Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

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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.
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 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.
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.
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 an integration program for youth into the day-to-day life of the church in Mutare North district
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08-02) 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.
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.
Developing material to teach fundamental beliefs to the junior class (8-10 years) in Chitungwiza Central District, East Zimbabwe Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists /
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2019-04) Gwatiringa, Irvine
According to the Shema (Deut 6:1-9), God commanded parents to impress the divine commandments to their children. This injunction was to be a clear and incisive teaching of children, which was so essential it was to be at the very core of the guardian’s labour and life—when parents sit in the house or walk, by the way, lie down, and rise up. Thus parents must make it their priority to diligently teach their children Bible truths. The intention of this study was to discover reasons for little or no intentional teaching of Bible doctrines to Junior children between the ages of 10 and 12 years at home or church in preparation for baptism and to recommend a solution to the problem. Following a careful study of the available materials for teaching Bible doctrines to Junior children in Chitungwiza Central District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (CCD) in preparation for baptism, the researcher investigated to what extent the materials were realising their intended goal of preparing Juniors for baptism and building their faith. The materials for teaching fundamental beliefs and preparing Juniors for baptism are not fully realizing their potential in CCD. This is evidenced by a low baptismal rate of 9% of children less than fifteen years of age. The major reasons include a lack of material to teach Juniors Bible doctrines. The few materials that are available are all in English, and yet some of the children do not understand the English language. Moreover, both parent and Junior class teachers have not been trained to teach Bible beliefs to Junior children.
The development of strategies to tackle church divorce rates: a case study of Sefwi-Wiawso District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2020-05) Baidoo, Francis Tenakwah
Divorce ranks high among the issues that threaten the church’s mission and growth. H. Wayne House observes that this problem is not only faced by the non Christian community, but Christians are also overwhelmed by the challenges of marriage and are calling for marriage professionals and counselors with the hope of finding solutions to issues of marriage. Most of the time, Pastors, Elders, members, and the Home and Family Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church have to deal with divorce issues among believers. The problem of divorce presents a threatening situation to the members involved, their families, and the church at large. Over the years, the rate of divorce has been an issue of interest to society and the church at large. Even though it is an issue with its rippling effect on many and affects almost everyone in the society and the church, the issue appears a topic that is rarely given attention and consequently poses a challenge to all. The church has ignored this reality at the expense of other equally important activities.The study examined the issue of the divorce rate among the church members of the Sefwi Wiawso District of SDA in Ghana. It looked at why there are cases of divorces in the District, how the issue can be addressed, and finally, in an attempt to deal with the issue (phenomenon), a program was developed, implemented, and evaluated. This study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The qualitative aspect focused on ideas or theological framework on marriage and divorce to help understand these concepts. The qualitative part of the study is more on the quality of ideas and forms the framework of the study. With the quantitative part, there was a survey to investigate the problem at hand to suggest appropriate solutions to the divorce problem. The study concluded that how people perceive marriage has a relationship with whether there will be failure or success in marriage. Also, the study found that the use of marriage professionals, pastors, counselors, psychologists, and experienced married couples could go a long way to help marriages and also make divorce an option to be least considered. The study discovered that involving church members in the development of programs and implementation is one of the effective ways of reducing divorce.
Educating members on the Theology of tithe and offering in Osun Conference, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-03) Ajao, Enock Abiodun
The purpose of this study was to find out the modalities for educating Church members within Osun State Conference on the theology of tithes and offerings in order to boost the financial support accruing to the local Churches, Districts and Conference by 20% within a period of six months. This will aid in boosting the expansion of the church in unreached territories of Osun Conference. In this study, theological basis for tithes and offerings will be discussed. The factors responsible for member’s probably low response to issue of tithe and offerings will be uncovered. This work will examine better ways of teaching financial stewardship as a sacred act of worshiping God and discover how members could better understand and practice the combined offering plan otherwise called systematic benevolence that will become a way of life. The population of this research was a representative of all the Seventh-day Adventists who worship in churches in eleven districts of Osun State.An average of two hundred questionnaires were administered in order to sample the level of understanding of SDA members on theology and practice of tithes and offering. The questionnaires were employed in collection of data, they were analysed by percentage procedures. This enabled the researcher to develop a model through program design from the respondent understanding of Church supporting strategy and other factors affecting tithe and offerings. This study reveals that teachings on theology of offerings has not been very much understood, imbibed and implemented by Seventh-day Adventist Members in most of the Churches in Osun Conference except those in the four Districts where increment in offering was noticed. Hence, there is urgent need for continuous monthly, quarterly, annual or bi-annual orientation on theology of returning offerings that will encourage the spirit of liberality and cheerfulness in all the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Osun Conference. Members should always be reminded that he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully, while he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly.
Effective Adventist program for male initiation schools, a case of Chemamul, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Chepkwony, Paul Kipkorir
In a Christian setting, initiation emphasis is on behavior change in the aspect of the attitudes of the heart taking a converted and a changed dimension. According to Paul, the essence of circumcision makes no difference between the uncircumcised and circumcised believer. The underlying factor is faith in Christ (Gal 5:6, NAS). Faith however comes through hearing from a teacher / tutor (Rom 10:17, NAS). Spiritual development is then the main aim in initiation schools during circumcision. An investigation of circumcision process in the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White, scholarly resources and the Kipsigis community as well as assessing the training programs available were done. On a survey of 70 participants, in a nutshell, they were pessimistic over the existing diversified program setting and recommended intervention through a better harmonious guideline to be put in place. The researcher developed a guideline to aid in developing an effective training resource to be used at Chemamul district of Seventh-day Adventist Church; a program that can be used during initiation training sessions normally done in December. The proposed program could be used for a period of three weeks. To effectively realize a desired outcome of behavior change among the initiates, the guideline proposes a pre, during and post initiation programs including monitoring and evaluation effects for one year. The program is expected to improve on the spiritual levels, develop leadership skills, impact behavior change and inspire for mission involvement of youths. Youth ministry department will be the biggest beneficiary and is expected to revitalize its programs.
Effective program of church membership retention in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ahodwo District, Ashanti South Ghana Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-06) Adjei Mensah, Isaac
It is not the first time someone is writing on membership retention. I observed the challenge of membership retention. The Church is poise in responding to the great commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The Church always eager to hold open air campaigns and other outreach programs to increase baptism; meanwhile, both entrance and exit doors are open. The Church spends a lot of funds (huge budget allocation) channel through these programs, meanwhile to retain them is another thing altogether for the Church worldwide, which Ahodwo district is inclusive. This uncertainty has motivated the researcher to help reduce the dropout in the Church. For example, out of 215 people baptized in 2015, only 40 of them were in theChurch at the beginning of the second quarter of 2016. The researcher reviewed much on what other writers contributed on this topic, but there is still problem with the nurturing and retention in the church. Therefore, this paper intended to develop training materials on nurturing and retention to train lay person on the effective and efficient way of retaining new converts and old members in the Church The purpose of this paper is to find out the causes of this poor retention of membership and to develop a better and effective means to reduce such challenges. Several works of literature on membership retention were reviewed. The Bible, Ellen G. White’s writings, and other religious writers were used. Questionnaires were given out to some selected members and purposive group discussion were conducted to know the real challenge and to determine the actual area to work with and to understand the real needs of the leaders and the laymen. Workshops were organized for leaders and laymen, and after six months, an evaluation was made through headcount of members in all the Churches, and there was a significant improvement in all the Churches. The project was embraced by the members, the training should be done from time to time in the districts within conference and recommendations given should be implemented.

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