Master of Divinity

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://192.168.0.29/handle/123456789/137

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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.
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.
The effect of servant leadership style on membership retention in Ada district of the Seventh- Day Adventist Church, Greater Accra Region
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-05) Andoh-Mensah, Chris
The purpose of the study was to investigate the Servant Leadership style and its effects on membership retention in the Ada district of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Greater Accra Region. The objectives that drove the study were to identify the importance of Servant Leadership in the Ada district, to identify factors that affect membership retention in the Ada district and the Effects of Servant Leadership on membership retention in the Ada district. The study is descriptive by its nature and the researcher as well as employed a qualitative research approach. For this study, the population was the church members in the three (3) churches of Ada district of Seventh-Day Adventists in the Greater Accra region: Big Ada SDA church (109 recorded members), Kasseh SDA church (158 recorded members) and Ada Foah SDA church (56 members). Purposive sampling also used to select three (3) church elders, one from each church. For selections of the church members simple random sampling and probability sampling technique used to select twenty-five (25) members from each church. Twenty-five members from each church were chosen due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Data collection was analysed qualitatively using the content analyses approach. Results presented descriptively, making use of themes and sub-themes, verbatim reporting and quotations. The study revealed that church members knew about Servant Leadership. Church members appreciated leaders that practised the Servant Leadership style. The study also established that church members know the importance of Servant Leadership. The results showed that the Servant Leadership approach helps build team spirit, promotes unity and helps productivity. The study revealed that the usage of the Servant Leadership style reveal positive church member retention. The practice of the Servant Leadership approach as reported by the study's result increased trust among the members of the church. The study concludes that there is a relevance in practicing the Servant Leadership style. One of these is church unity and inclusiveness. The study concludes that the practice of the Servant Leadership style has effects on the retention of church members. These effects include servant leadership style increasing members trust, loyalty and satisfaction with the leader and promoting the active participation of members in church activities. The study recommend that church leaders should be encouraged to adopt the Servant Leadership style in leading their congregation.
Perception of members’ understanding of church discipline and its role in spiritual growth in Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Port-Harcourt District, Rivers State, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-02) Oamen, Victor Ebhodaghe
The study was focused on the perception of members’ understanding of church discipline and its role in spiritual growth. For this purpose a mixed design comprising questionnaire and interview was adopted. A sample size of 230 composed of 117 female and 113 male.12 of the respondents were between age range 15-25; 73 were between 26-39 while 145 were 40 and above years. The sample was drawn from Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mile 3, the headquarters of Port Harcourt district. The respondents were exposed to questions relating to restorative role of church discipline, and factors that can either enhance or hinder restoration. Three ministers in the Port Harcourt Conference Administration were interviewed on the importance and relevance of church discipline to the spiritual health of the church; the important roles of leadership in realizing the goal of church discipline; and the reality of restoration ofthe disciplined erring member and spiritual growth of the church through church discipline. Analysis of the data collected revealed that 100% of the respondents believes that church discipline is important and relevant. Approximately 99% of the respondents believes church discipline is truly redemptive and could restore the disciplined erring member, and cause spiritual growth of the church. The ministers interviewed, affirm that church discipline is relevant and truly restores the disciplined erring member and also give credibility to the mission of the church if the right condition are in place. Though the level of belief in the restorative role of discipline is very high, one wonder why members resist it and some ministers are slack in the use of this tool ordained by God. That seems to suggest there is a gap between belief and practice. The study therefore suggested some practical solutions on how to makes church discipline effective. They are exemplary leadership and transparent conduct, compassion and love, strict compliance with church policy procedure, taking sin seriously, timely dispatch of disciplinary cases, church discipline education, fair and impartial administration of discipline, securing the influence of the Holy Spirit, transformed life, and follow up programme.
Perceptions of polygamy and treatment of polygamous male converts: a Mozambican context
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-03) Muabsa, Silas B.
Different treatment of polygamous male converts within Christendom, the existence of a first wife and non-defined stances in the absence of explicit local and worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church policy pose a challenge in treating polygamous male converts. Moreover, varied perceptions among members about polygamy and polygamous wives’ legitimacy exacerbate the challenge in a country where 19.5% of married women live in polygamous relationships. Ascertaining which wife ought to remain and understanding members' and polygamous converts’ perceptions regarding wives’ legitimacy in polygamous marriages and polygamy concerning adultery, the sole biblically sanctioned reason for divorce, is the aim of the research. Answering these questions is crucial in the debate towards a framework to better disciple polygamous men. The researcher surveys the biblical treatment of first and subsequent wives, the roadmap to any course of action in missions. Also, a literature review, a survey of Pentateuch laws and a study of Abrahams, Jacob’s, Elkanah’s and royal polygamy aid in forming a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. Besides, 481 church members from Tete, Sofala, and Maputo responded to a questionnaire. A non-probabilistic, purposeful sample of four polygamous male converts share their perceptions of polygamy and polygamous converts’ treatment through an interview. The research concludes that, in contexts permissive of polygamy, none of a polygamous man’s wives commits adultery, and all are equally legitimate. Both the first wife and the non-defined stances violate no biblical principle, and neither infringes local legislation. Although the former stance is more prevalent among questionnaire respondents, interview participants base their choice on factors other than the chronological order of acquisition. Additionally, God’s treatment of polygamous wives and Ellen G. White’s dealing with unbiblical marriages demand a treatment that transcends chronological order. Such treatment calls for flexibility whenever the first wife’s stance is unfeasible, assessing and mitigating negative social and missional implications of any stance and follow an adequate cultural exegesis of polygamy in specific communities. Furthermore, this treatment requires effective education and training of church members and guidelines making the wife’s choice a results of a contextualized discipleship process.
A program to promote spirituality in family life in the Jabe Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Bujumbura District
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-04) Irakoze, Paul
This research set out to examine the level of spirituality in the families of the Jabe Seventh-day Adventist church. Information was collected from Christian literature, the spirit of prophecy, and a thorough examination of biblical principles on families’ spirituality. The data collection and analysis on the realities of spirituality dynamism in families of the Jabe Seventh-day Adventist church was carried out using a quantitative approach, with a survey, a questionnaire, the data were analyzed using correlation and the results showed that there is a need for spirituality revival in the families of the Jabe SDA church. And the program was designed and implemented to address these issues. The evaluation of the implementation showed positive and the program was effective for improving the spirituality of the Jabe SDA church.
Total Membership Involvement strategy for mission at Nyegezi SDA Church-Mwanza City, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-05) Baraka, Boniphace
In recent years the Seventh-day Adventist denomination leadership has increasingly used a strategy for Total Member Involvement as its core mission initiative. However, there has been a scarcity of studies dealing with the issue. This project was to develop and train church members at Nyegezi SDA Church, on the importance of being supportive to being fully involved in mission activities which essentially goes beyond supporting the church through tithe and offering. A theological undergirding for this project was developed from the six biblical and one non-biblical character on how they lived Total-Member Involvement (TMI). TMI is the modern term that is used to explain the special approach to involve every church member in a special experience of serving God practically. The Biblecharacters studied in the context of TMI included Moses on family and possessions (Exod 10:7-10, 21-24), Jethro on Delegation (Exod 18:18-24); Nehemiah on Opposition (Nehemiah 4:1-6); Jesus on missionary report (Mark 6:30-31); Apostles on Holy Spirit Outpouring (Acts 2:1-3) and Paul on Unity (1 Cor. 1:10). The non-biblical character featured is Ellen G. White through an online search in the Ellen G. White Estate portal. The field research drew a sample of 260 respondents across various age cohorts using stratified sampling. The empirical data was collected in the pre-test phase to identify the problem. Thereafter intervention was done after post-test data collection was done to provide the final evaluation. The finding showed four souls joined the church, one soul was baptized; various areas of the church ministry were improved. These were frequency of church attendance; personal devotion, reading bible study guide, witnessing, church satisfaction, and sense of being empowered for Total Member Involvement. However, two aspects did not show improvement; these are reading the bible and reading Ellen G. White's books. It is recommended Nyegezi SDA Church Members continue sustaining the revival of the Total Member Involvement approach that has started. More emphasis should be put on reading the bible and Ellen G. White Books as they are the foundation in strengthening the witness of the church. Moreover, South Nyanza Conference (SNC) leadership ought to employ the strategy used in this study as it will help to make more church members join by witnessing and not depending on biological growth only. Lastly, the North Tanzania Union Conference leadership is advised to use the strategy implemented in this study to roll out afresh the Total Member Involvement in all churches using an intervention approach.

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