Student perceptions of relevance of Master of Arts studies in training for ministry at Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the student perception of the relevance of MA studies in training for ministry at Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. It was a descriptive study, which was carried out using opinion of students as the basis of investigation. The study also inquired into the factors that may be responsible for student perception of relevance of MA studies. The data collection involved the use of a questionnaire which had both open ended and closed-ended questions. The closed-ended questions were developed using the Likert Scale of Summated Ratings to determine student opinion. The instrument was administered personally to 20 MA second-year regular students. To test the hypotheses, the Chi-Square Test of Independence was the statistical instrument used to determine the relationships. The focus was to investigate student perception of relevance, because it is assumed that students enroll for study at NEGST to become better servants in their institutions. Therefore, this research allowed students to take part in evaluating the extent to which graduate programs at NEGST are relevant, in light of the ministerial tasks lying ahead of them. The study then revealed which skills are relevant for which ministry. This information may help curriculum developers to ascertain what to change and what to maintain for the benefit of the African church. Finally, the study revealed factors influencing the perception of students vis a vis the usefulness for ministry of their academic program. The results of this study show that the majority of the students perceived MA programs as highly relevant for various ministerial tasks. The trend was generally the same regardless of the students' different programs of study, prior ministerial experiences, and anticipated future ministries. In light of all the factors that were thought to influence student perception, results showed that students perceived the MA programs as highly relevant, despite the factors raised in the literature. It was therefore recommended that (1) NEGST should keep a good check on the emerging ever-changing needs of the local African church and continue to design courses that can provide the skills for the graduates to be able to continue addressing the needs. (2) NEGST may not necessarily base student recruitment on ministerial experience, or anticipated future ministry. (3) NEGST should create more learning opportunities targeting the development of spiritual skills, which were perceived relatively inadequate. Some of the possible options would include: Sunday vesper service involving all students, departmental Bible studies, strengthening the existing chapel services and field ministries program, and making spiritual formation and development courses compulsory for all students.