targeted communities. Some of the strategies used for expansion such as small homogenous group activities and mother church influence are unique to this group as they are not characteristic of conventional strategies. It was clear that each strategy contributed to the way the church was expanding in the targeted communities in Nairobi. The findings reveal that young professionals and upper class people respond to the Gospel through peer group evangelism and through the ministries of vibrant old churches with good reputation than through strangers and new churches.Item An evaluation of the integrated approach used by the Redeemed Gospel Church Inc., Nairobi , to reach out to the poor in the slums(2014-04-17) Kioko, ShadrackThe purpose of this study was to understand and evaluate the specific approaches that are used by the Redeemed Gospel Church Inc. in her ministry approach towards the poor. The research was case study and data was gathered through questionnaires, interviews, access to church documents and a visit to the church ministry sites. Information from the church's website was also accessed he church. The first hypothesis was that the church has an integral approach to ministry. The second hypothesis was that lack of financial resources is a major challenge to integral ministry for this church. The researcher examined the church ministry practices in light of literature by scholars, theologians and ministry practitioners who have been calling for integral missions. Literature review served to offer a platform for evaluation by offering a framework for what integral missions entail. The findings revealed that approaches that are used by the church constitute an integral approach capable of bringing both spiritual and physical transformation of the poor. The poor are ministered to spiritually through the preaching and teaching of the word as well as through other spiritual activities like prayer. They are psychologically attended to in the education and training programs. There are other social welfare programs of the church to meet the social needs. A few of these programs include: the Savings and credit program, Emergency responses to disasters, Rehabilitation and other social activities like sports. Based on these findings recommendations are made for the church in Africa to embrace an integral approach and find appropriate means of overcoming the challenges before her by building institutional capacity.Item Samburu watchmen in Nairobi: who cares for them spiritually(2014-04-10)This study involved a particular people within the urban context who may be considered "hidden" because of their type of employment and maintained cultural identity. The target group is widely scattered in the city of Nairobi, Kenya, and live in the many slum areas or within the compounds in which they provide security. A qualitative study using focus groups of the Samburu watchmen was conducted throughout the city of Nairobi. Two hundred four Samburu watchmen were interviewed in twenty-three focus groups. A quantitative study, using a questionnaire, was completed by eleven leaders of different denominations ministering in Nairobi. Fifteen denominations were targeted for this part of the study because these churches have Gospel ministry in Samburu District in Kenya. From these two instruments came conclusions concerning the spiritual care of the Samburu watchmen in Nairobi. Information from the watchmen was gathered by using open-ended questions concerning their physical life and spiritual life in the Nairobi context. Close-ended questions in the church leaders' questionnaire provided the data for evaluation from the denominational aspect of this study. The Samburu watchmen in Nairobi are being reached by the Gospel according to the definition that we are using. From the church attendance figures of the target group (in both the urban and rural contexts) it has been shown that more than 20% consider themselves practicing Christians. The need for Samburu language outreach to these Samburu watchmen is evident in this study and further suggestions for ministry are made. Another important feature of this study is the finding that two of the eleven denominations do have focused ministry outreach to the Samburu watchmen in the city. The other nine denominations have not yet considered this since their ministry approach is to the whole people of the city. The application of this research could be multiplied to other unreached pastoralists, or homogeneous units within the African urban context. The concept of linking Christian ministries to the same people group in both the urban and rural contexts needs further consideration and research.