The members’ perception of adult discipleship in Nairobi Pentecostal church Buruburu

Abstract

The study sought to find out the factors contributing to low enrollment into the discipleship program, from the perspective of adults in the discipleship program of NPC Buruburu. The research revealed that in realizing the vision and the set goals for the church, adult discipleship program is very important. To carry out this research the researcher used qualitative research method, and interviewed fifteen registered members from NPC Buruburu. In addressing the central research questions, as to why the total number of registered members in the church is not reflected in the number of people who enroll for the discipleship class, the researcher critically analyzed the data and came up with five factors that have affected the enrollment of adult discipleship at NPC Buruburu. The researcher established the following factors that contributed to low enrollment of members into the adult discipleship program; lack of awareness of the program, poor planning, location where the program is held, curriculum issues, and age disparity. Based on these findings, recommendations were made that would address the running of the adult discipleship program. The church, therefore, needs to make it a priority in creating awareness to all her members about the importance of adult discipleship program. The program should be put in the bulletin, and the bulletin be issued to all members in every meeting of the church. For learning to take place, the environment must be conducive, apart from relocating the class. The program should also run concurrently with all the three services that take place each Sunday morning, according to the NPC Buruburu program. In regards to age disparity, the facilitators of the program should consider the age difference when grouping the members into various groups, or put them in different classrooms, depending on their age-groups. This research also recommends that the church re-evaluates the material for the program, and shorten the duration so that more members can be motivated to enroll into the program. There are also other materials on discipleship which take a shorter time, and very relevant.