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Recent Submissions
An assessment of members' perception and attitude towards polygamous converts in Seventh-day Adventist Church Oyo Conference, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-03) Osagunna, Isaac Oluwafemi Ayodeji
Polygamy has been a significant issue in the Western part of Nigeria since the missionaries introduced the Gospel to this region. Polygamous marriage has been a contentious subject, with early missionaries sharing similar approaches to polygamy. This thesis sought to examine the perception and attitude towards polygamous converts among members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Oyo Conference, Nigeria. The thesis focuses on the Biblical understanding of polygamy as it affects the church today, investigating whether polygamous converts should be baptized, accepted into the church, and allowed to partake in the ordinance of Holy Communion.
Additionally, this thesis seeks to uncover the factors encouraging polygamy, the impacts of polygamous practices on an individual’s sensibilities, and their relation to SDA Church policy and practices. The research adopted the religio-cultural principle and the general Biblical interpretation technique to examine polygamy in Africa, as well as the teachings and principles of the SDA Church. The study used members’ responses on polygamy to gather the necessary information for the thesis.
In the first chapter, the thesis considers various backgrounds, objectives, purposes, problem statements, significance, limitations, and methods related to polygamy. The second chapter reviews the literature and the Biblical perspective on polygamy, discussing the factors that lead to polygamy, church attitudes and principles concerning polygamy, and Ellen G. White's comments on the topic. The third chapter addresses various Biblical canons related to marital togetherness and polygamous marriage principles. It examines the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) principles on polygamy, considering whether they align with Biblical teachings. It also considers the Biblical standards, theological beliefs, and church positions on polygamous marriage, both in the present and the past. The chapter traces and analyzes polygamous practices in the Bible, focusing on characters such as Lamech, Abraham, Esau, Jacob, Elkanah, Gideon, Rehoboam, Jehoram, Joash, David, and Solomon. The background of the SDA Church in Oyo Conference and polygamous marriage in Yoruba land is also considered. The fourth chapter analyzes the questionnaires and interviews from the respondents.
This research also examines the attitudes of members in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Oyo Conference towards polygamy and the erroneous beliefs held by some members that polygamous marriage is unbiblical, sinful, immoral, erroneous, and devilish. The research further explores the Biblical principles regarding whether polygamous individuals should be baptized and allowed to partake in the ordinance of foot washing and Holy Communion. The study investigates the consequences of polygamous marriage as related to people’s perceptions and attitudes according to SDA Church policy and practice.
Overall, the research utilizes a descriptive analysis research design, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The target population is three thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight (3,928) church members, ten (10) polygamous converts, ten (10) pastors, and five (5) Executive Directors. A sample size of three hundred and seventy (370) respondents was used, consisting of three hundred and forty (340) church members, five (5) polygamous converts, fifteen (15) elders, five (5) pastors, and five (5) Executive Directors. Data were collected from the field using interviews and researcher-administered surveys or questionnaires. A simple random sampling method was used to select the respondents, including the five (5) pastors, fifteen (15) elders, and five (5) Executive Directors of the conference.
Furthermore, the research concludes that polygamous converts deserve better treatment. They should be baptized and allowed to partake in the ordinance of foot washing and Holy Communion. As indicated in the findings, the research observes that the Bible is silent on polygamous marriage, and negative attitudes towards polygamous converts should be eliminated among the members. The study recommends that members of the SDA Church Oyo Conference should comply with the principle that polygamous converts should not be denied baptism and Holy Communion. The research advocates that the SDA Church Oyo Conference in Nigeria should accept polygamous converts and not deny them membership through baptism.
An analysis of the concept of discipleship in the book of Deuteronomy
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-04) Oladosu, Opeyemi Tunbosun
The Old Testament discipleship theme is entrenched and expressed in covenantal terms. However, studies on discipleship in the Old Testament have been scarce. This happens because of the assumption that the Old Testament has little or no contribution to the theme of discipleship and the presumed absence of the discipleship terms in the Old Testament canon. This research studied some theological dictionaries, encyclopedia entries, and Old Testament literature. This helped to examine the previous studies relating to the concept of discipleship in the Old Testament. From this literature, it was observed that the Old Testament canon has not been fully engaged in the discussion on discipleship.
Consequently, this dissertation analyzed how the concept of discipleship is developed throughout the book of Deuteronomy and examined its contributions to the development and understanding of biblical discipleship. To achieve this, the discipleship language in both the Old and New Testaments were examined to extract the discipleship terms and themes in both Testaments. By employing the Qualitative Content Analysis method, a coding frame was developed and applied in analyzing the entire book of Deuteronomy.
Findings revealed that the foundation of Old Testament discipleship is the covenant, where God initiates a relationship with Israel, calling them into his divine plan of salvation. The covenant people, who are Yahweh’s disciples, are called to learn and teach Yahweh’s ways, making sure that God’s instructions are transmitted through generations. This learning brings about a commitment to obey and keep their Master’s commandments, manifesting faithfulness to his will. As they grow in obedience, it results in walking after and following Yahweh, harmonizing their lives with his will. This faithful walk affirms their membership and election, revealing that they are chosen by grace and set apart as the LORD’s people. This status confers on them a profound sense of responsibility to fear God, which means living in reverence and awe of God’s holiness, guiding every aspect of life.
Consequently, the fear of God leads to worship, as covenant people respond to God’s faithfulness with adoration and devotion. True worship propels love for the LORD and others, as obedience is expressed via unswerving affection. This love strengthens fellowship and encourages one another in faith. As the community grows in love and obedience, they begin and continue to bear witness, proclaiming Yahweh’s truth to the world around them. In this way, discipleship becomes a ceaseless, interconnected journey where each item strengthens the other, establishing a complete and faithful walk with God.
The study further showed that mission and discipleship are interrelated. Yahweh’s plan involves his followers playing active parts in his mission to redeem and restore the fallen creation. Hence, he called them into a life of service. The book of Deuteronomy thus serves as a practical guide for Yahweh’s disciples. The covenantal principles derived from the book present deep perceptions of how individuals and communities can incorporate and communicate Yahweh’s redemptive purposes to the world. Also, training individuals to know and live out Yahweh’s covenant equips them to participate in his mission. Apart from teaching, other strategies include living out the covenant faithfulness, following or walking after God, promoting love and worship, building strong communities, and keeping God’s commandments. So, the covenant relationship is not only about personal faithfulness but also people bearing witness to Yahweh’s glory among the nations.
The research concluded that the book of Deuteronomy contributes to the understanding and development of the concept of discipleship not only in the Old Testament but also in the New Testament. Therefore, the lexical terms and themes of discipleship found in every structure of the book of Deuteronomy should guide modern disciples of Christ in their relationship with him and help them understand what it requires to be a genuine disciple.
Investigating staff turnover at Babcock University and its implication for chaplaincy services
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-03) Oluwaseun Olabode Oladini
The main aim of the study was to find out the factors affecting staff turnover in Babcock University and to determine what role chaplaincy services can play in the mitigation of this negative trend (high staff turnover). The main objective of the study was to find out the causes of high staff turnover in Babcock University and the role—if any—of chaplains and chaplaincy services in mitigating this negative trend in the institution. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from the specified population of 590 regular staff of Babcock University. Using the normal approximation to the hypergeometric distribution formula, the sample size for the study was found to be 233 respondents. The questionnaire was the main data collection tool for this research study. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics. The data analysis tools included simple tabulations and presentations of the report using spreadsheets and the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Data was analyzed using quantitative methods, and presentation of data was in the form of tables. The findings show that the three most significant factors affecting staff turnover in Babcock University are personal issues of individual employees (M = 3.34; SD = 0.71), the need for career advancement (M = 3.32; SD = 0.66), and better job opportunities elsewhere (M = 3.18; SD = 0.62). Other factors affecting turnover are personal commitment to the goals and objectives of the organization, financial renumeration, job satisfaction, and interpersonal issues in the workplace. The study concluded that, whereas the more significant factors affecting staff turnover in the institution cannot be controlled by the administration, other factors such as interpersonal conflicts within the workforce, stress and tension in the workplace, personal/family challenges, issues between employees and the management that also affect the rate of staff turnover can be dealt with by improving and instrumentalizing chaplaincy services on campus. The study recommends that the university administration work closely and intentionally with the workplace chaplains on campus to ensure a peaceful and tension-free workplace that employees enjoy and can work in without constantly battling negative emotions that destroy productivity and give rise to increase in staff turnover.
A training program for effective discipleship of lay leaders in the greater Uppen Nile Field, South Sudan
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-03) Odolopre, Mark Igga Mona
There were very few trained and qualified pastors in the Greater Upper Nile Field (GUNF) who could effectively minister to the spiritual and pastoral needs of church members. As a result, the burden of leadership and care fell on lay leaders who lacked formal training in both pastoral responsibilities and discipleship ministry. This lack of preparation led to several challenges within the churches, including the passive involvement of members in evangelism, inadequate nurturing of new believers, and weak organizational leadership in local congregations. Consequently, the overall spiritual growth, vitality, and outreach effectiveness of the churches suffered.
In response to this need, this research project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate a training program specifically tailored to equip lay leaders for effective discipleship ministry. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Focus group interviews were conducted to assess the current situation and challenges faced by lay leaders, while questionnaires were used to evaluate the outcomes of the training program. The findings revealed that both lay leaders and church members in the Bentiu District of GUNF urgently needed structured training in discipleship to improve leadership capacity and enhance ministry effectiveness.
The training program was carried out for 29 selected lay leaders representing 10 churches in the Bentiu District. The curriculum of the training emphasized that discipleship is not only biblical and church-sanctioned, but also transformational, rational, relational, and inherently missional. The program provided the participants with essential skills and knowledge to lead effective discipleship efforts within their local churches. Upon completion, several of the trained leaders were able to replicate the program in their respective congregations, leading to increased engagement in evangelism, improved spiritual growth, and broader participation of youth and women in church life.
This study concludes that targeted training in discipleship has a significant positive impact on local church leadership and member engagement. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of expanding similar training efforts to other districts within the Greater Upper Nile Field. The findings underscore the strategic role that well-equipped lay leaders can play in advancing the mission of the church, particularly in regions where ordained pastors are scarce.
An assessment of factors mitigating against chaplaincy services in Adventist Hospital Ile-Ife of Osun State, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-02) Odedeji, Gabriel Olasupo
In achieving the mission of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, the church adopts healthcare and spiritual care for patient, patient relatives and clinical staff. The SDA Hospital, Ile-Ife is widely known as a result of the work of Dr. Madgwick who was the health secretary of the general conference at the time, who came to Nigeria in 1939 to conduct a feasibility study to determine an appropriate location for the anticipated medical institution. The SDA hospital at Ile-Ife was foremost healthcare facility established by the church for members of community at large. It at a time cover the space of whole Nigeria as patient comes from all over the regions of Nigeria to access medical care, especially members of the church. In order to achieve its goal, Spiritual work and healthcare have been adopted side by side. With the improvement of healthcare, there is a necessity for professional pastoral caregiving in the hospital.
The case in the SDA Hospital at Ile-Ife is unique. The church and hospital management sees the vacuum of needing pastoral caregiver identified as a chaplain which steps were taken to address the need. But it’s not been optimally used because it's sometimes limited to conventional ways of ministry, prayer and devotion, hereby, making it just a "fill in the gap" ministry. Pastors without chaplaincy experience or having undergone clinical pastoral education were posted by the conference to serve as chaplains without formal training. Other aspects of care have been left to the expertise of the medical workers. This call for assessment of healthcare chaplain to identify factors that could be mitigating against chaplaincy services in providing whole person care in the recovery of patients in the hospital.
To attain the findings of the research, literature was widely consulted on professional healthcare chaplaincy which presented rise to the qualitative approach in the research. Research questions were intended to determine the factors mitigating against chaplaincy services in SDA Ile Ife.
Participant feedback identifies factors limiting chaplaincy services in SDA Hospital Ile Ife, and the need to provide holistic healing for the patient, patient relations and, hospital staff through spiritual and emotional care. This necessitates quick action in the employment of a trained chaplain or training the current chaplain of the hospital who has the calling and qualities of a chaplain to provide adequate spiritual and emotional services beyond prayer which he is known for.