Browsing by Author "Arloo, Samuel Bonya"

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    Strategies to Improve Membership Retention in the Koforidua Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ghana
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2016-12) Arloo, Samuel Bonya
    Problem The dissertation examined the low level of membership retention in the Koforidua Central SDA Church. It was observed in recent times that people who leave the church after baptism are relatively more than those who remain. Purpose The need to develop strategies to retain members in the Church is necessary because of the alarming rate of members leaving the Church. This is particularly true of new members after baptism. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop and implement effective strategies to keep members in the Church. Method To be able to explore the subject thoroughly, the researcher used mixed method (quantitative - questionnaires and qualitative - focus groups) for the research process. Questionnaires were designed in English and Twi for respondents. Three focus groups involving: (i) Elders and Men (ii) Women's Ministries, and (iii) Adventist Youth Ministries were formed to discuss the problem and suggest solutions that can address the problem. The data gathered from the survey was used to design the intervention. A total of eight hybrids of sermons, seminars and discussions, and two activities to address the problem were facilitated by the researcher. The Participatory Evaluation Process (PEP) was utilized to engage the entire congregation for a candid and wholistic assessment. Results The implementation of the intervention brought positive changes in the Koforidua Central SDA Church. Casual church members are now regular and punctual; some backsliders have renewed their covenant relations with God. Various departments in the church have seen improvement in attendance and punctuality. Church elders and leaders are more enthusiastic in executing their duties more diligently – visiting members, praying with them and attending to their needs. Some of the members who were at odds with others have allowed amicable settlements. Baseline data at the pre-intervention stage has shown a steady improvement. The introduction of praise worship coupled with songs from local composers has brought joy and heart-warming into the church life. Generally speaking, there is warmth and unity of purpose in the Church. Conclusion The research conducted at the Koforidua Central SDA Church was successful. Pastors, elders and members alike showed interest and participated in the survey, intervention and evaluation of the programme. The evaluation of the programme showed positive impact. One of the interesting lessons learned in this dissertation is that the church members were not ignorant about the existing problem, neither were they totally unaware about measures to remedy the anomaly. The strategies developed were derived from a careful analysis of the data and the evaluation. The outstanding factors gathered from the research which can help to reduce incredible membership loss are that church leaders and members should show love, care, and understanding to newly baptized members.