An investigation into the strategies of the Nairobi Baptist Church on reaching the urban upper class

Abstract

The fourfold purpose of this study was: 1) to discover the ministry philosophy of the Nairobi Baptist Church (NBC) towards the urban upper class (UUC) , 2) to identify the strategies that are being used by NBC to reach the uue, 3) to know the factors that help to attract the UUC to NBC, 4) to find out the ministries for which the converted members of the UUC are being equipped at NBC and those in which they are being involved. This was conducted among the members of the leading team of the above Church. To gather the data concerning this topic, the researcher proceeded by composing five categories of research questions, interacting with some of the respondents and making a personal observation in the research field. Sixty-seven members from the Church Boards and the elders made the population t.o which wa s administered the questionnaire to fill out and fifty responded. Findings of this study have shown that: (1) It is not haphazardly that the UUC are being won through various ministries of NBC. Rather, there is a preconceived project with a determination to include this social class in the NBC's outreach ministries. i

ii (2) There are specific strategies in use by NBC to reach the UUC. The six following strategies were found to be the most used: home Bible study, personal evangelism, reaching the UUC's children, invitations to special events, recreational clubs, and pUlpit ministry. The following five were found to be the most effective: home Bible study, personal evangelism, pulpit ministry, invitation to special events and reaching the UUC's children. (3) There are various important factors that help to attract and maintain the UUC at NBC. (4) NBC equips also the converted members of the UUC for Christian ministries. (5) The UUC are being involved in various Christian ministries within and outside the Church according to their gifts. (6) New comers with various gifts are being selected and given responsibilities in the Church's activities. (7) There is a need of working in partnership with other churches to reach the UUC through some delicate methods such as banquets in top hotels. (8) There is also a need to expand the actual Church building if the growth rate of attendants keeps the current rhythm.