Abstract:
The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop theory about meeting
spiritual nurture needs of the hearing impaired. Two congregations of the hearing
impaired in Nairobi were used. The study incorporated interviews with ten members of
the two congregations under study as well as several site observations. Three video
documentaries were also used.
A three-element phenomenon was ascertained. The first was studying the
culture of the Deaf Community to be familiar with it, accept the deaf in their culture
and be sensitive to it as one endeavors to nurture the deaf spiritually. The second
element was communication issues. The deaf only communicate effectively in their
local sign language. Sign language could also be supplemented with interpretation, lip
reading, and the written page. The communication of the Christian message in the deaf
language led to spiritual growth. The third element was deaf fellowships which
participants included deaf churches, children and youth fellowships, school ministry
and other deaf forums in which the deaf met for spiritual nurture. The deaf fellowships
required deaf leadership in form of deaf pastors, evangelists and other deaf church
workers. This ensured conducting of spiritual nurture programs in the deaf language
and culture.
A visual model of the entire process of meeting spiritual nurture needs was
advanced. Suggestions were made to facilitate meeting of spiritual nurture needs of the
hearing impaired.
