An Examination of factors Affecting Church Growth of Good News Africa Gospel Church in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The study stemmed from the need to understand the factors that have hindered quantitative church growth at Good News Africa Gospel Church (GNAGC) despite its location in a densely populated area in Nairobi. It became apparent that the results of such an undertaking would provide both theoretical and practical platform for the development of sound mission strategies that would cause the church to advance towards God's intention for it. There are abundant literature that covers church growth phenomenon and principles pertinent to the biblical and practical ways that deal with churches. However, recent African scholarships have paid little attention to church growth phenomenon irrespective of increasing challenges that several churches are experiencing especially in fast growing cities in Africa. The 35 participants interviewed in the study were drawn from the GNAGC and other churches where former members of GNAGC fellowship on Sunday. Frequency tables and cross-tabulation were generated using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Software application in order to provide deep insights of the variables under investigation. The findings of the study have shown that the GNAGC was not growing quantitatively as the church expected because of problems related to lack of commitment by church leaders particularly in the area of evangelism. It was concluded that GNAGC was not growing quantitatively. This conclusion paved way for recommendations that appeal to the need for church leadership to come up with programs that will foster togetherness and team work in the church for effective communication and common vision.