An evaluation of the integrated approach used by the Redeemed Gospel Church Inc., Nairobi , to reach out to the poor in the slums

Abstract

The 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.