Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

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A program to curb the effects of syncretism on quality of worship in Erinmope District, Ekiti conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-02) Adeoye, Oladele Ezekiel
The quality of worship in Erinmope District, Ekiti Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was impacted by the effects of syncretism on her members. This work ascertained the presence and effects of syncretism in Erinmope District on the quality of worship and proffered solution to avoid its continuous occurrence through an intervention program. Quantitative method was adopted, using questionnaire to gather data and analysis was done using, hierarchical clusters, cross-tabulation, pierson correlations and percentages. A Focused Group Discussion was also used to ascertain the impact of the intervention program. The study revealed that syncretism was a practice in Erinmope District, as more than seventy percent of respondents (77.3% male and 70.6% female) agreed that some members were still in one occult group or the other as at the time this survey was carried out. That some members still visit Babalawo is assented to by 60.7% of respondents. That some still communicate with the dead to rest in peace is consented to by 87.5% of respondents. That some members do fear to share their prayer requests before the congregation or to one another to avoid turning it to a misfortune is attested to by 71.5% of the respondents. That there are still adherents of Ogboni fraternity among the members is attested to by 53.6% of the respondents, which is a little more than average of the respondents. That there were confirmed cases of witchcraft in the time past is attested to by 91.1% percent suggests that there is a need for intervention. Conclusively, above eighty-seven percent (87.5%) of the respondents indicated that, some members are still practicing ancestral worship as they participate in Egungun Festival. The afore-mentioned facts and members’ involvement in them greatly impacted the quality of worship in Erinmope District negatively. The study further showed that the Church is educated to a point, as 94.6% of the respondents consented that obedience is paramount in worship and a requirement for genuine worship. That Christians’ participation in traditional festival is not advisable; it could lead away from God because of the element of idolatry, which is attested to, by 91.1% of the respondents. They are also aware that dual allegiance has a serious negative effect on the return of tithes and offering as 89.1% of the respondents attested to this. They are aware that becoming a Traditional Chief as a Christian could lead to idolatry as 96.4% of the respondents attested to this. Moreover, they are also aware that compromise of Christian faith is possible when a believer accepts traditional Chieftaincy title, as 75% of the respondents attested to this. They also responded, that the practice of partisan politics might affect Sabbath keeping. Conclusively, 96.4% of the respondents revealed that they are aware that Christian worship requires total surrendering to the Almighty God. The intervention program made a positive impact within the District and the work therefore recommends, regular bible study, prayer meetings, and sanctions for offenders as some of the ways to curb syncretism in Erinmope District.
A remedial approach to the local belief on death in Ambilobe, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-08) Mbolatiana, David Tsilavina
The tribe of Antakarana in the northwestern part of Madagascar has many different cultures in all areas of life from birth until death. But the most crucial fact that each Adventist has to contend with is the funeral rituals and customs that do not fit in with the biblical teachings. Therefore, some members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church also follow and practice these rituals and customs, which, in turn, can create conflict within families, compromise their personal beliefs, and impact both the church community and its growth. In this regard, it is significant to explore the local belief surrounding death in Ambilobe and subsequently suggest an appropriate remedial approach. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by members regarding death rituals; and then develop and implement a remedial program accordingly. To attain The tribe of Antakarana in the northwestern part of Madagascar has many different cultures in all areas of life from birth until death. But the most crucial fact that each Adventist has to contend with is the funeral rituals and customs that do not fit in with the biblical teachings. Therefore, some members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church also follow and practice these rituals and customs, which, in turn, can create conflict within families, compromise their personal beliefs, and impact both the church community and its growth. In this regard, it is significant to explore the local belief surrounding death in Ambilobe and subsequently suggest an appropriate remedial approach. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by members regarding death rituals; and then develop and implement a remedial program accordingly. To attain the objectives, this study uses the qualitative interviewing method. Questionnaires were prepared and administered to 120 members in the North Ambilobe District. In alignment with the difficulties encountered by members, a remedial program was also formulated, executed, and evaluated. The results revealed that church members encounter family challenges, economic burdens, and spiritual confusion that may result in apostasy. The remedial initiative illuminated the minds of Adventist believers who were not adhering faithfully to the Bible teachings and were engaging in customary death rituals. This effort directed these church members back to the teachings of the Bible, facilitating their acceptance of the truth and comprehension of the doctrine regarding matters of death. Moreover, the project contributed to mitigating the pain and sorrow within mourning families and their relatives, guiding them toward embracing a simpler ritual. The evaluation of the project illustrates that church members who had previously adhered to traditional death customs and performed these rituals returned to a better understanding of the biblical teachings. This transformation encompassed not only their perspective but also their worldview. The implications of these findings offer valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners aiming to foster the growth of the church.
A strategic plan for evangelism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwinilunga District, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, 2009-09) Nshindo, Humphrey Kambanzhi
Mwinilunga is one of the seven districts in the Northwestern Province of Zambia. The district lies in the extreme northwest of the province and covers an area of 20,910 square kilometers. Mwinilunga District lies 872 kilometers from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. The district has a population of 131,515 according to the census of population and housing of 2000. Though the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been in the area for more than twenty (20) years, the current church membership stands at 365. There is only one organized church. Church growth is very low, making it a source of concern. Chapter one discusses the statement of the problem, the purpose of the study, and the significance of the study. It also looks at the delimitations of the research and the methodology/procedure followed in the research. Chapter two deals with the biblical, Ellen G. White, Seventh-day Adventist proponents and other Protestant theologians’ basis for church growth through evangelism. The local setting of Zambia, Mwinilunga District, and Mwinilunga Central Seventh-day Adventist Church is described in chapter three. Chapter four deals with suggested solutions to the problem of low growth in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwinilunga District. Chapter five gives the summary, conclusions, and recommendations of the research.
A strategic program to counter the impact of globalization on young people in Mangarano Church District, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2022-06) Ranala, Isaac Andriamaniry Zakambololona
Globalization aims at making the world a global village. Its purpose is to eliminate the gap between all regions to connect the world in one big network of information without impediment. Young people who were born in the early 2000s have grown up in a new era of technological innovation which is considered to be more advanced compared to what was experienced before the third millennium. With this threat of globalization, this study is to discover the potential influence of leadership that should be considered to overcome the impact of globalization in the Mangarano Church District. In other words, these questions must be answered: Does globalization have an impact on Adventist youth leadership? Can a revision or improvement of the pastoral ministry, especially within the framework of the approach, constitute a hope for a solution to this situation? Would it be possible to increase or enhance it through this strategic program? This research would be beneficial for pastors and parents in their ministries and education in serving today’s local church youths as it is based upon Jesus’ leadership. The empirical evidence approach is used. It is composed of analytical and clinical methods. It is a mixed tactic. In addition, the survey revealed that leaders should continue to have close contact with young people. One needs to reinforce youths’ identities, their values, and especially to acknowledge the existence of technological innovations that are no longer inevitable because those move forward with new strategies. They need to be used as effective tools to accomplish the mission of the church.
A strategy for Adventist youth involvement in evangelism in South Rwanda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-03) Karasira, Nsengiyumva Gerard
In South Rwanda Field of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, only 19.6% of the youth are involved. Most of the youth are not involved in ministry. Therefore, there is a need to change the situation in order to increase the number of young people who actively participate in evangelism. After conducting the survey, the researcher developed a strategy, program, and plan of implementation in order to increase the number of youth who participate in church activities, particularly, in evangelism. The researcher conducted trainings, after which the young people conducted a two-week evangelistic campaign as an application of what they learned in the trainings. Questionnaires were distributed to district pastors, church elders, and some young people. Out of their respective responses, Bible studies were conducted, homiletics principles were applied, and eight selected fundamental beliefs were shared for a period of two weeks, at least. The process ended in selecting a group of forty-five young people who were ready to conduct a two-week evangelistic meeting. The findings were very positive. At the end of the whole process, the involvement of the youth in evangelism increased from 19.6% to 48.3%. Even though they did not reach the goal of 50% participation, this percentage indicates that the program was successful. The exercise also revealed to the entire leadership of South Rwanda Field that there is a need of reinforcing the involvement of the youth in church activities.
A Strategy for Retention of New Members in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church, South Rwanda Field, Rwanda Union Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-05) Muvunyi, Charles
The aim of this study was to develop a strategy that will be used as a model for solving the problem of membership retention in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. The strength of every church is its membership. Loss of church members always affects the growth of the church. It is indeed difficult for the pastor to singly resolve or manage loss of membership in the church. The possibility of becoming ineffective to solve the problem of the loss of membership has made the pastor depend on lay leaders who often are not well equipped with skills in the treatment of new converts. The Bible, Seventh-day Adventist sources and other materials on membership retention were reviewed. Questionnaires were given to selected church members to determine the training needs of the church elders and all church workers as well as the church members for membership retention. A training workshop was organized for church elders and all church workers as well as the church members. The study outlined the reality of the loss of new members and enumerated the probable causes of new members backsliding in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. It drew a suggestive strategy on how to prevent this backsliding of new members. At the conclusion to this study, the researcher discovered that the fact that Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church has a high rate of dropouts brought a necessity of looking for the new answer to the question: “How to retain new church members in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church?” The study considered many challenges and causes of backsliding such as the lack of: proper follow-up, nurturing programs for new converts, bonds of friendship, effective visitation, and adequate fundamental instruction. The church planned a strategy which helped the newly baptized to stay in the church. The small groups program shows that there is hope. After the evangelistic campaign conducted in Ngoma Adventist Church, thirty-seven new converts were baptized. After three months of visiting and follow-up, all thirty-seven new members were still in the church and they were actively participating. Following the implementation of programs that are described in this study, it was concluded that it is possible to decrease the loss of members in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church if there is proper planning, commitment, and dedication on the part of the leadership of the local church and the pastor.
A Strategy on Seventh-day Adventist Church Involvement Toward the Social Reinsertion of Inmates of Tsiafahy Penitentiary, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-03) Sahondrarison, Misaela Ranjaolisera
One of the main challenges for the prisoners of Tsiafahy is social reintegration and the personal follow-up of their spiritual life, especially when the sentence is over. This requires valuable work, unity, and strict cooperation with the Adventist Church in Antananarivo and the surrounding area, especially the Adventist Church near the site of the Tsiafahy prison. The aim of the project was to maintain the spiritual life of prisoners who have served their sentence and got out safely or prisoners incarcerated because of calumny who, after passing through trial and the issue of order, are acquitted, meaning that there is no criminal record on their bulletin No. 3. Thus, they will continue to remain with God, go deeper in their life of faith and directly apply the fundamental truths they have learned in their lives. Those truths will make them decent and reliable people in their community instead of being a burden to others again. The results of the inquiry revealed that the challenge was that most of these prisoners who are released from the Tsiafahy prison do not attend the Adventist Church. This is in spite of the fact that they were well trained in the Scriptures while in prison, through daily Sabbath School lessons, Bible memory verses, morning devotionals, worship, and service on Sabbaths. They had known well Seventh-day Adventist Church’s fundamental beliefs. The present researcher, who is the chaplain for prison ministry in the Central Malagasy Conference with his team, through his periodic interventions, contributed to the change for the improvement of the behavior of the prisoners. This state of affairs was quickly noticed by the prison service officers who wrote favorable reports to their superiors concerning the prisoners in question. During the presidential pardons at the national celebration in June and at the end of the year, precisely in December, these prisoners had their sentences reduced or even to be released in a very short time, which allows the surrounding churches to prepare for their reception before sending them back to their families of origin. Seasonal or short-term work helped them not to be a heavy burden for the church members before they were coming back home.
A strategy to empower lay leaders to develop effective preaching at Ambohidratrimo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-02) Josoa Jacquot Jimison
Preaching plays an important role in the lives of believers. The spiritual life of the church depends on it. Most of the members of our church are not satisfied with the sermons they hear in the church on Sabbath. The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ambohidratrimo is facing that problem. First, educated lay leaders use their skills and knowledge to preach. However, their sermons become profound and philosophical. Second, lay leaders who have not progressed much in their education convince the audience with their chosen language and voice only in preaching. Third, different opinions have been heard from members about lay leaders preaching. In particular, the sermon is too long and uninspiring. Too many references are used and the topic is not clear. The objective of this project is to develop a strategy to empower lay leaders to promote effective preaching. The study followed Biblical teaching, the writings of Ellen Gould White, and a seminar was conducted. The seminar trained lay leaders of Ambohidratrimo SDA Church in terms of preaching. The study reveals that lay leaders of Ambohidratrimo SDA Church must improve their manner of preaching. Because of this research, strategies are given to empower lay leaders to develop effective preaching.
A Strategy to Equip Leaders for Church Growth at Ilakaka, in the South West Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-05) Andriamampiononandrainy, Arthur Sasah Doudou
It is a known fact that leadership is needed for the church. A great challenge for the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the lack of growth. Several reasons attribute to the lack of growth: a) diversity of communities, b) different levels of knowledge, c) different attitudes, d) different cultures, and the influence of other religious groups, such as Muslims. However, the main reason is the lack of spirituality. Leaders neglect to set aside time to communicate with God, and this has an impact on the members, and consequently prevents the church from growing. People are so busy trying to survive that they hardly have time to be with Jesus. There was a need to develop a strategic plan to deal with this lack of spiritually in order for the Ilakaka Seventh-day Adventist Church to grow. This study examined the theological foundations for leadership and church growth. Leadership and church growth are closely related. The paper analyzed different leadership styles and principles in the Old Testament and New Testament. This project explained also the Biblical concepts on church growth, both from the Old Testament and the New Testament, and Ellen White’s writings. Taking into account the theological basis of leadership and church growth, as well as the relationship between methods, the behavior of the leaders and the growth of the church, this study should help and equip Ilakaka leaders to apply some strategies to experience church growth. It is hoped that when this strategy is implemented, Ilakaka Church, and other churches in the Conference may attain their potential growth.
A Strategy to Involve the Seventh-day Adventist Youth of North Rwanda Conference in Evangelism
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-06) Mutuyimana Nkundakozera
The great commission of Jesus Christ calls upon all believers to get involved in evangelism (Matt 28:19-20). This is the responsibility of all church members. However, the youth in North Rwanda Conference (NRC) have not satisfactorily participated in fulfilling what Jesus Christ required. This situation has been influenced by different factors, but mostly, by the fact that the church has done little to involve them. This problem has been observed in many churches throughout the conference. Due to this, young people were not aware of their responsibilities in the church. Considering the challenge at hand, the major objective of this study was to come up with a strategy of involving the youth in evangelism. The strategies of getting the youth involved in evangelism were best seen in the program design of this research. Its implementation rotated around revival and reformation of members and the training of the youth in evangelism. To achieve the target of the research different methods were used including; documentary method, interviewing, use of questionnaires, and personal observation. This project implemented the program in the four selected churches as a sample of the study. In this program, it had been discovered that the churches at hand had 27, 30, 35, and 36 youth involved from Nyarubande, Kigombe, Yaounde, and Bwuzuri respectively. This makes a total of 128. During the implementation, there was a 21.75% increment in participants from to 317, because of personal evangelism. Regarding public evangelism, the number increased from 1 to 10 in these four churches. Thus, the number of the youth involved in evangelism rose to 90%. Several factors hamper NRC youth from participating in evangelism: secular activities such as games and watching movies to mention but a few. On the side of the parents and church leaders, challenges include lack of time and sufficient skills to handle the youth. However, if a good program is designed to get them involved and active in the church, the results are promising. The parents and church leaders, therefore, should, from time to time, implement the strategy which has been proposed in this research.
A study of the spirit of prophecy counsels on constructing and managing church facilities
(2022-06) Agyapong, Alexander
The Spirit of Prophecy, a term that refers to the writings of Ellen G. White, has guided the Seventh-day Adventist Church since its inception on critical issues including doctrinal purity, church organization, outreach, education, and health. A critical assessment of the Spirit of Prophecy shows that it also offers several counsels on the construction and management of church facilities, which include land acquisition and documentation, church facility construction, maintenance and general church facility management. Adopting a historical and case study approach, the study dived into the writings of Ellen G. White to unearth her counsels on the built environment and its usefulness in the Church of God. Questionnaires were administered and interviews were also conducted in selected churches within the Mid-North, and Mid-West Ghana Conferences to understand how Elders and Pastors knew the availability of the Spirit of Prophecy counsel on church estate management, as well as its relevance in managing the built environment of the church. A program was developed and implemented for two years by conducting training workshops for church leaders on the importance of the counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy and the need for Church leaders to consult it in their decisions with regard to the construction and management of church facilities.
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.
Assessment of the Social and Cultural Barriers to Planting Seventh-day Adventist Churches among the Luo Community in Siaya County: A Case Study of Ukwala Sub-location
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-04) Olum, Nelson Otieno
The Luo community residing in Siaya County, Ugenya Sub-County of Ukwala Sub-Location has remained inaccessible to the Adventist message despite the concerted efforts to reach them. The assumption that their unique social, cultural practices hinder the witnessing ministry has not been demonstrated. This study explored social, cultural factors hindering the work of reaching the Luos in Ukwala Sub-Location. After carrying out a community survey and analyzing the data, four social, cultural barriers emerged as follows: 1) the struggle for the preservation of their identity; 2) the institution of polygamy; 3) ancestral veneration, and 4) the region in Ukwala Sub- Location has been isolated to Adventists for some time. This study proposed four solutions of equal measure to mitigate the said obstacles. The first is the analysis of the strategies used formerly by Adventists in planting churches in Kisumu County. Second, are the cultural barriers that hinder Adventists in the planting of churches. Third, are the strategies used by the non-Adventists in planting churches in Ukwala Sub-Location within Ugenya Sub-County of Siaya County, and finally, the fourth one is the future approach purposely to level the ground for the missionaries to reach out and plant churches in Ukwala Sub- Location, also other people groups with similar features. I conducted a two-week evangelistic campaign at Ohagre in Ukwala Sub-Location where 24 persons were baptized, and a new Seventh-day Adventist congregation started at Ohagre village. The study includes the suggestion to enhance cross-cultural communication; promotion of formal education; application of beneficial Luo cultural customs; the total transformation of the Luo worldview and finally, developing accessibility avenues in future church planting in the Ukwala Sub-Location.
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.

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