Browsing by Author "Aricha, Peter Omundi"

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Assessing the phenomenon of backsliding among men in the selected congregations in Nyamira West Field, East Kenya Union Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Aricha, Peter Omundi
The church stands as a vital institution within society, primarily offering spiritual guidance that encourages individuals to confront emotional, psychological, and mental challenges, as well as family-related issues, in a setting characterized by hope and optimism. Despite this critical role, a concerning development has been the noticeable decrease in male participation within church communities. The study assessed the phenomenon of backsliding among men in church attendance in selected congregations in Nyamira West Field, Kenya. It employed a quantitative method for data collection, using a self-generated questionnaire as the research instrument to survey respondents on a four-point Likert scale, measuring their attitudes and opinions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample comprised 179 backslidden men. The raw data were analyzed electronically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis. Based on the findings, the leading reasons for backsliding were loss of faith, loss of interest, involvement in drinking alcohol, criticism from fellow church members, lack of frequent visitation, and discrimination. Therefore, the study recommended that church pastors and leaders visit and reclaim backsliders, actively involving each church member in weekly activities to retain and nurture them spiritually. Additionally, it was deemed essential to revive the small group ministry, Sabbath afternoon program, prayer ministry, visitation program, and leadership training to address the concerning trend of backsliding. The study further recommended conducting research using both qualitative and mixed methods to gain a clearer understanding of backsliding.
Pre-warning signs of backsliding in church members: patterns and interpretations
(Journal of Pastoral and Practical Theology, 2025-05) Aricha, Peter Omundi; Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma; Ponyatovskiy, Feliks
This study aims to determine pre-warning signs of backsliding exhibited by church members in Kisii, County. The phenomenon of backsliding and church non-attendance among men is one of the emerging tendencies in the postmodern religious worldviews. This research applied a quantitative method for data collection. The quantitative design utilised a questionnaire with structured closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale of measurement and collected respondents’ attitudes and opinions, which factored the backslidden members in this study. The design provided the blueprint for this research. Data was analysed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis to capture the percentage. Based on the findings, the warning signs for backsliding that stood out include but are not limited to, the following categories: churchoriented, personal, sociological, or external signs. Therefore, the study recommends that each church member be actively involved in weekly church activities so that the backsliders can be reclaimed, retained, and nurtured spiritually. The church should implement the following programmes: small group ministry, prayer ministry, visitation programme, and leadership training to curb this worrying trend of backsliding.
Root causes of men backsliding from church membership
(Journal of Philosophy and Religion, 2025-05) Aricha, Peter Omundi; Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma; Ponyatovskiy, Feliks
The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons and root causes of men’s backsliding from weekly Sabbath attendance and worship services in the Mochenwa and Rigena districts. The phenomenon of backsliding and church non-attendance among men is one of the emerging tendencies in the postmodern religious worldviews. The gradual backsliding of men from regular church attendance and participation, as observed in Nyamira West Field Seventh-day Adventist churches, is a worrying trend. This research design applied a quantitative method for data collection. The quantitative design utilised a questionnaire with structured closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale of measurement and collected respondents' attitudes and opinions, which factored the backslidden members in this study. The design provided the blueprint for this research. Data was analysed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis to capture the percentage. Based on the findings, the reasons for backsliding that stood out include but are not limited to loss of faith, loss of interest, involvement in drinking alcohol, criticism from fellow church members, lack of frequent visitation, and discrimination. Therefore, the study recommends that each church member be actively involved in weekly church activities so that the backsliders can be reclaimed, retained, and nurtured spiritually. The church should implement the following programs: small group ministry, prayer ministry, visitation program, and leadership training to curb this worrying trend of backsliding.