An examination of attitudes and factors influencing usage of internet for evangelism in Nairobi: a case study of Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology

Abstract

This was a descriptive study done as a case study of Nairobi Evangelical Graduate school of Theology (NEGST) to examine the perception of attitudes and factors influencing usage of Internet for evangelism in Nairobi. As a case study, NEGST provided an appropriate place to capture some insights from faculty members and students, who are a representative sample of the leaders of churches and ministries in Africa and other parts of the world. The insights could be used as a relevant reference document containing valuable guidelines that could suggest ways to help other ministries in the same category as NEGST to harness internet for use in communicating the gospel to non-believers. This study assumes Internet is one of those new skills which can offer an exciting new opportunity for evangelism as it has become a part of everyday life for millions of people around the world. The target population of this study was all post graduate students from evangelical theological schools in Nairobi. The accessible population however was tile faculty and students of NEGST. Most of the information was gathered by use of a questionnaire; however some information was obtained by personal interview with a web designer in Nairobi. Among the major findings in this study were: The NEGST faculty and students have computer skills to use internet however they lack the techniques of using the same for evangelism. This contributed to a great number of them indicating an undecided perception as they were not sure whether it was an appropriate tool to use. Secondly, the perception of attitude towards use of internet for evangelism is dependent on the role of the respondent (faculty member or a student). Thirdly, gender and level of education at entry would influence the perception of attitude whereas other socio-economic factors like the size of family, the age pattern, level of income and marital status would not affect. The disparity in the socio-economic factors is a major characteristic of the NEGST community. This scenario would offer a great opportunity for harnessing and using Internet for evangelism. In light of the above findings the researcher recommends that the NEGST faculty and students be exposed to the skills of using internet for evangelism to make them more effective fishers of men. The researches further challenges and recommends the faculty members and students of NEGST to encourage their churches and ministries launch websites with evangelistic and apologetic messages to non-Christians. The researcher suggests that this tool of internet is being redeemed it is not to replace the other traditional methods but they can be used in tandem or where situation demands. The researcher recommends further research on the same topic but on a church set up. The church set up is expected to come up with more insights which could not have been captured in this study.