how self-disclosure factors affect interpersonal relationships and church growth

Abstract

Interpersonal relationships form a basis for growth in any given social gathering. This entire project is an investigation on how self-disclosure affects interpersonal relationships as a tool for church growth, focusing on members of the congregation and their pastors in CITAM Valley Road. Self-disclosure, which is generally perceived to lead to broken relationships if not well governed within the spheres of a healthy relationship, is unavoidable in any interpersonal relationship. How then does self disclosure in interpersonal relationships between a pastor and members of the congregation affect church growth? This project consists of the following components: The first chapter is on the description of the thesis, the purpose, the personal significance as well as the objectives. The second chapter gives the literature review on how interpersonal relationships affect church growth and interacts with the objectives of the research, digging deeper into what other scholars have said on this matter. The data was collected through guided face-to-face questionnaires and interviews where it is proved that self-disclosure affects interpersonal relationships which in turn affect church’s numerical growth. The research found out that congregants to a greater extend attend the church only if they have a stronger and healthier interpersonal relationships with their pastors. Pastors also enjoy serving in congregations where they have developed healthy interpersonal relationships. These relationships are greatly affected by self-disclosure. Therefore, this study proposes intentional development and nurture of healthy interpersonal relationships through self-disclosure between pastors and congregants, as an effective tool for church growth, and especially to church planters and missionaries. The study recommends structures in the church to help congregants have healthy relationships with their pastors so that they are able to self-disclose without fear. The thesis ends with references used as well as the relevant appendices.