A study of the factors that prevent church leaders from implementing theological education by extension in the A.C.K. MT. Kenya Central Diocese

Abstract

TEE is a theological education program where the content, motives and skills are based on the Bible and theology. Students attain new attitude and knowledge and improve their ministry skills. It is extension education because training programs are brought to where the people are. Nevertheless, it has been verified that this enterprise has not penetrated to many of our churches due to several factors. A research done at the A.c.K. Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central verified that the key factors impending the establishment and expansion of TEE work in many of our churches include: ignorance, apathy or indifference, negative attitude towards education, poverty, lack of established TEE leadership and administrative structures, lack of proper time planning, unclear perception of the roles of the vicar, the group leader and the coordinator and failure to recognize the importance of certificates. For this reason, continuous TEE awareness campaigns, thorough periodical bulletins and visits by the coordinator can enlighten the people about TEE. Secondly, the curriculum should be flexible so as to attract a variety of students especially those in the teaching profession. Also, the Christians ought to be enlightened on the importance of education. We should promote literacy from all fronts. Equally important is decentralization of TEE administrative structures. Similarly, the coordinator should ensure that students get the learning materials and certificates on time. Finally, TEE should be established as a continuous training program with advancement opportunities where students get certificates from recognized theological institutions.