An Evaluation of the Strategies of Mission to the Urban Poor by Nairobi Pentecostal Church-Central, in the Light of Luke-Acts /

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the strategies of the mission to the urban poor by the Nairobi Pentecostal Church(NPC)-Central in the light of the concept of poverty in Luke-Acts. In order to achieve this purpose, an extensive review of related literature on the concept of poverty in Luke-Acts was carried out. This dealt with the practices of Jesus, his disciples and the early church in their ministry to the poor among them.Data was collected by means of interviews, questionnaires and written records. The principles of the mission to the poor by Jesus, his disciples and the early church as gleaned from Luke-Acts were used as the criteria for judgement. The views of the leadership, mission policy, strategies and programs of the church towards the urban poor were used as items of evaluation. The research indicated some significant findings: 1. The views of the leadership and the current strategies of the church towards the urban poor were found to be conceptually in line with the biblical insights gleaned from Luke-Acts. 2. The mission policy and strategies of the church towards the poor did not adequately and comprehensively deal with the issue of poverty in the same way that Jesus, his disciples and the early church dealt with poverty. 3. The church has a great potential, with many resources, which the leadership can mobilize fora more effective and holistic ministry to the poor in the city of Nairobi.The conclusions were recommendations for mission mobilization, leadership commitment to gospel ideals, program development in the church and for further research:l. Regardless of the focus of the church, ministry to the urban poor is central to the mandate of the urban church and hence there should be deliberate planning, training and leadership development for mobilization of all possible resources within the church for a holistic ministry to the urban poor. 2 The Nairobi Pentecostal Church-Central, while not losing its focus to reach the elite members of the society, should network and partner with the various stakeholders for partnership in meeting the needs of the urban poor. 3 There is need for further research to establish how the church members, while meeting their needs in a holistic manner, can best be mobilized for ministry to the urban poor.