Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

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Les Crises familiales au sein du district de Kanombe, Dans L' Association du Rwanda de L'est
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-06) Hakizimana, Elie
Dans des églises Adventistes du septième jour du district de Kanombe, beaucoup des familles sont particulièrement en crise spirituelle et généralement en crise, intellectuelle, physique et sociale. Alors, le but primordial de la thèse était développer, à réaliser et à évaluer une stratégie pour fortifier ces familles, spécialement dans l’aspect spirituel et des autres aspects en général. Par crise familiale nous entendons un brusque changement provoqué par des événements tragiques comme par exemple la guerre, la famine, la pauvreté, l’immigration, la stérilité, les déséquilibres sexuelles, émotionnelles, intellectuelles, ou des problèmes ethniques et régionales. Dans la Bible nous trouvons les descriptions de ces conflits. Nous trouvons aussi les conseils pour résoudre ces problèmes. Les vertus chrétiennes, les fruits de l’Esprit, sont le meilleur remède pour ces crises.Les résultats de la recherche constatent que ces problèmes ont très souvent plongé des églises de ce district dans un état de désorganisation de façon que les stratégies pour faire face à la situation sont inadéquates ou inopérantes. Dans l’ensemble, parmi 420 familles qui constituent ce district de Kanombe, à peu prés un 13 pourcent sont en crise. L’état de crise dans une famille ne doit pas toujours être perçu comme négatif, car leurs effets peuvent être positifs lorsque la famille surmonte une telle crise et développe des nouvelles forces pour prévenir d’autres dangers qui pourraient encore y surgir au futur. Cependant, pour aider ces familles à remédier cette mauvaise situation, nous avons élaboré une stratégie centrée sur quatre leçons présentées aux membres de l’église de Musave, prise comme le lieu pilote de l’implémentation du programme. Au-delà des présentations, nous avons montré aux membres à travers du system de dialogues en groupes, comment résoudre les conflits familiaux. Pour son évaluation, nous disons généralement que les leçons ont a été bien reçues et acceptées, de façon que beaucoup des membres des familles en difficultés parvenaient à se réunir dans leurs cercles familiaux pour s’exercer ces techniques, comme des rapports positifs nous parvenaient à travers de groupes de dialogues. Faire des séminaires pour aider les familles à résoudre leurs difficultés est une forme appropriée d’aider aux membres d’église. Mais pour le faire effectivement, la personne qui fait le séminaire doit connaitre parfaitement le matériel et connaitre aussi personnellement les familles en crise.
A Biblical response to marital inequality in Central Malawi Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-07) Gumbala, Joe Elliott Noah
Malawians have misunderstood the ‘complementary marital equality’ of husband and wife. Concepts and insights in this crucial ingredient of a fulfilling matrimony have been distorted and misapplied, leading to distrust, spouse and child abuse, household violence, and untold misery in the family relationship. The researcher was convinced that a conscious study of the essence of matrimony was required if the marital inequality was to be cleared. This is a theological issue. Since the whole Christendom accepts that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, the research called for the examining of most of the texts that relate to the marital relationship. This was tied together with insights from the writings of Ellen G. White and the views contributed by both Seventh-day Adventist authors and non-Seventh-day authors. The writer further held family ministries seminars both in rural and urban settings as a tool to glean from a wide spectrum the standpoint documented in this manuscript.The Bible declares that marriage was instituted by God for the good of humankind. The relationship of our progenitors, the couple of the first marriage, was one of mutual and relational equality, structured in the similitude of the Godhead. Ellen G. White, Seventh-day and some non-Seventh-day Adventist authors all share the same view. To equate ‘gender equality’ with the ‘relational equality in the marital relationship is a gross misrepresentation. The essence of marriage is embedded in the relational equality. This enables the spouses to complement and complete each other. They are mutually equal. Both have implanted in them the image and likeness of God. They have differentiated roles and responsibilities, but there is neither superiority nor inferiority between them. Marriage is a co-partnership of equality in difference.
A Strategic plan for the empowerment of the Laity in the Beira Seventh-day Adventist Church District, Mozambique
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-07) Jafar, Sisinio Leonardo
The Beira, Mozambique pastoral district has not been adequately growing in membership and finances. The district did not have a pastor for a long time. Elders, who had no training, led the churches. Beginning in the year 2000, a pastor came to the district. But the training of members was not considered. So the churches became pastor-dependent. There was a need for a strategy to train the members of the district, based on 2 Tim 2:2, where Paul commands pastor Timothy to equip the members so that, in turn, they can teach others. This was also the practice of the early Adventist Church. In mid-2006, two churches of the Beira Seventh-day Adventist Church district were selected to implement this project. The churches were divided into small groups of ten people each. The division was done according to each member’s residential area. The training sessions took place on Sabbath afternoon and on Sunday. Throughout the week, the members practiced what they had learned. Each church member understood what God expected of him or her. The congregations enjoyed fellowship in small groups, and started to practice stewardship and implement outreach programs. There was a change in Sabbath observance. One could find people in small relational groups having Bible studies on Sabbath afternoon. The participation in the Lord’s Supper increased from ten to more than one hundred members. The church finances also improved. Beginning with the year 2006, Field level administrators started keeping records of finances and organizing the membership statistics of each church. This strategy not only helps the Field administrators to attain their membership and financial goals. It also helps the district pastors to learn how to equip the members for service, without making them pastor-dependent.
A strategy for involving Adventist local churches in literature evangelism in Trans-Orange Conference South Africa
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-08) Moesi, Mosimanegape Super
Literature evangelism is a method of evangelism that has been used by the Seventh- day Adventist Church pioneers even prior to its name and organization. Throughout the years many souls have been baptized into the church as a result of literature evangelism. This study sought to establish factors that led to minimal and sporadic involvement of churches in the Trans-Orange Conference (TOC) and develop a strategy to involve church members. The researcher interviewed several church leaders connected to the publishing department. Questionnaires were administered to the literature evangelists and the local church pastors. The findings revealed that the gap between the church and the literature ministry was created by mainly the centralization of the publishing program by moving it from the Conference to the publishing house in South Africa. Based on the findings of the data collected the researcher came up with a strategy to restore the literature ministry where it belongs in the local church. The strategy was mainly aimed at educating the leadership and the local church. Seminars were conducted beginning with the local church pastor and the local church elders. The second group was to be local church publishing directors. The third step was to form a literature club in the local church to keep the members involved. The seminars were conducted for the TOC administration and the pastors who received material to enable them to educate their members. The researcher conducted seminars in at least three churches. The conference now has appointed a full publishing director under the conference. At least three churches have been actively involved in evangelism through literature and distributed over three thousand books. One church sets aside funds and distribution day every year. Another church has a viable literature club. A number of churches have baptized new people as a result of being involved in evangelism through literature and members are eager to share more books.
A strategy for discouraging traditional death ceremonies among urban Seventh-Day Adventists in Mozambique
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-08) Mugadui, Samuel Tomás
From the Church’s inception in Mozambique in 1911, the pioneers trained baptismal candidates for a minimum of 10 years. After the GC Harvesting 1990 Quinquennial Motto, this aspect was completely lost counting from the Global Mission Program to date. The Church leadership capitalized in quantitative rather than qualitative membership, the training aspect has been neglected. Thus challenges and threats hit hard the Church in Mozambique. One of them is death ceremonies (DCs). In Mozambique, ceremonies (Cs) to the dead have become the first “church” in the Country and are celebrated everyday especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Most of Urban SDA members frequently miss first hours of services on Saturdays due to such celebrations or come late to Church services attending them while the 26th fundamental church pillar is very clear about death and resurrection. One of the Cs (7th day) bears the name of the 7th day Adventist Church. These Cs emphasize the state of the dead and all this happens because of lacking trained Ministers and expulsion of the existing ones. The purpose of this study was to create a better understanding of DCs and how these affect, labour, society and worship as regards to God’s Holy Sabbath observance, death, and resurrection, two Fundamental Doctrines of the SDA Church. There is no contact between the dead and the living. The Church in Mozambique should come up with a clear twofold training framework program taking it way back to the roots of its origins whereby “discipling” was the major Church activity before baptizing anyone. Train the existing workers first at all church levels, recruit new, and invest in their education. The suggested strategies here should serve as a Model for strategic seminar training programs. Help members and students accept and value them. After the definition of death, Cs, and other terms surrounding the topic, a biblical survey was conducted in both Old and New Testaments literature and other pertinent authors to pave the way and establish a foundation for the forthcoming discussion. The researcher collected data for personal, group and class opinions, from 16 churches, various church records at Field /Mission, and Union levels, 75 students from grades 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, gatherings, mortuaries, and municipalities. Instrument applied was interview protocols and techniques were surveys, samplings, and checklist observations. Findings indicated that 92.7% attended DCs against 7.3% who did not for Sabbath School; 44.4% were affected while 55.6% were regular for the divine services. 93.3% are aware of DCs against 6.7% with no idea, overall of Church Leaders trained in Mozambique are 13.06% against 86.94% who need education, in Beira 150 people die weekly, in Maputo 149 people die weekly and while in Nampula 4.129 people die annually; Public transporters frequent lines where there are cemeteries according to availability and private ones have even created bus terminals in cemeteries. Finally, DCs are just heathen cultural practices of the historic origins related to Roman, Syrian, By zantinic martyrs’ honouring and Greek philosophy. If no correction is soon made the implications will likely be that a different SDA Church will be established and this one will soon disappear. Therefore, the researcher highly recommends the GC to correct the situation investing in education and training, to place technical personnel in the right places, to send all untrained church workers to schools, colleges, and universities and consider the didactic pedagogic strategies suggested in this project as of a pivotal importance. Suggestions are that local churches accept and participate more in training sessions.
Le Comportement des enfants des pasteurs dans la Mission du Burundi Ouest
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-10) Nyandwi, Elie
Les enfants des pasteurs, bien qu’ils soient mieux placés pour mener une vie chrétienne modèle, manifestent souvent une conduite différente de celle que ses parents attendraient. De cette façon, ils s’exposent aux critiques de ce monde; leurs pères sont déshonorés et le service évangélique sacré qu’ils exercent est discrédité. Paul a déjà laissé des instructions sur ce thème: «Celui qui ne peut pas diriger les membres de sa propre famille ne peut pas non plus administrer correctement l’Eglise de Dieu» (1 T 3.5). De son coté Ellen G. White déclara: «Le prédicateur qui permet à ses enfants de grandir dans la désobéissance et le désordre trouvera son travail contrecarré par leur conduite déplaisante.»1 C’est évident que le problème de la mauvaise conduite des enfants de pasteurs a une longue histoire. Ce travail a examiné le problème dans la Bible, les écrits d’Ellen White et d’autres sources. Les résultats sont que le pasteur est responsable de la conduite et l’éducation de ses enfants. Il ne peut pas laisser de coté ses enfants pour soigner l’église. Après avoir étudié les familles pastorales de la Mission de Burundi Ouest (MOB), j’ai fait des interviews à dix pasteurs et leurs familles. J’ai appris que si bien la plus part des enfants marchent bien, il y a des problèmes. Un des principaux est l’abandon de l’école; un autre est le mariage illégal et la déléquence. J’ai présenté à ces dix familles les résultats de ma recherche et j’ai essayé de leur aider à formuler une stratégie pour régénérer la conduite des enfants des pasteurs dans la limite de la MOB. Les familles ont appréciés les visites et les stratégies que j’ai initiées et se sont engagés à restructurer leurs façons de vivre et de faire afin d’être à l’abri des critiques négatives. Il serait bon faire ces séminaires pour tous les pasteurs des tois Missions du Burundi et non seulement pour la MOB.
A strategic program for improving membership retention in Harare City Center District
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-05) Dzvairo, Oswell
For Seventh-day Adventists, membership retention is imperative towards their mission fulfilment. The challenge of membership loss affects the church’s mission activities. Hence, God is concerned about the loss of members as He expressed through the three parables: the lost sheep; the lost coin; and the prodigal son (Luke 15). The task of finding lost members, feeding and folding them, is a dual responsibility of both the Church leaders and other established Christian believers. Findings from the reviewed literature and conducted surveys, determined the development of a Team Ministry program as a strategy to improve membership retention. The program commenced with a series of trainings. Some of the topics discussed during trainings include: “Mission and Church Membership Trends, Building Team Ministry for Reclaiming the Lost, Building Team Ministry for Spiritual Growth, and Holistic Small Groups.”Three types of evaluation were used to measure the effect of the program: activity, impact and summative. Team ministries were established at each local church. Participants appreciated the proposed action plans. As a result, some backslidden members were reclaimed. There is significant improvement on the part of church members’ involvement in church activities. Such benefit might be credited to the function of Team Ministry. The researcher recommends Team Ministry as a strategic program to improve membership retention.
A program to counter spiritistic rituals among Adventists in Hilanga Mission district, Lusaka Conference, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Halwindi, Johnnie Namwako
The rate of Adventist Church growth in the Chilanga Mission District of Lusaka Conference in Zambia is overwhelmingly great, yet the dual allegiance of members to both Spiritualism and Adventism is a matter of serious concern. Five in ten of the church members have showed a constant participation either secretly or publicly in the spiritualistic rituals of local traditional religion understood broadly as ATR. For this reason there was a need to go against the tide to create a counter effort in form of a project to confound the practice. The researcher sought to establish these facts of scriptural basis against the practice of spiritualism and thereafter creatively and consciously designed a project on practical action based program to engage the church members.Understanding that there are adverse principles in the scholarly field supporting the fact that ATR should be encouraged is a matter that cannot be underestimated. For this reason the approached that was taken had the Ethno philosophers Principles in mind.This was an attempt to dislodge claims that ATR is equal to Christianity. Thus the proper Biblical guidelines identified in the study guided the whole process academically and spiritually to its end. The researchers’ conclusion of the project was that, very few of the African Adventists living in the area under study are safe from turning their backs from the truth if faced with difficult situations. For this reason a lot of help was needed in strengthening education, social community emphasis, and empowerment of leadership so as to have the best desirable condition of members. The Bible references given or used in the whole document are quoted from the Holy Bible (New American Standard Version), unless otherwise quoted from another version.
Le probleme des examens scolaires officiels le Samedi au Cameroun
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Njock, David Vivian
Le problème de la programmation des examens scolaires le samedi nous a permis de passer en revue les missions de l’Eglise Adventiste du Septième Jour au Cameroun surtout en matière des libertés religieuses, sur la question du respect des lois de Dieu en générale et du sabbat en particulier. A la fin de l’étude des bases théoriques sur ces points précis, l’Ancien Testament et le Nouveau Testament, nous ont permis de découvrir la position biblique qui a été confirmée par les écrits d’ Ellen G. White, et d’autres auteurs que nous avons pu consulter. Les membres de l’Eglise au Cameroun pour la plupart sont jeunes et en âge scolaire et la programmation des examens le samedi pose un réel soucis en rapport avec leur foi mais aussi sur l’avenir de l’Eglise qui voit la plupart de ses jeunes être malheureusement obligés de profaner la loi de Dieu et même à abandonner les voies du Seigneur.A partir des informations bibliques qui ont affirmées la responsabilité de l’Eglise dans la résolution de ce types de problèmes et présentées quelques personnages qui ont fait face aux défis similaires, nous avons pu élaborer une stratégie sur la base des enquêtes menées sur le terrain dans les missions du Cameroun. Elle a permis à la fois à l’Eglise Adventiste de résoudre ce problème d’examens scolaires le samedi et de soutenir les jeunes sur le plan spirituel à tenir sur leur engagement avec le Seigneur. Cette stratégie a porté sur le déploiement de l’administration de l’Eglise à travers les administrateurs de l’Union de l’Afrique Centrale à la recherche des solutions à l’externe, par le dialogue avec le gouvernement camerounais, à redorer le blason du département des libertés religieuses et relation publique pour rendre permanent ce dialogue, et par la mise en œuvre d’une reforme spirituelle à l’interne à travers des programmes spécifiques d’emphases sur l’observation du sabbat. Et, enfin, à travers la publication des livres de témoignages sur les Héros du sabbat, et de l’ouverture d’un réseau social par le biais de facebook pour des échanges avec les membres dans leur ensemble. L’Eglise au Cameroun a pu recevoir du Ministre de l’Enseignement Secondaire la promesse de tenir compte du septième jour dans la programmation des examens officiels. Et aujourd’hui l’Eglise entretien avec la tutelle de très bonnes relations qui peuvent faciliter dans l’avenir la résolution d’autres problèmes. Maintenant sur le plan de la reforme spirituelle nous voulons espérer que les stratégies mises en place vont porter des fruits dans les années à venir. Les autres champs qui font face à ce genre de défis pourront trouver à travers ces quelques pages s’inspirer si jamais les mêmes problèmes se posaient dans leur région.
Croissance de l'eglise adventiste du 7eme jour dans le district de Gitega: Mission est du Burundi
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Dieudonné, CISHAKA
Le district évangélique de Gitega est le plus ancien district de la Mission Est Burundi (MBE). Malgré cette ancienneté, le district est resté plusieurs années en état de la lente croissance. Après avoir constaté cela, nous avons planifié à étudier le milieu en vue de découvrir les causes majeures de la lente croissance des membres de ce district. La méthodologie à suivre nous a conduits à l’établissement d’une littérature sur la croissance de l’Église en se basant sur les Saintes Ecritures, les écrits d’Ellen G. White, les écrits des auteurs adventistes et non adventistes. Nous nous sommes servis des données statistiques des dix dernières années, selon les rapports établis trimestriellement. Des interviews ont été faites à l’endroit des anciens membres et des pasteurs retraités qui ont dirigeaient ce district dans le passé. Des enquêtes et des questionnaires ont été distribués à un groupe de membres de l’Église de GITEGA, pris comme échantillon afin de recueillir quelques informations et opinions des membres sur cette situation. Tout le cheminement de la méthodologienous a aboutis à la collecte des informations et des données nécessaires tirées de la littérature sur la croissance de l’Église, des interviews, des enquêtes et des questionnaires. Cela nous a conduits à l’élaboration des stratégies, méthodes et principes à adopter pour remédier à la situation. Ces stratégies, méthodes et principes nous ont servi et pourront servir dans l’avenir pour trouver solution au problème lié à la croissance de l’Église en question et de l’Église d’une façon générale. Nous espérons aussi que d’autres chercheurs dans ce domaine de la croissance de l’Église trouveront ce travail comme un outil dans leurs recherches ultérieures.
Developing an integration program for youth into the day-to-day life of the church in Mutare North district
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Marunze, Anolrd
Integration of youth in the day- to- day life of the church is a way of nurturing young people and making them part of the church through participation. According to King Solomon a child should be trained in the way he/she should go so that when old will not depart from it (Prov 22:6). After studying the Bible and other contemporary writers, the researcher developed an integration program for youth into the life of the church in Mutare North district. The training started in January 2011. An integration strategy with four phases was developed and implemented. The training started with 82 mentors and 82 youth [junior officers] who were being mentored. The program ran for one and half years. An indication of the effectiveness of the integration program is that, statistics of youth who are now taking part in the routine life of the church increased from 12% between 2008 and 2012 to 15% in 2013. Other benefits brought by the integration program were increase in attendants both in the morning and afternoon in 3 of the churches in Mutare North district.
A strategy for equipping Adventists as witnesses to pentecostals in Libreville
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Abomo Abomo, Alexandre Le Petit
While the Adventists in Libreville intend to witness to non-believers and to other denominations - including the fast growing Pentecostals, their evangelistic methods rather focus on Catholics. No specific strategy has been developed to reach the Pentecostals. This research intended to develop a training programme for Libreville, aiming at increasing the number of informed Adventists who can fearlessly reach out to the group under scrutiny. After a book review which intended to discover some equipping principles that could be useful for the study, and the general characteristics of these people, some surveys were conducted. The first were to check the recent trends of the growth of Pentecostals, as well are the cause that led people to join the movement, which may inspire Adventists. Another survey conducted among Adventists searched for how effective they reach these people and their need for equipping. Other questionnaires were addressed to Pentecostals of different denominations in non-ecclesiastic settings to check what attracted them in their denominations. These surveys moved for an empirical (questioning individuals) to a quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative research. The book review revealed that centripetal and centrifugal approaches that may be taught in the disciple-making model. Reaching Pentecostals is that task of both the clergy and the laity in a collaborative work. Various witnessing approaches must be taught to members. Form the questionnaires it was observed that Pentecostals were fast growing due to promises and care taking done by their clergy. Adventists had Pentecostal friends (80.49%) but 46.7% affirmed that they were a bit afraid to encounter them. Only 24.4% actually shared their message with them and 84.4% claimed that they needed training to witness to them. Actually, Adventists did not know much about the Pentecostals’ belief system. The conclusions were that there was need to reduce the fear factor among Adventists, increase their knowledge of Pentecostals’ belief system, through a seminar, and field training. The programme was implemented and knowledge of those equipped increased; the percentage of those witnessing to them increased by 50.6% and the fear factor was reduced by 26.7%.
The challenge of church members retention: A case study of Kanyama Central church in Lusaka, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Imolo, Nyumbu Clement
Kanyama Central SDA Church (KCC) loses 33.26 % of its membership gains annually. Despite the membership loss incurred, very little work has been done to gain an understanding as regards the challenge of membership loss in KCC. The overarching aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the challenge of church membership retention (CCMR) at KCC and propose a model for solving this challenge. Out of multiple methods which could have been used, in this study, the major method which was used for data collection is the focus group discussion. Sample focus group participants composed of homogeneous members who were chosen according to their leadership and personal experience in the SDA church and KCC in particular.According to the findings of this study, 2009 to 2012 statistical reports revealed that KCC incurred an average annual membership loss of 33.26% of all its gains. In 2009 alone KCC lost 92% of its membership gains. A physical check of the church membership records indicated that 39.60% more than people who were physically attending church was missing. The guardianship program which was conducted during this study attracted 74.66% retention of the discovered missing members. This research shows that the challenge of membership retention is real in KCC. After implementing the programmes designed in this study, it was concluded that it is possible to reduce the loss of members in KCC if there is proper planning, commitment and dedication on the part of the local church leadership and the pastor.
A strategy to enhance christian lifestyle of nominal Christians in Dudi SDA church, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Otieno, Ogayo Luka
In my pastoral ministry as a church pastor, I have observed the lukewarm condition among members of Dudi Seventh-day Adventist church. Such a lifestyle has given rise to nominalism which has hindered joyful worship services, sincerity and faithfulness among members of this church. This realization motivated the researcher to develop a Bible-based strategy to enhance Christian lifestyle of nominal Christians in the Dudi Seventh-day Adventist Church. The researcher was motivated by the two views which are: working for God and having a living relationship with Him. Since these two values were evidenced in the lives of Martha and Mary respectively, the response Jesus gave in regard to these worshippers repudiates not only a mere outward expression of working for God, but also an intimate relationship with Him. At the same time such an intimacy must be expressed in a believer’s outward activities including regular church attendance, liberal giving for God’s course, caring for other peoples’ needs and other good works done in appreciation for the free salvation given on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The end results are new birth in Christ and converted hearts whose effects are seen in the actions of the beholders as Jesus allegorically compares such a lifestyle with the wind as indicated in John 3:8. The same strategy is expected to capture attention of every believer who expresses outward faith in a nominal sense but denies a lifestyle that is in harmony with the biblical precepts. Church leadership in the Adventist movement is also expected to revitalize its system to the biblical tone without wavering so as to show out the right path. Since the call to live according to God’s Word embodies everyone under the sun, there is a dire need to shun nominalism and embrace the will of God that bears a keynote for safety into the kingdom.
A program for maintaining spirituality in the Seventh-day Adventist secondary schools in Mara Conference, Tanzania Union Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07) Switta, Elias Stevens
Spirituality is the backbone of every Seventh-day Adventist secondary school’s existence. Being empowered by the Holy Spirit, teachers, non-teaching employees and students will avoid many unnecessary challenges that may occur within the school campus. To validate this principle, a survey was conducted at IHS where 200 questionnaires were distributed. The main purpose of the study was to examine the spiritual life of the IHS community. The study revealed six indicators that threatened the spirituality of the school. Indicators suggested that teachers do not put much value on spirituality as well as on spiritual meetings. Consequently, students have neglected spiritual meetings because they do not know the reasons for attending. There were teachers implementing disciplinary actions contrary to the SDA philosophy of education. The results required that the Teacher: role model for maintaining and protracting spirituality program at IHS to be designed and implemented which lasted for six months from November 2012 to April 2013. Six team members were recruited to assist in the training. These were basically teachers and one pastor (the chaplain). As a result, the outcome convinced all team members that the program was very useful; it can be implemented at IHS and other SDA secondary school in MC and Tanzania Union Mission in particular. At the end a special committee for spirituality was formed composed of two students, three pastors, three church elders, one teacher, and one from the non-teaching staff. Attendance of teachers to spiritual meetings increased. Absentees to spiritual meetings decreased from 10% to 3%.
A strategy for improving stewardship in Marondera District, Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07-02) Takaindisa, Morgen
Although Marondera District membership is at 1,796, only 10% is returning tithe and offerings. With such a percentage of giving, how can a biblical foundation brought about by systematic education on tithes and offerings increase church members’ giving pattern? Stewardship is part of discipleship; as such it is built on relationship. Giving reflects the kind of relationship that exists between God and human beings. Scripture encourages faithfulness among God’s people in order for God to continue blessing them. The study reveals that 48% of the district membership is formally employed but 10% of the total membership was found to be consistently giving tithe and offerings. The main reasons cited for unfaithfulness were, lack of commitment, poverty, insufficient information about tithe and offerings and misconception that tithe is only paid by those who are formally employed. After implementation of a program which included training, visitation and evaluation; participation in tithe and offering increased to 45% of the total membership. Additionally, two churches purchased stands, Cherutombo church roofed its building, the district cleared its Municipal debt and it was divided into two districts in January 2013.
Towards a contextual approach of reaching the Ruguru people of Morogoro Tanzania: A biblical - cultural case study
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08) Lusega, Abel Asheri
The main purpose of this research was to analyze the reasons why the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Morogoro district have failed to convert and retain a significant proportion of the Ruguru people in the Adventist faith. The study applied a biblical contextual approach in understanding how dispensing the Adventist message in Ruguru society has led to the problem. The nature of the study, favored a qualitative approach based on the case study methodology. Data was mainly collected through in depth-interviews using semi-structured interview protocol; and focus group methods. The study involved people of both genders thirty men and twenty women. The findings of the research revealed that the SDA church in Morogoro, failed to convert and retain a significant proportion of the Ruguru because (i) The Adventist Mission approach failed to incorporate ngoma which is an integral part of Ruguru culture. (ii) The Adventist denunciation of the Ruguru view that dead people can communicate with the living, as contrary to the word of God. (iii) Prohibition of Ruguru initiations practices by the SDA church because they involve immoral instructions. (iv) Prohibition of the traditional medicine by the church. In conclusion, the study argues that in order for Ruguru people to be transformed by Adventist faith the above setbacks must be addressed through a proposed contextual biblical model. The model has put emphasis on the engagement of culture alternatively, accommodating or rejecting its varied aspects. This model will encourage Ruguru to accept Adventism faith as a relevant faith to them.
Empowering Mere SDA Church District Women for personal evangelism
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08) Katana, Naomie Katore
Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the project. It presents the Giriamas’ in their culture before and after accepting SDA message from the missionaries. Chapter 2 is based on a research of a theological call of the woman. Women in many parts of the world are known for their place being around the house. This chapter encourages women to pull out from their common places and engage themselves in personal evangelism, following the example of other women called by God to serve and witness.Chapter 3 presents Mere local setting in terms of its natural geographical setup, historical background, social and economical status, incorporating the myths, rituals, community hierarchy and anthropology. Chapter 4 deals with Program Development, a Seminar on Women Empowerment in Personal Evangelism, Design/Preparation, Implementation and Evaluation. Chapter 5 reflects the Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations of this project for Mere SDA district women to be empowered for personal evangelism. As a result of the project, women at Mere district took the whole issue positively that 3 new members were baptized early February, and 5 more were still in baptismal class. They are growing forming more small groups for Bible study, and house to house visitation. Their main challenge is converting Muslim women to Adventism. The women’s joy is that, they have gained confidence, working for their Lord in personal evangelism.
A strategy to revitalize small group evangelism in Najjanankumbi Seventh-day Adventist church of Central Uganda Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08) Sekaggo, Wilson George
Revitalizing small group evangelism in Najjanankumbi Seventh-day Adventist church is a powerful challenge that the researcher took upon himself. Therefore the purpose of this paper is twofold: to examine the biblical foundations upon which the Seventh-day Adventist Church has built its ecclesiology and lay strategies that will serve the purpose. Much attention has been paid, in this research, to the biblical mission that was entrusted to the church. A model putting emphasis on the clergy to accomplish the mission and the laity to accomplish the care of existing Christians has been established. Because of the Seventh-day Adventists’ deep dependence on the clergy, the model suggested in this paper is very challenging but accomplishable. It is the researcher’s hope that this project will help the church to be confirmed as a mission oriented care center. The model developed here envisions active small groups springing up in the whole of Najjanankumbi church congregation. Consequently, non pastor dependent Seventh-day Adventist churches emerging all over Central Uganda Conference, reaching out to lost souls, making Christ’s disciples in every possible people’s group, integrating them into loving Seventh-day Adventist fellowships, and ultimately seeing them saved in the kingdom of God. Statistics of intensive small activities for the previous two years (2008-2010) were compared with those of six months (July-December 2012) to measure the effect of the model on the retention and addition of church members. The results showed a promising increase of new converts by 49%. There was greater involvement of members in small group activities, the return of inactive church members to church activities and the formation of new small groups in church.
A strategy for increasing Sabbath school attendance and participation in Chiremba West
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08) Chinembiri, Ernest
The study is a strategy based research seeking to address how to increase attendance and participation during Sabbath School. Literature was analyzed and put into context of the current study and its application to the problem of low attendance and participation during Sabbath School. The Bible, Ellen White and other authors were consulted. The data which was collected mainly through questionnaires and interviews was then analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences. The questionnaires were distributed from the ambassadors to the adults in the church. In responding to the questionnaires descriptive method was employed. It was revealed in the study that generally members have lost interest and zeal in Sabbath School. In the study they are several tips given, if followed our attendance and participation will increase significantly. A list of recommendations was given in chapter 5.

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