Theses and Dissertations

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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.
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    The holistic impact of chaplaincy in Kenyan secondary schools : a case study of Kyanguli Memorial Secondary School
    (2014-04-16) Nyamai, Dinah Katindi
    The objective of this study was to investigate the holistic impact of chaplaincy in Kenyan secondary schools. In order to achieve this purpose research was carried out with Kyanguli Memorial secondary school as a case study. Data was collected primarily through interviews with intentionally chosen staff and students using an interview guide. More data was also collected through observation and document review. The research investigated the methods used by the school chaplain to develop the school community holistically, types of unruly behaviors found in the school, effectiveness of chaplaincy services and the marks of holistic development in the school. The research emphasized that the function of chaplaincy in schools was to help students and staff to realize their potentials, so as to mould their own personality and future. Every individual properly assisted by a chaplain can grow to be a wellrounded person by accepting responsibility and taking personal initiative. The study alluded that chaplaincy work was to support, sustain and encourage each individual towards personal holistic development. This study also showed that chaplaincy office needed to be supported by the school community, the church and the government through the Ministry of Education. The study called for co-responsibility in promotion of personal growth and maturity of students and staff in the Kenyan secondary schools. However each individual staff and student must put up with the hard facts of life, and constantly endeavor to improve by putting together his or her potentialities to mould a satisfactory and successful future. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for secondary schools, church, institutions of higher theological education and the Ministry of Education. Recommendations were given to the church and higher institutions of theological learning to consider training chaplains to effectively facilitate holistic nurture and holistic development in secondary schools. Recommendations were also given to secondary schools to endeavor to integrate academic learning with spiritual nurture.
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    Factors that hinder a holistic urban ministry within Christ is the answer ministries (CITAM)
    (2013-08-20) Otsyula, Ruth
    The objective of this study was to identify factors that hinder a holistic urban ministry within Christ Is the Answer Ministry (referred to as CITAM). Authorization to carry out this research was granted by CITAM and the research for this study was limited to CITAMs six branches within Nairobi namely NPC Parklands, Buruburu, Thika Road, Valley Road, Karen and Woodley. To accomplish this, literature review of related topics was carried out and is discussed in Chapter 2. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews, surveys using questionnaire, participant observation and other written records from CITAM. The research findings revealed: Firstly, that CITAM is not providing a holistic urban ministry because they have limited their church ministry primarily to an audience that is English speaking among the urban population and hence excluding non English speakers. Those that benefit mostly adhere to the membership policy of CITAM namely being born again, baptized by emersion, becoming members of CITAM and adhering to sound doctrinal teaching at CITAM. However, other categories outside of this scope can benefit through their outreach, mission ministries, partnership or other affiliation. Secondly, although CITAM’s goal for their church is for a ministry approach that is holistic because they seek to reach out to the whole person with the life changing Gospel, this research found that CITAM has not been successful in doing this because there are many factors that hinder a holistic urban ministry at CITAM that range from attitudes of the members and congregation to financial limitations, administrative structures and others. For example, this research found out that the bulk of the pastors are not trained specifically in urban ministry and such limitations directly affect the performance of a holistic urban ministry at CITAM. CITAM thus provides selective urban ministries for the youth, children and adults based on the needs of the church and availability of finances among others. Thirdly, that CITAM continues to increase their urban ministries according to the needs that arise at the branch level (needs approach) in response to church development’s and hence are not limited by their 10 year strategic plan of 2007-2016. For example old and new assemblies continue to provide ministries that benefit their members and the neighbourhood in a unique way and different from other branches. The research findings are useful for drawing up strategies and policies for holistic urban ministry at CITAM and urban based churches. Appropriate recommendations are provided for enhancing and improving the holistic urban ministry.