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An approach to nurturing youth at the Bachu Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bachu District, Western Tanzania Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2016-06) Ndaruhekeyo, Isacka Vitus
The Problem The Bachu Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has experienced rapid growth of membership among young people, but unfortunately these young people were not taught enough regarding their responsibilities in the church and lifestyle issues. At the same time that a large number of young people were joining the Bachu SDA Church, another group were leaving the church or becoming non-participating observers. In the second quarter of 2015 Bachu SDA Church had 420 church members of which 75% were youth. Of that group, 25% were in some way active, 68% were non-participating observers, and approximately 7% were leaving the church per year. This problem led the researcher to examine the causes and recommend a solution. The Method A program for youth was designed and implemented through the following: 1. Reforming the Youth Department 2. Training a. Topic I Youth as Stewards b. Topic II Overcoming Self Battle (Rom 7:19, 20, 24, 25) 3. Youth Need-Based Programs a. Restarting Monthly Third Sabbath Programs (MTSP) b. Youth Witnessing Program at Ilolangulu (YWPI) c. Youth Witnessing Program at Umanda (YWPU) d. 28 Church Fundamental Beliefs Seminar (CFBS) e. Improving Youth Worship Program Involvement (IYWPI) f. Church Toilet Building Program (CTBP) g. Revival and Reformation Program (RRP) h. Church Leadership Seminars (CLS) i. Church Leadership Election Program (LEP) j. House to House Visitation Program (HHVP) The Outcome Reforming the Adventist Youth (AY) and Ambassadors worked as the medium to assist the nurturing of Bachu youth that resulted in 60% of AY and Ambassadors involvement in church leadership activities. Seventy percent (70%) of youth became involved in the church schedule for different services. Leadership seminars helped the Bachu youth by equipping 50% of the youth with the knowledge and skills of local church leadership. Also using need-based programs led to an increase of youth participation in church from 60% to 85%.Fellowship programs in the church through different small groups like choir and youth committees enabled 75% of youth to have good relationships and social interactions with their fellow youth in the church. And lastly, the visitation program helped 52% of the youth to acknowledge the importance of being active in the church.
An assessment of the impact of marital cultural practices on the christian marriages at Mityana Seventh-day Adventist Church, Central Uganda Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2016-06) Ssenuuni, Daniel
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cultural practices of marriage traditions and the impact that these traditions may have on Christian marriage among the members of Mityana Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Uganda. This study was embarked upon because marriage is one of the foundations of the church and society. Therefore, if marriage is not built on strong foundations, the individual, church, and society may suffer. Mityana SDA Church is primarily made up of three tribal groups—the Baganda, Banyarwanda, and the Bakonzo. While there are other small tribes in the church, these three major tribes have distinct cultural marriage traditions and are the focus of this study. The researcher used a set of questionnaires to collect quantitative data related to the marital status and perspectives toward marriage among Mityana members. It was found that of the 500 Mityana Church members, 39.4% (197) were married. Of that group, 42.1% (83) of respondents were in marriages that they described as having been approved by the Church, and 57.8% (114) were in marriages that they described as not approved by the Church. Respondents in all age groups expressed that they had challenges with marriage and how to live within Christian standards. Additionally, respondents indicated that following the biblical teachings on marriage was a challenge due to their tribal cultural marriage traditions; that they desired to more closely follow the biblical standards for marriage as practiced by the SDA Church; and that they wanted to learn ways to improve their marriage. In order to promote a positive impact and assessment, a seminar program was conducted in the Mityana Church based on Christian marriage principles. It was designed to raise awareness among the members. Visitation of married members was done by the pastor and elders, who received special training for visitation to discuss marriage. At the end of the training and visitation program, seventeen couples (14.9%) registered to be married with church approval. The study concluded that the biblical standard for marriage was desired among the church members in Mityana. It also showed that adequate education could help church members to make better decisions for marriage and provide ways for marriages to be closer to the biblical standard. The study offered recommendations for future study at the end of the paper.
Benefits of having an institutional place of worship : a case study of MUHAS and Dodoma universities, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2020-05) Mbuguru, Hamisi Rajabu
Although Adventist students at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania are being allowed to worship within the University facilities, they do not have a dedicated place for worship. Because of this, the researcher found that there was a need for students to establish a place dedicated for worship at MUHAS and to recommend the benefits of having a dedicated place of worship. The researcher studied one major group of the Adventist students that study at MUHAS main campus to verify the need and benefits of having a place dedicated to worship. The researcher studied the spiritual life of the Adventist students while they are at MUHAS and observed the need for a dedicated place of worship. The researcher developed a questionnaire, conducted seminars and interviews and the result showed that students have to establish the need and benefits of having a dedicated place of worship at MUHAS. Most students indicated that they need a place dedicated to worship at MUHAS because it will have more benefits for their spiritual needs. There are more benefits for students to have a place dedicated for worship at MUHAS than for them going to the local churches that surround MUHAS at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
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 Biblical response to the challenges of dual allegiance at the Mozambique Adventist University Church
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-05) Macamo, Ovídio José Bonifácio
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mozambique is still facing the challenges caused by dual allegiance. Dual allegiance is the mixing of Biblical principles with traditional beliefs, hence causing syncretism. Its practices are embedded in the people's worldview, consequently affecting the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this territory negatively. This study aimed to discover the facts leading to dual allegiance among the Mozambique Adventist University Church members. Also, suggest a biblical response to respond to this Missiological problem. Consequently, the study considered understanding the causes, the manifestations, the impact, and the possible solutions for solving these challenges. Furthermore, the researcher analyzed selected biblical passages from both Old and New Testaments and Ellen White's writings to establishthe theological foundation of the issue and understand how God dealt with those who got entangled in these practices during biblical times. The study used a mixed-method and descriptive approaches. Consequently, the researcher used two instruments to collect data among the Mozambique Adventist University church members. The instruments used were survey and questionnaires. Furthermore, the researcher used a convenient sample to distribute to survey the church on October 17, 2020. A total of 134 respondents participated in the study, including both genders (52 female and 82 men), with age group varying from 20 years old to above 61. The instrument used to analyze the quantitative data is SPSS. Additionally, the researcher interviewed three former church pastors of the investigated church. These interviews intended to assess the pastor's experiences concerning the cultural aspects that influenced the gospel's preaching among the Mozambique Adventist University Community. The results were presented into six categories: The cultural practices of the community and their manifestation, the influence of cultural practices in the allegiance to God, the process of contextualization of the message, the reasons that lead the members into dual allegiance, how the church dealt with the phenomenon of dual allegiance and the possible solutions for dual allegiance. The outcomes obtained from the data collection revealed that dual allegiance in its various manifestations is still a missiological challenge among the Mozambique Adventist University members. In other words, witchcraft accusations, sorcery and ancestors’ worship are still practices observed by the members. Furthermore, social life challenge and a lack of solid theological firmness in the word of God are the causes of these practices. In short, the study verified that members have challenges inthe understanding of the doctrines of "the State of the Dead" and "Growth in Christ" and "the Great Controversy." Finally, the study revealed the necessity of emphasizing more in biblical training of the members, pastoral visitation, and engaging them in biblical practices to solve this problem. The researcher also suggests some recommendations to the local church leaders and the Central Conference, and the Mozambique Union Mission, which, if implemented, will contribute to solving this missiological challenge.
A Biblical strategy for Exorcism in Masii Church District in Central Kenya Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Kateeti, Dickson Makenzi
Christ mandated the church to take the good tidings to every creature and make them believers (Mark 16:15-16). Christ is very clear that believers are endowed with many gifts like casting out demons, healing the sick and so forth (Mark 16:17- 18). Applying Bible principles to cast out demons remains a challenge since Christ did not design one for the Christian family. From Genesis to Revelation it is evident the Bible does not give a standard procedure or formula for driving out demons. After a thoughtful study on demon possession and exorcism in the Bible, the researcher developed a Biblical teaching manual which can be used in Masii District and Central Kenya Conference. The manual is thus developed to teach church members on the reality of demons, to help them learn on demonic possession (and what it entails) and exorcism, to train and equip members with Bible based procedure to cast out demons. This study is also geared to encourage and bring hope to the demonic possessed, to the affected family members and friends who are giving up after numerous efforts of deliverance. Ultimately, this study is purposely designed to combat demonic attacks, oppression and harassment among our church members. In order to make this study viable and practical, church members of three churches namely Kitooni, Masii Township and Utithini were involved. This study was intended for the youth and adults who are able to understand the concept of demon possession and exorcism. Adults in attendance were averagely 54.1% while Youths in attendance were 45.9% average. Men’s attendance in the seminar averagely summed up 40% compared to the women which was 60%. Data collection was done through questionnaires, surveys, interviews and reading books. After the first training session, it was observed that members who doubted the existence of demons and their tricks now had the urge to learn more. Other members were interested to get acquainted with the procedure to drive out demons. The researcher discovered that deliverance procedure may vary depending on (i) the exorcist, (ii) the location and (iii) the demons that have invaded and the tricks they exhibit. However the underlying principle is that the procedure should entail prayer invoking the power of God for deliverance. Deliverance procedure is an item the Adventist church needs more than any other time in the past. Church leadership should therefore give a statement on how the church should engage demonic possession and how to drive out demons. The researcher learned that the program candidly benefited all participants.
A biblical-cultural strategy of Mtwara Seventh-Day Adventist Church in reaching the Makonde people of Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-01) Ndolah, Zetti Batista
The aim of this study was to examine the methods used by Adventists to reach the Makonde people with the Adventist message. The study engaged a descriptive case study design where thirty participants were involved in giving data through face to face interviews. The finding indicates that there were limited cultural methods used by Adventists to reach the indigenes. There were several hindrances leading the indigenes people not to join the church. There were cultural challenges leading indigenes to drop out of the church. Non-Adventist Churches were found to be successful due to the use of frameworks in presenting the gospel, though these are considered contradictory to the fundamental tenets of Adventism. The study concludes by giving significant recommendations to various gospel stake-holders, indigenous people, evangelists, and pastors.
A Case study for Assessing the Pathfinder Club operations in Central Zambia Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Moonga, Burton M.
With a total membership of over 874,000 baptized members as at September 2013, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Zambia, generally referred to as the Zambia Union Conference (ZBUC) was rated the second largest Union worldwide based on membership. At the same time, records revealed that more than 60% of the membership were youths. As would be expected, in the Central Zambia Conference (CZC), located right at the heart of the Union and the focus of this study, the situation is no different, in both rapid membership growth and high ratio of youth. Lamentably, CZC quarterly statistical reports indicate that thirty percent of early-teens who leave the Pathfinder Club and join Senior Youth Club soon drop out of church membership altogether. Without doubt, the high dropout rate negatively impacts membership statistics in both the CZC in particular, and the ZBUC generally. This high dropout rate is suspected to be due to the transitional challenges teenagers face as they move on to senior youth and adulthood. We could infer from the above that the Pathfinder Club is failing to meet its goal of nurturing the youth for adulthood. There is need, therefore, to identify the challenges that youth face during this transitional period. Also, it is necessary to assess the operations of the Pathfinder Club in CZC in order to ascertain whether there is something missing in its curriculum that makes youths in the CZC to be inadequately prepared for this transitional period. The purpose of this study therefore, is to assess the causes that lead to the failure in operations of the Pathfinder Club in CZC to fulfill its mission of nurturing early teens for senior youth and adulthood. That is the object of this study. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data, the study has established that there are indeed some very serious challenges youth face during the critical transition period from Pathfinder Club to the Ambassadors Club. The study also found out that there is a serious handicap in the way the Pathfinder Club is run, making youth quite vulnerable as they transition to senior youth.
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.
Comment aider les Adventistes du Septieme Jour A L'est-Cameroun a avoir une famille stable et une vie de mariage legal
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2015-06) Atoh, Jean Didier
Ce projet a été développé pour faire face au concubinage et à la polygamie croissante dans l'Association de l'Est- Cameroun en général, et dans le district de Bertoua-centre en particulier pendant les dix dernières années. Et non seulement le concubinage et la polygamie sont un problème, mais un grand nombre de membres ne sont pas légalement mariés. Comme base théorique, la permanence du mariage dans la Bible a été étudiée à partir des documents de l'Eglise adventiste du septième jour sur le mariage, ainsi que des écrits des auteurs chrétiens non adventistes ont été examinés. En outre, le besoin des chrétiens d'obéir aux lois du pays a été étudié à la lumière de la Bible et la législation camerounaise sur le mariage a été aussi également étudiée. Le programme a été conduit dans les églises de Gosen, Mokolo, Bertoua centre et Nyangansan dans le district de Bertoua-centre. La première réunion était avec les pasteurs et les anciens pour mieux comprendre leur difficulté dans les principes et l'enseignement de l'Eglise adventiste du septième jour sur le mariage.Après avoir rassemblé les raisons de la résistance des membres à l'enseignement de l'église sur le mariage, j'ai tenu le premier séminaire. Dans ce séminaire j'ai souligné la permanence du mariage, le besoin du mariage, et la monogamie, comme enseigné dans la Bible et par l'Église adventiste du septième jour. Au deuxième séminaire, j'ai mis l'emphase sur la législation du gouvernement par rapport au sujet du mariage et en la comparant à la position du Manuel d'église. Le premier questionnaire a prouvé que beaucoup de membres étaient ignorants de ce que l'église et le gouvernement recommandaient sur la question du mariage. Le deuxième questionnaire, trois mois plus tard, après le deuxième séminaire, a montré une plus grande franchise sur le mariage légal. En plus, beaucoup de membres ont résolu de stabiliser leur mariage en le légalisant. D'autres ont décidé d'abandonner le concubinage et la polygamie. À la fin des deux séminaires, des cérémonies collectives de mariage ont été organisées avec l'aide des maires de la ville de Bertoua.
Community service: a strategy of reaching out to Muslims in Auchi, Edo state
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-11) Osaghemwen, Edo James
Community service has been found to create an opportunity for the preaching of the gospel of salvation to non-adherents. It is a very significant way for a Christians to connect with our communities and people which might be resistant to the gospel. Although this program can help contemporary efforts of mission to us follow Jesus’ model of service in reaching out to Muslims in Auchi which is largely Islamic and the Adventist message is very unfamiliar and it has not been given a serious consideration. This study, therefore, is to focuses on developing a strategy of reaching Muslims in Auchi through community service. The method used during the research was descriptive research method. About hundred questioners were given out and were properly administered to people in Auchi community, the aim was to find out if the people were used to community service. Based on our findings, a plan was designed for effective community service as in the clearing of bushes or strategic places. In addition, health lectures were duly carried out.The researcher discovered that Adventist could do a lot through community service such as providing free health services, water, cleaning of the environments and basic needs, to reach the Muslims in Auchi. When well implemented, community service could establish a cordial relationship between the people and Adventist; thus and an avenue for the Adventist message to be well proclaimed. The study also found out that most Adventists need to be trained on Muslim evangelism. With the community service done in Auchi, the work concluded that Auchi needed a special attention when evangelizing the area and community service is more effective and appropriate in this area. Providing health services and basic amenities will lead to an open door to the Muslims. Therefore, the Adventist church in Edo State needs to intentionally train its ministers and laity in community service evangelism, provide special budgets for it and also make it an integral part of its evangelism strategy to reach certain communities.
A comparative study of worship styles and their impact on worshipers in Babcock university
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-10) Ahamefula, Chiabuotu Godspower
Some congregations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Babcock University have witnessed a wind of change in their mode or style of worship in recent times. This change, though not elaborate, is somehow remarkably different from the traditional Adventist style of worship, which is said to be patterned according to Bible principles of worship. However, there are congregations in the university that continue to maintain what they consider the conservative Adventist worship style. As a result, a comparative study of worship styles and their impact on worshipers within Babcock University was deemed necessary. This study examined the concept of worship as couched in some biblical passages, explored the raison d’être and the cultural premise for the current situation in worship, evaluated the level of awareness of worshipers in Babcock University on worship styles, identified the impact of different worship styles on both SDA; non - SDA staff and students in Babcock University. Multiple methods were used to arrive at the findings of this research.Firstly, thematic study of the texts where corporate worship appeared was done to underscore the biblical elements of worship. Secondly, the qualitative method of research was applied in order to observe the issues that excite people’s interest and curiosity in the worship centres on campus. Thirdly quantitative survey was conducted. The data collated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 14) to arrive at the statistical reports. This study discovered that there are basic bible principles of worship and the majority of worshipers at Babcock University are knowledgeable about what constitutes worship based on the Scripture. It also found out that the desire to be like ‘others’ is one of the reasons for contemporary worship prevalent in Babcock University. Finally, this research discovered that 76.1% (235) of the worshipers prefer sound biblical worship without any dilution whereas 54% (170) prefer the contemporary worship with heavy instruments, drums and dance. Therefore it is recommended that pastors and worship leaders should agree and implement sound biblical principles in worship at their various centres or churches on campus, without any dilution or strange import.
The concept of Baptism: comparison of the theology of Martin Luther and John Calvin
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-02) Boakye Yiadom, David
One of the important bible teachings, is been born again as express by bible scholars as baptism, form the framework of this research. Before the Reformation, scholars expressed divergent views to resolve the controversy over the type of baptism found in the scriptures and the forms practised by Christians. Martin Luther and John Calvin expressed opinion about the system of baptism which needed consideration in the Church. The study attempts explicitly to review the main facets of the theology of Luther and Calvin concerning baptism. The purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the two reformers view and examine the extent to which their theology has a vital role in the theological enterprises and the Christian Church as a whole.Theologically, the words of Jesus have revealed the importance of baptism during the dialogue between Him and Nicodemus “truly, I am saying to you until one is baptize of water and spirit, the one would not be able to go to God’s Kingdom.(John.3:5)The new birth of water and spirit in the quotation is a symbol of baptism. This paves the way for baptism’s essence an initiation into the church and the righteous way to the Kingdom of God. Given this, correct rendition about the words of Jesus should be that, no one could go to heaven without baptism. Thus, the right biblical concept of baptism is fixed
Contextualization of the gospel in a traditional Maasai setting in Trans-Mara, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2015-06) Nairenke, Stephen
The preaching of the gospel was ordered by Jesus Christ after his resurrection from the dead. He told them to reach every person on earth and those who will believe and are baptized shall be saved (Mark 1616), but he that will not believe shall be damned. The words of Jesus Christ were emphasized by the apostle John when he saw an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on earth, and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. This formed the basis for contextualizing the gospel in order to reach nations, people and tongues in their local setting. Understanding the need of reaching the Maasai with the gospel, the researcher identified that contextualization is the best approach to reach them just as Christ was contextualized into humanity.The researcher identified three clans of the Maasai community where the gospel was contextualized and much success was realized. In every site, people were baptized and they were meeting every Sabbath to worship God together. The researcher also worked through literature review, fieldwork, and interviews on Maasai traditional religion in order to contextualize the gospel to the community. Even though, many of the believers were coming from the Maasai traditional religion and strong cultural background, they are now able to meet every Sabbath in studying the word of God together. The researcher strongly recommends to every Christian group to contextualize the gospel as we witness the gospel to all nations.
Creating awareness on the consequences of polygamy on children and modeling intervention strategies in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Magwi County, Greater Equatoria Field of South Sudan
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2018-03) Lagu, Charles Darius
The research looked at how marriage which was instituted by God Himself, and was given to mankind as a gift, was later distorted, and its deviation has had ravaging effects in many families in our world today. Most especially, the distortion has resulted in the practice of the polygamous family creeping into the three local churches in Pageri district of Seventh-day Adventist Church. A study of the situation showed that 20% of the members were involved in marrying more than one wife. Children who live in these polygamous families suffer with various challenges, as do their parents, which range from lack of financial support, lack of emotional support, poverty, poor performance in school, school dropout, early pregnancy, rivalry, jealousy, fighting, and lack of direction in life. The root cause of this is the selfish heart of mankind which came as a result of sin ruling in human life and was seen in the experience of Biblical characters.Examples include Lamech, David, Solomon and Jacob who tried to justify their character against God’s principles. The notes gathered from various literatures were used to educate the couples, youth, and children on the issues facing families. Week-end family life enrichment seminars were organized quarterly for a year. During the seminar, the effect of polygamy on families and children and how to minimize effects were mentioned. Among the 20% couples who were involved in practicing polygamous life, 15% came back to the church, and they faithfully give offerings and tithes. Also, they participated in witnessing activities, called Total members Involvement (TMI) through inviting their friends to attend church meetings. This study, therefore, advocates for a return to the Biblical injunction of one man one wife for an efficient and harmonious family cohesiveness amongst couples and their children.
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.
Determinants of perception of cohabitation among Christians in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Jegede, Joseph Olusola
Marriage is seen as a sacred institution among the Yoruba speaking people of Nigeria. It is therefore alarming to note that cohabitation which was a foreign phenomenon is gaining ground in Nigeria. Therefore, this research work was carried out to examine the perception of cohabitation among Christians in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun state. Ilishan-Remo, being a community with many Christian Churches, was a good ground for this research work. Four Christian Churches – two Orthodox (Seventh-day Adventist and Methodist) and two Pentecostal (Redeem Christian Church and Winner Chapel)– were selected through multi-stage sampling technique. In the first stage, the Churches in Ilishan-Remo were stratified into Orthodox and Pentecostal, in the second stage four churches as mentioned above were purposively selected from the existing denominations. Out of these, 200 subjects were conveniently selected from the four churches (50 respondents from each Church). Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Analysis of the data gathered revealed that cohabitation was viewed by the majority of the respondents as a modern day phenomenon. They however perceived that cohabitation is adopted by a lot of people due to many factors which include peer pressure, exposure to explicit contents on the internet and television, poor economy and use of drugs. The study observed that Christian religious affiliation is a major deterrent to the practice of cohabitation. The study concluded that most Christians in Ilishan Remo would not cohabit even if given the opportunity. This is probably because of their religious affiliation. Recommendations were made and further researches in the area of rate of cohabitation among youths and other religious sects in Nigeria were suggested.
Developing a strategy to reach Muslims through Adventist Education in Ngaoundere
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Alla-Hoki, Pascal
Christ mandated the Church to "make disciples" (Matt.28:19,200) and has equipped the Church for the task through provision of ministries. The preaching, teaching, and healing ministries have been the methods he used during his ministry on earth. Since the ministry of teaching had brought its results during the ages, the Church has to make advantage of it in the city of Ngaoundéré to reach Muslims. The research will then explore the topic of education through the Bible, Ellen G. White writings, the Qur’an, the Hadiths and other secular authors’ writings in order to establish the pertinence of the project. Finally a strategy of reaching Muslims through Adventist Education will be designed taking in account the general context of the city of Ngaoundéré. Muslims are unreachable people. The matter is just to develop an appropriate strategy. Converting any type of religion to Christianity is hard enough. When Christians have to convert Muslims to Christianity, the task is harder because a Muslim, more than anyone else, is shaped in a kind of beliefs and practices from his earliest childhood. That is why; prayer is one of the important things to be recommended in the process of reaching Muslims. The commitment of all the church members is also necessary.
Developing a training program at the Universite Adventiste Cosendai for Adventist missionaries to reach Muslims in Cameroon
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2015-06) Assamba, Onyong
The continued expansion of Islam and the quantitative growth of the Muslim population inside the Cameroonian territory is one of the major challenges of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose divine mandate is to present Christ to all people regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity or obedience. After a thorough study of the Islamic religion in this country, we found that it is not easy to evangelize to this people, who are also a mission field. Hence, there is the need and urgency to propose missionary training programs at the Université Adventiste Cosendai. The objective of this project was to prepare the participants at Université Adventiste Cosendai with strategies to methodically and efficiently access and witness to the Islam people. This study allowed us to identify the limits and strengths, risks and opportunities related to the implementation of this project. Our results indicate that the establishment of this program created a dialogue between Christians and Muslims and that a Bachelor’s Degree in Missiology, with emphasis in Islam Studies at Cosendai, Cameroon should be undertaken. It appears at the end of the investigation that the establishment of this program is not only possible, but timely and essential.
Developing an effective strategy to evangelize the Soli people in Chalimbana District, Chongwe-Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021) Namilonga, Makuni
This thesis surveyed the evangelistic processes of the Seventh-day Adventist church among the natives of Chongwe in Zambia. Statistics and observations indicated that public and rally evangelizations were not very successful in Chongwe. This challenge was partly because of the perception of the people about Seventh-day Adventist Church, its beliefs and the church’s seemingly ignorance of the word view of the people. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the perceived hindrances to Adventist evangelization of Chalimbana, the evangelistic approaches Suitable to the Solis population of non-SDA develop, and implement and evaluate an effective method to evangelize the indigenous Soli people of Chongwe in Zambia. Towards this agenda the researcher used a descriptive method for the research process. Following an investigation of the problem through survey, group’s discussion, interviews and observations, the research designed a friendship evangelism programto build a bridge to drive the gospel message. The program was carried out with a team of five (5) members and it ran from November 5, 2020 to January 19, 2021 in Chalimbana Mission District (CMD) Chongwe. A number of relational activities were carried out so as to establish friendship for a favourable environment to evangelize. These included embarking on community service program, distribution of relief items, entrepreneurship seminars, education seminars, health seminars and screening program. These activities were carried out alongside home to home Bible studies and prayer. The study found that the most suitable method for evangelizing the population is through building bridges. This is what we call friendship evangelism. This was demonstrated by the change of perception of the people about the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the baptism of thirty-eight persons into the church. The study concluded that that people who are hard to reach can be reached through friendship by creating close relations. Thus study recommended the church should train members on the importance of relationship as an essential component of Christian mission and evangelism, be sensitive in the way they disseminate information either formally or informally, devise programs that will interest the locals to the church, have a consistent plan or system for helping new believers grow spiritually and invest in social amenities such as boreholes, education and health Centre’s which can both directly and indirectly help witnessing.

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