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" An evaluation of the Evangelical Church of Kenya's discipleship methodologies utilized in selected urban centers "
Fredrick C. Mangeni
W. Brown
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Latin Dissertation
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| Language of Document
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English
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| Record Number
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52625
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| Doc. No
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TL22579
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| Call number
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1440257
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| Main Entry
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Fredrick C. Mangeni
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| Title & Author
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An evaluation of the Evangelical Church of Kenya's discipleship methodologies utilized in selected urban centers\ Fredrick C. Mangeni
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| College
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Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
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| Date
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2006
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| Degree
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Th.M.
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2006
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| Page No
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128
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| Abstract
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An evaluation of the Evangelical Church of Kenya's discipleship methodologies utilized in selected urban centers is developed from the concern that the church witnessed a growth explosion from 1985 to 1995, which was then followed by a period of decline. This research examines the factors that contributed significantly to the growth of the church then and the causes of the subsequent decline which has continued to this day, particularly in the urban areas. The research is based upon the three major concerns which naturally arise in this discussion. The first concern is the means by which Christianity has grown in Kenya and the challenges that the church must address immediately in order to disciple the cities more effectively. The second concern questions how have the traditional methodologies and strategies for evangelism and discipleship been effective in discipling the city in this era. The third concern asks whether the growth of the church corresponds with transformed lives of believers that mirror the true disciples of Christ as revealed in the Scripture. The introductory section of this research presents the background material, which mentions various issues that are crucial to one's understanding of this study and points to the significance of this research. The first chapter of this thesis examines the historical development of Christianity in Kenya, taking note of the various socio-political, economic, and religious factors that have contributed to the massive growth of Christianity in Kenya. The research also takes note of the spiritual component that has played a key role in laying the foundation upon which the growth of various churches operating in urban and rural areas can be explained. Chapter 2 focuses on the Evangelical Church of Kenya and the methods and policies employed as it endeavors to evangelize the urban dwellers. It also addresses the period from 1985 to 1995 when the church was successful in its expansion to other regions of Kenya, and the subsequent decline during the period from 1995 to 2005. Chapter 3 examines the challenges facing the church in African urban centers. The research examines how urbanization, secularism, Islam, and African Traditional Religion are posing a threat to discipleship efforts in major cities of Kenya. Chapter 4 deals with the role of evangelism and discipleship in urban mission. Here, the writer argues that the multiplication of churches is important. However, priority should be placed on discipling members by developing congregations throughout the cities and the suburbs of Nairobi and Mombasa. In order to penetrate the urban communities with the gospel, a biblical strategy is necessary, addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of urban dwellers. The study invites all the churches and church planting practitioners to devote their concerted effort to research the city in order to develop an appropriate strategy by which the city can be evangelized more effectively than ever before. Chapter 5 offers a conclusion and a proposal that the writer provides for implementing the research into the evangelical church's urban ministry by suggesting various ways in which the church can be more effective in reaching the urban dweller. This section also suggests alternative ways in which the church can develop a financial base through encouraging the self-governing, self-supporting, self-propagating, and self-theologizing principles that would help it to become independent and thus serve the parishioners well both in the city and countryside. This writer hopes that the following research will give momentum to the evangelical church pastors and missionaries to focus their noble effort on discipling the believers, mobilizing the laity for ministry through leadership training, and deploying them into the church related ministries. This writer seeks to contribute significantly to the growth of the kingdom through the following research so that God may receive the glory and honor.
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| Subject
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Philosophy, religion and theology; Social sciences; Religious congregations; African history; Theology; 0330:Religious congregations; 0331:African history; 0469:Theology
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W. Brown
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Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
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