A study into the Factors Inhibiting the Development of Missionary Vision in CECA-20, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The present study was intended to find out the factors inhibiting the development of missionary vision in CECA-20, Democratic Republic of Congo. In this descriptive research, the church leadership in CECA-20 was the target population. A sample was drawn from Aru District and Bunia Section. Church council members were interviewed in fifteen selected local churches. Twenty-five denominational leaders were sent a questionnaire, of which only two did not return. The findings revealed that the basic hindrance to missionary vision in CECA- 20 is the leadership style of the church. The centralization of the church leadership stifles the zeal and initiatives of local congregations ofbelievers. Pastors in local churches seem to be carrying the work alone. The findings also reveal that there is an absence of expository teaching of the word of God in local churches being studied. Pastors lack information on unreached people and cross-cultural outreach. Based on these findings, there is great need for decentralizing the church leadership in CECA-20, by a return to the biblical leadership pattern. Church members need to be made disciples in order for them" to do the work of God and build up the church". Biblical teaching of the whole counsel of God must be urgently provided to believers. The training programs for pastors must consider the aforementioned factors. There is need also to research significant areas of the church in CECA-20 to open the church to worldwide missions.