Master of Arts in Missiology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://192.168.0.29/handle/123456789/134

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A program to mobilize Seventh-day Adventist church members for mission to Muslims in Oyugis Town, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-11) Mbago, Meshack Okoth
Mission is the one word that defines the entire purpose of Christianity. It is knit within the very fabric of humanity and traced from the nature of God who has initiatively revealed Himself to His people. Mission’s embedment in the Scripture is affirmative to the fact that God has a salvific agenda for all nations. Pursuantly the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Oyugis Central is actively involved in various mission oriented programs, contrariwise, a survey conducted in June 2012 revealed that none of her members is engaged in ministry to Muslims. It is from this premise that the researcher developed a program to mobilize Oyugis Central church members’ involvement in mission to Muslims so as to change their perception from considering Islam as a challenge, but an opportunity to share the gospel. Preparations began in October 2011 however lectures and interactive discussions began in June 2012 with 85 participants. A series of lessons, Mission Mobilization Program, a three-phased program was developed and implemented for six months. AMR department launch at the end of the implementation testifies to a positive impact created by the program. 100 church members were mobilized for mission to Islam and active ministry established in contrast to non-involvement hitherto depicted.
Media Evangelism to Muslims: a case study of Handeni Town, Tanga Region, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-05) Soka, Igin John
Media is a vital tool in evangelism which enables the message to pass from the sender to the receiver. However, it has been used in evangelism from the time immemorial. Even though media has played an important role in evangelism, still Handeni Church has not managed to use it effectively to pass the message of salvation. Therefore, this study focuses on evangelizing Muslims in Handeni using media. The study was based on the following objectives: identifying the challenges facing the church in evangelism and identifying the strategies to be used by the church in evangelizing. The researcher used case study design by applying both qualitative and quantitative methods. Both primary and secondary sources of data collection were used to study the population of 60 respondents, out of which 41 respondents were used as sample in the study. After the study, the researcher conducted seminars in order to implement the findings of the study and, after implementation, the researcher concluded the study. The study revealed that using the following strategies can be used in evangelizing; using house to house evangelism strategy, dialogue which was supported by 63.4%, mixing Quran and Bible verses as supported by 60.9% and distribution of books that was supported by 75.6%, electronic media whereby 68.3% supported the use of television, 65.6% supported the use of radio. In the pretesting, the percentage of people who had fulfilled Islamic taboos and culture was 19.5% out of 41 and, in post testing, it increased 63.3%. The number of people who engaged in home church was 4.8% in pretesting and increased up to 24% in post testing. The percentage of respondents who used and were able to use Quran and Bible verses was 7.3% and increased up to 60.9% in post testing. The percentage of people who distributed books was 19.5% in pretesting and increased up to 63.4% in post testing. In pretesting, the percentage of people who participated in interfaith dialogue was 7.3% and increased up to 43.9% out of 41 in post testing. Recommendations were supplied in conclusion by the researcher.
Towards effective integration of single parents in discipleship, Thamanda Seventh-day Adventist, Central Kenya Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2020-09) Ruiga, Lawrence Gitonga
Christianity is anchored on Christ’s command to carry the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. This can be done by ensuring that all adherents are involved appropriately and effectively in all Church activities. The Church is expected to be the place where all members have a sense of belonging, acceptance, and inclusivity. This implies that every Church member should get an opportunity to serve his or her master freely in the ecclesiastical programs of the Church. This research was based at Thamanda SDA Church and sought to explore ways through which single parents could be effectively integrated into the discipleship programs of the Church at Thamanda. In this survey, the researcher attempted to find out the theoretical foundations for single parents’ participation in discipleship. So, research adopted a qualitative research paradigm that is anchored on exploring the respondents’ views in a particular setting, in this case, at Thamanda SDA Church. The investigation also used a document analysis method whereby various literature and documents were analyzed and reviewed for coherency and contribution to the present research. The research revealed that single parents have long been left out of the Church programs. As a result, the researcher developed and implemented a Missiological method that single parents can use as a means of discipleship as they go for mission. The strategy involves a volunteer perspective for soul winning activities under the strategy by the name “Faith Mission Strategy [FMS]” which entails trusting in God for discipleship. The evaluation carried out on the discipleship program verified that it was greatly successful. This was evidenced after single parents conducted a two weeks gospel campaign that resulted in more cooperation among Church members.
An Evaluation of the effectiveness of Muhadhara (Debate) as a way of Evangelizing Muslims: a case study of the Muslims in Kitale Town District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Mbugua, Samuel
One of the main tasks that face the Adventist’s message presenter to Muslims is to study the current Islamic style of spreading its teachings and be able to understand its religious practices so that he/she can share with the Muslims the Advent end time message. This study has evaluated the effectiveness of Muhadhara (debate) as a way of evangelizing Muslims: a case study of the Muslims in Kitale town district of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Using data drawn from books, periodicals, the Internet, and oral interviews that addressed Muhadhara (Debate), the researcher established that traditional methods of presenting the gospel through public crusades neither addressed nor met the need of Muslims to make them embrace the gospel (Injil) as the saving power of God, but Muhadhara proved to be effective. This research sought to know the outcome (conversions) of previous Muhadhara. In General, the Muhadhara approach has succeeded to bring four Muslims to the Adventist church in Kitale SDA Church and not only the Muslim community but also from other Christian denomination as well as the so called ‘pagans.’ How has been the nurturing of the new converts from Muslims background to Adventism previously? This has not been well conducted since Adventist members fear those from Muslims background. The perception of Christians on using Muhadhara rather than crusade to Evangelize Muslims has now changed positively. There was a common notion that Mihadhara could easily confuse members who were not properly grounded in their fundamental Christian beliefs, but this study confirmed the opposite.
Community service: a strategy of reaching out to Muslims in Auchi, Edo state
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-11) Osaghemwen, Edo James
Community service has been found to create an opportunity for the preaching of the gospel of salvation to non-adherents. It is a very significant way for a Christians to connect with our communities and people which might be resistant to the gospel. Although this program can help contemporary efforts of mission to us follow Jesus’ model of service in reaching out to Muslims in Auchi which is largely Islamic and the Adventist message is very unfamiliar and it has not been given a serious consideration. This study, therefore, is to focuses on developing a strategy of reaching Muslims in Auchi through community service. The method used during the research was descriptive research method. About hundred questioners were given out and were properly administered to people in Auchi community, the aim was to find out if the people were used to community service. Based on our findings, a plan was designed for effective community service as in the clearing of bushes or strategic places. In addition, health lectures were duly carried out.The researcher discovered that Adventist could do a lot through community service such as providing free health services, water, cleaning of the environments and basic needs, to reach the Muslims in Auchi. When well implemented, community service could establish a cordial relationship between the people and Adventist; thus and an avenue for the Adventist message to be well proclaimed. The study also found out that most Adventists need to be trained on Muslim evangelism. With the community service done in Auchi, the work concluded that Auchi needed a special attention when evangelizing the area and community service is more effective and appropriate in this area. Providing health services and basic amenities will lead to an open door to the Muslims. Therefore, the Adventist church in Edo State needs to intentionally train its ministers and laity in community service evangelism, provide special budgets for it and also make it an integral part of its evangelism strategy to reach certain communities.
A strategy to evangelizing Sunni-tajaniyya Muslims in Konongo-odumasi municipality in Ghana through fun games with Adventist men's organization
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-11) Amankwah, Newman Osaforo-Adu
Muslims in Konongo-Odumasi have not been successfully reached by the local Seventh-day Adventists because the church preach and win many souls but they do not target Muslims. This study aims at designing a programme for AMO to reach out to S-TMs in Konongo-Odumasi through Fun Games. It will attempt to assess how best AMO can work carefully and cautiously on S-TMs in order to pave way for the propagation of the “Three Angels Messages” among S-TMs settlements without encountering the usual problems such as beating up Christian Evangelists in general as well as preventing Muslim members from being approached by Christian preachers. Three main events: Training AMO on how best to approach Muslims; Having Fun Games such as football, volleyball, tug of war, ludo, draught etc with our Muslim friends; and holding a-two week evangelistic meeting within the Muslim community will the modus operandi.In this study few key words are defined to make reading easier. These are: CANVASSER-is one who sells religious books as a way of spreading the good news about Jesus Christ. EVANGELIZE-is to preach or teach others about Christ. HADITH is Islamic traditions believed to be the sayings of Muhammad but not written in the Quran. “JIHAD”-is Islamic method of winning new people by letting them submit to Allah. MESSAGE PROPAGATION-is Spreading by telling many people one’s message. REACH OUT-Going out to preach, teach, discuss or share one’s faith with others who have not yet accepted the faith. It is my prayer that readers will find this research meaningful, interesting and understandable means to reach out to Muslims in order to tell them the "Three Angels Messages" in fulfilment of the gospel commission.
A survey on Islamic Population and its methods of expansion in Harare
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Hwarari, Godwell Gabriel
An investigation to ascertain the population of Muslims in Harare and their impact for good or otherwise is an informative exercise. This research has added to other literature in this area. The last of such works were in 1983 by Professor Ephraim C. Mandivenge in, “Islam in Zimbabwe.” After examining the Bible, the Qur’an and other authors, the researcher developed a program which involved field visits to Islamic mosques in five strategically selected locations in Harare. The exercise commenced in February 2012. A simple itinerary was drawn which took a day or two at each centre. Ten Muslims were interviewed and some in-depth discussions were carried out with three imams. The whole exercise took fifteen months to complete though due to the interest raised, dialogue is continuing in three mosques. A conclusion was reached that the exact population of stanch Muslims might be impossible to come up with due to the form of governance in Islam. The fact is that, Islam is growing in Harare at a rate of a debatable 30-40% per annum. This growth is precipitated by the economic situation in Zimbabwe. It is common in Africa to accept a religion for personal gains and when the gains are gone, the adherents may also go. The words of Mahatma Gandhi in John Stott’s book, Mission in Africa says it well, “I do not have to be a member of your church because you have treated my disease.”1 Though it is very easy to become Muslim, it is almost impossible to abandon the faith, though the situation may be different in Harare presently.
A Strategy to Contextualize Seventh-day Adventist Music to reach Muslims in Breman Asikuma
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Oduro, George
The Seventh–day Adventist church is entrusted with the gospel commission to disciple all nations. The church made fruitless effort to reach Muslims in Breman Asikuma. The Muslims were multiplying fast, and no long term plan had been put in place to reach them. The study sought to explore the opportunities of reaching Muslims in Breman Asikuma through Ghanaian Adventist music. A self-developed structured questionnaire with close ended questions was used as instrument for the study. A data was collected on the research conducted, and analyzed, with the use of statistical package for social science (S.P.S.S). Respondents had different levels of education, from the basic level to the tertiary level. Majority of the respondents were of the Islamic faith. The largest numbers of respondents were female. Greater percentage of respondents agreed that Western music had no effect on them.The study looked at the several obstacles to Muslim evangelism; there were no materials for Muslim evangelism, the old approach to public evangelism was adopted, the Muslim community did not like western music, hence the fruitless attempt to reach Muslims. In conclusion, the study used contextualization as a platform for Muslim evangelism, and it was successful. A musical concert dubbed, “bridging the gap between Adventist and Muslims” was staged. Muslims responded to the invitation. Three Muslims were baptized, and thereafter cordial relationship between the Seventh – day Adventist Church and Muslims in Breman Asikuma has existed.
A strategy to develop Christian Muslim relations among the Somali Community in Garissa County North Eastern Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Nyarondia, Julius Mwaniki
The great commission (Matt. 28:18-20) compels every believer to move with speed in order to take the gospel to the entire world. This is to prepare God’s people for the second advent of Christ. One of the main signs that will manifest before the coming of Jesus Christ is the spreading of the gospel to every creature on earth (Matt. 24:14) as a testimony to all nations. In addition, the Adventist believers have a divine obligation of taking the three angels’ message to those who dwell in every nation, tribe and people (Rev. 14:6-9). The idea is to warn the people living on earth of the coming judgment. However, many Christians have a negative attitude towards evangelizing Muslims. The assumption is that their destiny is already decided. Let’s not forget that Muslims are included in this category that needs to be taken into account in the propagation of this message, since they are also dear to God. The church needs to redouble its efforts in reaching out to the Muslim community around the globe starting with developing relations as an avenue.After an in-depth study of missionary approaches from the available materials including the Bible and the Holy Quran, it may be possible to establish a positive relationship between Christians and Muslims. This may help to reduce tension and animosity between Christians and Muslims in Garissa and consequently provide an avenue of reaching Muslims with the word of God. It is unbelievable that such an unfriendly environment has continued to be perpetuated in the name of ‘God’ by Christians and Muslims alike. In Garissa County, Christians and Muslims have lived in harmony for decades. However, there have been several incidents in the recent past where some youths claiming to be Muslims engaged in violate activities against the Christian community. Does it then imply that religion fuels enmity? This is the question this study will explore as a means of trying to get a solution to the perennial problem.
A Strategy to reach the Nubia Muslims with the Gospel in Kisii
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Miyienda, Tom Kennedy
The mission of the SDA church gives priority to evangelism to all people groups in the spirit of the great commission of Mathew 28: 18-19. .The Nubian Muslim community lives only a kilometre awayfrom the Seventh-day Adventist Church headquarters – South Kenya Conference in Kisii.To date, the Nubians remainunreached by any Christian denomination despite the fact that the Seventh-day Adventist mission has been in operation in Kisii since 1912.This study examined the factors causing slow pace in ministry to the Nubians in the past, the challenges faced by our pioneers in this line of service and makes recommendations on how best thiscould be done. After an intensive literature reviewdone as from April 2011 on how to reach the Nubian Muslims with the gospel, it was realised that there was no program developed for this ministry, thus both the laity and clergy were not equipped for it, therefore a manual was developed.Consequently a three months training was launchedin December 2012, for 40 volunteers to understand the Muslim culture and how crosscultural ministry could be done for Muslims in Nubia. The existing structure on the groundAdventist Muslim Relations Department (AMR) was used as a bridge to start a dialogue with Nubia Muslims. The research aimed at empowering the AMR department rather than replacing it for effective service, this was so because the AMR department was not operational due to lack of training and user manual for ministry to Muslims. Sensitization was done at a meeting of over 300 church elders attending a congress at Nyanchwa Teachers College in December 2012 where both church elders and pastors in the entire conference- were in attendance. This was necessary because most churches either had not heard of AMR or didn’t know how it works and its relevance in missions. Relevant recommendations are made at the end of it all. After intensive surveys carried out in the months of October to December 2012, Having established what was on the ground in terms of challenges and opportunities,the volunteers were encouraged to start building bridges of understandingwith the Nubian community who are Muslims through friendships, studies on common subjectssuch as torah, gospel, prophets, Isa(Jesus), tawhid(oneness) of God in a manner that does not arouse controversy. The study established that lack of training was the main reason for the apparent apathy in the ministry to Muslims. Lack of exposure and knowledge of the Nubba culture and attitude were among the challenges faced by the volunteers while the clergy seemed unconcerned with Muslims since it appeared to be a closed door society or group. To change that attitude was therefore necessary if effective results were to be realised. A non-combatant but accommodating approach, herein referred to as ‘common-ground’, dialogue of one’s daily living, and a genuine concern forMuslims were recommended for use among the Nubbians but Muhadhara and mujadala are to beused for purposes of apologetics. The results of the six months implementation strategy revealed three Muslims baptized while the AMR volunteers appeared more equipped as they have acquired each a Qur’an and other related literature. The volunteers have developed a deeper interest in Muslim work since they now attend a monthly on-going training at South Kenya Conference. They can now rise-up to answer Muslims whenever there is a Muhadhala-done that thrice in the year 2013 at Kisii town, Keroka, and Kilgoris. This is noticeable given in the past 10 years we had to call for speakers from either western Kenya, or Kenya coast to answer Muslims. It is the conclusion of this research that cross-cultural ministry to Muslims is challenging but it can now be done, it seems to be working.
Responding to the challenge and impact of demon possession among Seventh-Day Adventist Members in Buganda District, North-West Burundi Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2018-10) Rwasa, Therence
In Burundi, demon possession has often challenged the Bumbiri Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church members. It divides, causes suffering and even death. This project sought to describe the phenomenon and to identify ways to equip church members to respond to its challenge. The researcher used the qualitative case study research method. He interviewed fifteen persons at the Bumbiri Seventh-day Adventist Church. Among them are two pastors, four church elders, three persons delivered from demon possession, and six helpers of these demon-possessed persons. He also worked with 150 participants in a series of seminars he conducted. This study discovered that the conventional responses of church members have been to ask help from pastors of other denominations or from witch-doctors in order to cast out demons from the demon-possessed persons. The study also highlights the necessity for a stronger biblical foundation for dealing with demon possession as opposed to following traditional beliefs and practices. The analysis of interview data showed that traditional beliefs and practices are the main causes of demon possession at Bumbiri SDA Church. Participants in this study also realized that the profound transformation of church members by biblical beliefs is an ideal response to demon possession at Bumbiri. This study suggests the following as a way to respond to demon possession: a) theological education, b) proper orientation to small group ministry, c) identification of wrong or unbiblical traditional beliefs and practices, and d) the use and contextualization of appropriate biblical teachings on demon possession.
Developing a strategy to reach Muslims through Adventist Education in Ngaoundere
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Alla-Hoki, Pascal
Christ mandated the Church to "make disciples" (Matt.28:19,200) and has equipped the Church for the task through provision of ministries. The preaching, teaching, and healing ministries have been the methods he used during his ministry on earth. Since the ministry of teaching had brought its results during the ages, the Church has to make advantage of it in the city of Ngaoundéré to reach Muslims. The research will then explore the topic of education through the Bible, Ellen G. White writings, the Qur’an, the Hadiths and other secular authors’ writings in order to establish the pertinence of the project. Finally a strategy of reaching Muslims through Adventist Education will be designed taking in account the general context of the city of Ngaoundéré. Muslims are unreachable people. The matter is just to develop an appropriate strategy. Converting any type of religion to Christianity is hard enough. When Christians have to convert Muslims to Christianity, the task is harder because a Muslim, more than anyone else, is shaped in a kind of beliefs and practices from his earliest childhood. That is why; prayer is one of the important things to be recommended in the process of reaching Muslims. The commitment of all the church members is also necessary.
Developing a training program at the Universite Adventiste Cosendai for Adventist missionaries to reach Muslims in Cameroon
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2015-06) Assamba, Onyong
The continued expansion of Islam and the quantitative growth of the Muslim population inside the Cameroonian territory is one of the major challenges of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose divine mandate is to present Christ to all people regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity or obedience. After a thorough study of the Islamic religion in this country, we found that it is not easy to evangelize to this people, who are also a mission field. Hence, there is the need and urgency to propose missionary training programs at the Université Adventiste Cosendai. The objective of this project was to prepare the participants at Université Adventiste Cosendai with strategies to methodically and efficiently access and witness to the Islam people. This study allowed us to identify the limits and strengths, risks and opportunities related to the implementation of this project. Our results indicate that the establishment of this program created a dialogue between Christians and Muslims and that a Bachelor’s Degree in Missiology, with emphasis in Islam Studies at Cosendai, Cameroon should be undertaken. It appears at the end of the investigation that the establishment of this program is not only possible, but timely and essential.
Proposal for including Islamic studies as part of the Curriculum at the Adventist Seminary of Huambo (Angola)
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Xirimbimbi, Juvenal Gomes
Preaching the everlasting gospel is the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The purpose of this project is to help the Seventh - day Adventist Church fulfill its mission in Angola. In this study, the point of my study was to design a proposal of Islamic Studies to be included in the curriculum of the Adventist Seminary of Huambo (Angola), and this is how I did it in way to answer the Church need I conducted investigation to identify and analyze factors that would justify the introduction of a new curriculum at the Seminary. The result was that key people in the Adventist church agree that it is lacking in its outreach to Muslims in Angola. They also agree that currently, there are no relevant strategies to reach this group. Pastors and church leadership confirm the need for such a ministry. In fact, the two Unions in Angola are baptizing thousands of people, but they have no record of Muslims being baptized. It is from this background that findings have been made. Such findings have resulted in the identifying of possible strengths and weaknesses. From the results of this study, I could lead to suggested recommendations to the Adventist church in Angola to be aware of the growing presence of Muslims in the country, and that ministering and relating to this group requires specialized training and relevant skills. In this way I built a curricular such as suggested in this project, without such skills, the Seventh-day Adventist Church would not be able to reach the Muslim people with the message of salvation. This is what I learned, pastors and others missionaries workers in Angola they need learn more about Islam and how to share the Gospel with them. Also the Adventist educational institution (SAH) needs to connect with the immediate social demand and reach the way to solve this demand. This project if accepted, it will act as a means for helping the church in Angola during the training of pastors, to equip them with tools and strategies of evangelizing Muslim communities in Angola.

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