The impact of organizational development program on the nationalization process in Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya from 1997 to 2007

Abstract

This research seeks to investigate the impact of Organizational Development (OD) program on the nationalization process of Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (F.P.F.K) from a missionary led Church organization to a national led Church from 1997 to 2007. Specifically it seeks to investigate the impact OD program has created on national leadership in F.P.F.K, find out whether through OD nationalization process has been achieved, and if the national leaders have embraced the changes produced as result of the OD program The results of this research show that OD program is successful in the nationalization process of F.P.F .K.The mission and vision of the organization has been understood by the leaders at the national level. The policies and manuals have been formulated and implemented at the national level and that leaders at the national level have been positive about the changes introduced as a result of the OD program. A sense of national identity has been created and the church has become an active partner in the civil society. However, the challenge with the structure of the organization is that it does not give leadership authority to individual leaders. Leaders have understood their responsibilities without depending on the former missionaries. They have taken firm control of running the organization and their presence is felt throughout the organization. The capacity of the national leaders has been built through different trainings offered through OD, which has made them achieve management skills in running the organization. This is a positive development in F.P.F.K. Based on these findings, it is necessary that any nationalization process be initiated early to prepare the leaders for hand over before the expatriates leave. OD should be an ongoing process in the organization so that leaders are developed and equipped without waiting until the time for hand over is ripe. Since running an OD process requires a lot of finances, the churches should be sensitized to start development accounts which can be used in the training of leaders. Emphasis should be made in all congregations so that they may continually contribute to this account and be willing to send more leaders for the training. In addition partners from the overseas should not withdraw their funding quickly as soon as they hand over leadership to the locals but they should do it gradually.