Approaches used in Asian Evangelism in Nairobi

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate how churches and para-church organizations reaching out to Asians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Nairobi prepare and carry out evangelism and nurture converts, relating that to the resulting experiences. In order to achieve this, the researcher undertook an extensive review of related literature. Literature on with preparation for evangelism, methods of evangelism, follow-up and nurture of converts, and especially giving special attention to those written with an understanding of the context. It was a descriptive study that sought to discover the situation as it is and thus the researcher used open-ended questions more than closed-ended questions in much of the data collection. Three methods of data collection were used, i.e. questionnaires, interviews and participatory observation. A sample of twenty two (22) participants from five different churches were served with questionnaires, six pastors/evangelism team leaders interviewed, and the researcher personally participated in six outreach related activities organized by individual churches besides attending their Sunday services. The findings indicate that all the churches involved in Asian outreach do some form of preparation for evangelism but for most of them it is not sufficient. The methods used in evangelism are well chosen and appropriate to the targeted community. Some of the activities used for evangelism such as dinners and clubs are unique to this group as they are not characteristic of conventional approaches. It was clear that each approach bring about a different kind of response and consequently experiences that result. Where strong friendship relationship was established before hand, e.g. in neighborhood evangelism where a person reaches out to a neighbor he/she already knows, better results and experiences are achieved than when the gospel is presented to strangers or by strangers. When genuine conversion is achieved, discipleship is exciting as the converts are zealous to know more about God. Both new believers' classes and home fellowships or care groups are used to nurture the converts.