The perception of middle aged Christian husbands on the effectiveness of the Christian husbands' fellowship at Bomani Africa Inland Church, Machakos

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the perception of the middle aged Christian husbands (between the age of 35 to 55) on the effectiveness of the Christian Husbands' Fellowship (Ushirika wa Wanaume Wakristo) at African Inland church, Bomani, Machakos in providing their spiritual nurture. ; The data were collected through six interviews through which the researcher himself was the primary instrument. I prepared semi-structured interview questions (Appendix B & C). I interviewed six husbands whose church membership at AIC Bomani was more than five years. I finally analyzed the data I collected. Middle aged Christian husbands at AIC Bomani expressed their desire to know God, to know God's Word, to serve God, to worship God, to grow in their Christian faith, to care for their young families and to obey God. The Christian Husbands' Fellowship at AIC Bomani was expected to reach all husbands who were members of the local church and provide them with their spiritual nurture. However, a few husbands had turned up to join the Fellowship since it was formed seven years ago. The researcher discovered that CHF is effective to some degree and not effective to some degree in providing spiritual nurture to middle aged Christian husbands at AIC Bomani. Christian Husbands' Fellowship, according to the findings of the study seemed to include some middle-aged husbands in the church and exclude others in providing spiritual nurture. The prominent element that seemed to divide the efficiency of CHF was singing. The middle aged husbands at AIC Bomani who are not members of CHF perceived singing to be the significant programmatic element that 'defined' the group. At the same time middle aged husbands whose membership in CHF is active seemed to be comfortable with singing. Emphasis on singing, therefore, seemed to be an element that needs to be balanced in the whole program. God expects Christian husbands to be provided with spiritual nurture. He inspired several people to write the Scripture so that men could be taught. Men, especially husbands, are responsible members of their community. They are husbands, fathers, and religious or political leaders in their community. The significant role they play in society requires Christian teaching to enable them live and serve in the manner worthy of their calling. CHF in its endeavor of providing spiritual nurture to middle aged Christian husbands is challenged to develop a comprehensive program that would encompass various programmatic elements to be able to provide the spiritual nurture of middle aged Christian husbands at AIC Bomani.