Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://192.168.0.29/handle/123456789/131

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 109

An analysis of the concept of discipleship in the book of Deuteronomy
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-04) Oladosu, Opeyemi Tunbosun
The Old Testament discipleship theme is entrenched and expressed in covenantal terms. However, studies on discipleship in the Old Testament have been scarce. This happens because of the assumption that the Old Testament has little or no contribution to the theme of discipleship and the presumed absence of the discipleship terms in the Old Testament canon. This research studied some theological dictionaries, encyclopedia entries, and Old Testament literature. This helped to examine the previous studies relating to the concept of discipleship in the Old Testament. From this literature, it was observed that the Old Testament canon has not been fully engaged in the discussion on discipleship. Consequently, this dissertation analyzed how the concept of discipleship is developed throughout the book of Deuteronomy and examined its contributions to the development and understanding of biblical discipleship. To achieve this, the discipleship language in both the Old and New Testaments were examined to extract the discipleship terms and themes in both Testaments. By employing the Qualitative Content Analysis method, a coding frame was developed and applied in analyzing the entire book of Deuteronomy. Findings revealed that the foundation of Old Testament discipleship is the covenant, where God initiates a relationship with Israel, calling them into his divine plan of salvation. The covenant people, who are Yahweh’s disciples, are called to learn and teach Yahweh’s ways, making sure that God’s instructions are transmitted through generations. This learning brings about a commitment to obey and keep their Master’s commandments, manifesting faithfulness to his will. As they grow in obedience, it results in walking after and following Yahweh, harmonizing their lives with his will. This faithful walk affirms their membership and election, revealing that they are chosen by grace and set apart as the LORD’s people. This status confers on them a profound sense of responsibility to fear God, which means living in reverence and awe of God’s holiness, guiding every aspect of life. Consequently, the fear of God leads to worship, as covenant people respond to God’s faithfulness with adoration and devotion. True worship propels love for the LORD and others, as obedience is expressed via unswerving affection. This love strengthens fellowship and encourages one another in faith. As the community grows in love and obedience, they begin and continue to bear witness, proclaiming Yahweh’s truth to the world around them. In this way, discipleship becomes a ceaseless, interconnected journey where each item strengthens the other, establishing a complete and faithful walk with God. The study further showed that mission and discipleship are interrelated. Yahweh’s plan involves his followers playing active parts in his mission to redeem and restore the fallen creation. Hence, he called them into a life of service. The book of Deuteronomy thus serves as a practical guide for Yahweh’s disciples. The covenantal principles derived from the book present deep perceptions of how individuals and communities can incorporate and communicate Yahweh’s redemptive purposes to the world. Also, training individuals to know and live out Yahweh’s covenant equips them to participate in his mission. Apart from teaching, other strategies include living out the covenant faithfulness, following or walking after God, promoting love and worship, building strong communities, and keeping God’s commandments. So, the covenant relationship is not only about personal faithfulness but also people bearing witness to Yahweh’s glory among the nations. The research concluded that the book of Deuteronomy contributes to the understanding and development of the concept of discipleship not only in the Old Testament but also in the New Testament. Therefore, the lexical terms and themes of discipleship found in every structure of the book of Deuteronomy should guide modern disciples of Christ in their relationship with him and help them understand what it requires to be a genuine disciple.
A training program for effective discipleship of lay leaders in the greater Uppen Nile Field, South Sudan
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-03) Odolopre, Mark Igga Mona
There were very few trained and qualified pastors in the Greater Upper Nile Field (GUNF) who could effectively minister to the spiritual and pastoral needs of church members. As a result, the burden of leadership and care fell on lay leaders who lacked formal training in both pastoral responsibilities and discipleship ministry. This lack of preparation led to several challenges within the churches, including the passive involvement of members in evangelism, inadequate nurturing of new believers, and weak organizational leadership in local congregations. Consequently, the overall spiritual growth, vitality, and outreach effectiveness of the churches suffered. In response to this need, this research project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate a training program specifically tailored to equip lay leaders for effective discipleship ministry. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Focus group interviews were conducted to assess the current situation and challenges faced by lay leaders, while questionnaires were used to evaluate the outcomes of the training program. The findings revealed that both lay leaders and church members in the Bentiu District of GUNF urgently needed structured training in discipleship to improve leadership capacity and enhance ministry effectiveness. The training program was carried out for 29 selected lay leaders representing 10 churches in the Bentiu District. The curriculum of the training emphasized that discipleship is not only biblical and church-sanctioned, but also transformational, rational, relational, and inherently missional. The program provided the participants with essential skills and knowledge to lead effective discipleship efforts within their local churches. Upon completion, several of the trained leaders were able to replicate the program in their respective congregations, leading to increased engagement in evangelism, improved spiritual growth, and broader participation of youth and women in church life. This study concludes that targeted training in discipleship has a significant positive impact on local church leadership and member engagement. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of expanding similar training efforts to other districts within the Greater Upper Nile Field. The findings underscore the strategic role that well-equipped lay leaders can play in advancing the mission of the church, particularly in regions where ordained pastors are scarce.
Impact of cultural biases on leadership disposition among the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Techiman Municipality, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Nyarkoh, Edward
Leadership plays a critical role in shaping the trajectory of human societies, particularly within religious, organizational, and communal structures. This study investigates the influence of cultural biases on youth leadership disposition within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Techiman South District of Ghana. Although biblical principles advocate for servant leadership, inclusivity, and humility (Mark 10:42–45), prevailing cultural norms often constrain youth participation in leadership roles, particularly along lines of gender, social status, and traditional expectations. Quantitative research design was used to collect data from four major churches in the district. Techiman Central, Amo Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church (AMSDA), Forikrom Central, and Bamiri. Through questionnaires administered to a purposive sample of 400 respondents, the findings revealed that cultural biases significantly influenced youth leadership dispositions, despite an overall positive orientation among youth toward leadership. Respondents perceived the youth as demonstrating strong cognitive, affective, and behavioral competencies, including critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, though some variability in cognitive skills was noted. The study underscores the church’s influential role in shaping leadership perceptions and practices and recommends the implementation of targeted interventions to address structural cultural biases, particularly in the areas of power distance, perceived competence, and in-group favoritism. Identifying the cultural biases influencing leadership disposition among the youth is instrumental in tailoring youth development strategies. The data were further used to design and evaluate a program aimed at mitigating these biases, with the analysis revealing both the program's strengths and areas for improvement in enhancing youth leadership capacity.
Transmission of Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle values to Cameroonian youth in Douala III District of the West Cameroon Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Njock David Vivian
The transmission of values is the process by which the beliefs and values of one person or a group of people are adopted/internalized by another person or group of people. It is part of the maturation process for adolescents to personalize their faith rather than reflect their parents' faith, and parents need to be supportive of the questioning and searching stage of the faith journey. It finds its roots in the express will of God, which commits the people of Israel to make it a fundamental principle in the education of children, and for the perpetuation of divine values as written in Deuteronomy 6:6-10. The problem raised by this research is the need for intentional and comprehensive methods to enhance the transmission of Seventh-day Adventist values, to comply with the lifestyle of the members, especially the young people to the standard of the Bible teachings This dissertation developed, implemented, and evaluated a strategy based on biblical principles and methods that can effectively and efficiently impart values to Cameroonian youth in the Douala 3 sub-division. The methodology is mixed methods research based on surveys, interviews, and focus groups with pastors, church leaders, members, and young people. The sampling method selected participants from 13 churches in the subdivisions to ensure a variety of perspectives. Triangulation, thematic, and integrative analyses were used to interpret the data and identify tools and instruments for comprehensive value transmission. The findings show that the church in the Douala III is using traditional ways of transmitting values, which can be updated and upgraded according to the challenges they are facing; parents are not intentional, and some of them are involved in premarital sex issues and cohabitation; pastoral care is very low when considering the number of people living in cohabitation (43) and those having children out of marriage (80); and a need for a comprehensive project for the transmission of values. The research proposes that the combination of discipleship, mentoring, and fellowship is an effective tool for transmitting values. The research highlighted a transmission of values based on peer influence, specialized mentors, ongoing teaching, and dynamic fellowship.
A strategy for effective membership retention in the Gisenyi District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the North-West Rwanda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-04) Mutuyimana Nkundakozera
The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches globally face the challenge of members dropping out. The Northwest Rwanda Field (NWRF) is no exception. For instance, a church membership audit conducted in 2017 among churches in the Gisenyi district of the Seventh-day Adventist , Rwanda, revealed that the church had lost 35% of its members. Furthermore, the second quarter of the 2017 NWRF report indicated that 45% of members were not attending church services regularly. This study investigated the strategies for retaining church members in the NWRF. The guiding study questions were: What are the participants’ demographic information on gender, age, and church experience in the churches of the Gisenyi district SDA, Rwanda? Why do church members stop attending church services in churches in the Gisenyi district SDA, Rwanda? What strategies can be used to help retain church members from leaving the churches in the Gisenyi district SDA, Rwanda? The study employed a mixed-methods approach using the descriptive research design. The study involved church members from five churches of the Gisenyi district SDA, alongside 27 pastors, 27 first-church elders, and 13 NWRF office workers, and 60 heads of departments of five churches participated in the study. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, and results were presented in percentages, tables, and themes. Results indicated that church member dropouts were primarily due to church programs, the behavior and actions of church members who included leaders, and various social and individual factors. Results on the members’ retention strategies included promoting inclusive participation in church programs, providing support for the needy, and forming small group practices. The study recommended implementing a designed intervention strategy to address retention issues among church members.
Developing a faith-based intervention strategy to empower HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Monze Urban, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Muvwimi, Maxwell
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a significant negative effect on children, creating a global catastrophe of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in many afflicted regions. The increasing prevalence of orphaned children in Monze, Zambia particularly due to the impact of HIV/AIDS, poses a significant social challenge. HIV/AIDS orphans experience a variety of difficulties, including social stigma, psychological, emotions and disruptions of family structures. This investigated the state of emotional wellbeing, community responses and aspiration of HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children in Monze. It also explored the state of social structures and indicators of community perception of HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Monze, Zambia. While there are some government and other NGOs response to the plight of the orphans, there is no visible and organized response to the challenges of the orphans by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the city The used mixed research method of quantitative and quantitative to collect data from the orphans, caregivers, community social workers and church Seventh-day Adventist leaders. Significant findings revealed that about 55% of the HIV/AIDS orphaned children are cared for by their grandmothers. About 60% of the respondents reported that many HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Monze are on the streets for survival. A significant 95% of the respondents feel that their churches in Monze are not friendly or caring toward HIV/AIDS orphaned children. And 70% indicated that they have experienced stigma related to their HIV/AIDS status. 50% feel unsupported by the community members It also found that 65% feel depressed due to their situation relating the profound toll of being orphaned and living with the stigma of HIV/AIDS. While 60% indicated they received some counselling, another 60% think faith-based organization responses could help them in their situation. A good percentage desired education, financial assistance and skill development. It recommended that faith-based organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist church in partnership with NGOS can build community programmes aim to build social systems that support the wellbeing and potential of orphaned children, community engagement focusing on the communication skills and the values of emotional support by caregivers and the society and continued exploration of the role of literacy in perceptions of the wider community regarding Orphaned Vulnerable Children and collaborate with the government of Zambia to strengthen its response to the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children through the Multi-Sectoral Response on Orphans and Vulnerable Children. It is further recommended that the Faith-based organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in partnership with NGOs should design appropriate support programmes such counselling, educational support, skill acquisition schemes and also involve the children on the planning about their future.
A skills acquisition program to empower abused young girls in Epworth suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-04) Mashonganyika, Kenneth Tamuka
Aim The aim of this project is to alleviate the attitude of neglecting and disregarding of the young girls in the satellite town of Epworth. I observed that many families give no respect or even listen to the girl child in the informal settlements of this town. The girls are left to fend for themselves from the age of ten until they reach womanhood. This neglect and disregard have led many girls into prostitution and abuse by the same community which acts as guardians to them. Purpose The purpose of this project is to develop, implement and evaluate a viable intervention program of action to empower the young girls in Epworth with projects such as dressmaking, computer learning, commercial gardening, poultry, hairdressing, vending and social activities such as soccer. The program was supported by the community, and all the stakeholders to determine its impact on reliability and validity. Method To meaningfully empower the girl child in the informal settlements of Epworth, the researcher used the qualitative method for the research process. After an examination of the problem through data derived from three focus groups and observations, the researcher and the trainer of trainers (TOT) designed a training program of dressmaking for the forty-five abused girls which started from March 4, 2019, to April 12, 2019, at the Oasis Centre (a Non-governmental Organization) supported by Overspill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Epworth. The training program went on very well and achieved its desired objectives which are not exhaustive: identifying basic tools, recognizing the parts of the sewing machine, identifying characteristics of common fabrics, and estimating the amount of fabric needed for garments. Results To measure the outcome of the program, the researcher and the trainer of trainers, examined the data of the focus group discussions. Both the trainer of trainers, the focus groups and stakeholders concurred that the dressmaking training program was a success. There was a consensus that the program must be extended to all the young girls of Epworth, including those who drop-out of school for any other reasons and be replicated in the Province of Harare. Conclusion When the quality of life for the girl child in Epworth is changed, there may be a notable improvement in productivity and family happiness. Subsequently, this may pave the way to transform the community’s thinking toward the vulnerable girl child in Epworth.
A study skills acquisition project aimed at the “previously disadvantaged” learners of Helderberg High School, Cape Town
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-05) Potgieter Daniël Petrus
The long-lasting impact of Apartheid in South Africa continues to shadow the educational journeys of “previously disadvantaged” students over two decades after the country’s shift to democracy. These learners face significant hurdles in high school; even those earning a bachelor’s degree often struggle with a high dropout rate in their first year of university. The Apartheid legacy is a pivotal contributor to this unfortunate situation. This dissertation aims to understand the challenges “previously disadvantaged” learners face and develop, implement, and evaluate a study skills workshop at Helderberg High School in Somerset West, Cape Town. This initiative is inspired by a transformational approach rooted in Christ’s teachings. The lack of access to quality education entraps these learners, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and limiting their socioeconomic prospects. The acquisition of essential study skills is crucial for their educational success. This study focuses exclusively on Helderberg High School and “previously disadvantaged” learners, excluding Grade 12 students due to their proximity to final exams. It draws insights from theological perspectives on education, emphasizing its enduring role in fostering intellectual and spiritual growth. It explores educational principles in the Old and New Testaments and references Ellen G. White’s work, examining aspects like the academic environment, objectives, methodologies, teaching approaches, and curriculum design. Additionally, the research explores the historical context of Apartheid, its impact on South African society, and the urgent need for an equitable educational landscape. It delves into study skills, utilizing Buzan Mind Maps to empower learners and mitigate the adverse effects of Apartheid on their academic pursuits. The dissertation methodically outlines the groundwork and execution of research interviews conducted within focus groups of high school learners. This qualitative data provides insights into study habits and skills. Based on the theological foundation, the literature reviewed, and focus group data analysis, a study skills acquisition curriculum and initiative were developed. Implementing the curriculum and initiative effected a positive transformation in the lives of these learners. This research underscores the enduring significance of education and its theological foundations in shaping individuals and societies. It highlights the crucial role of study skills in bridging the gap between underprivileged and privileged learners, thus promising a more equitable society. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges “previously disadvantaged” learners face and offers a practical solution to enhance their academic performance and overall well-being.
Interrogating factors contributing to the low participation in Holy Communion service in selected churches of Central Kenya Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-06) Moegi, Samuel Robinson
This study explores the reasons behind low participation in Holy Communion among church members in the Central Kenya Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and proposes strategies for improvement. Although Holy Communion holds deep theological meaning as a source of spiritual nourishment and communal unity, recent data show declining participation rates. Drawing insights from a quantitative survey of 300 baptized members across selected churches, the study identifies key barriers to engagement. These include poor time management, inadequate hygiene practices during services, and limited awareness of the sacrament's significance. Despite acknowledging its spiritual importance, many members face practical challenges that hinder full involvement. To address these issues, the study recommends targeted strategies such as enhanced education on the meaning and value of Holy Communion, more effective church communication, and better logistical organization of the service. By tackling both the theological and practical obstacles, the church can boost participation, nurture spiritual growth, and reinforce a sense of unity within the congregation. These strategies aim to bridge theological understanding with practical solutions, fostering deeper spiritual connection and stronger community unity within the church.
Developing a ministry intervention for domestic violence among couples in Mabvuku Community, Harare, Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-06) Takaindisa, Morgen
Problem Couples in the Mabvuku Community frequently resorted to violence when faced with seemingly irreconcilable differences. Instead of amicably uniting and resolving together, facing the challenges as a combined force, some spouses blamed each other for the situation before them. In such disputes, domestic violence has often erupted. Many spouses seemed to be unable to resolve conflict amicably without resorting to violence. Others seemed unskilled enough to devise methods and strategies that were anti-violent. Spouses in Mabvuku seemed to have one antidote to family conflict—violence—like someone with only a hammer, treated every problem like a nail. Every week 10 to 12 instances of spousal violence were reported to the Mabvuku Police station. Furthermore, one-third of women have experienced physical violence from the age of 15 as documented in the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey of 2015. Purpose of the Study The research project intended to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention program aimed at reducing domestic violence and promoting love, respect, unity, and harmony among couples in the Mabvuku Community. Methodology The research program began in June 2021 to October 2023. The population targeted were couples experiencing domestic violence in the Mabvuku Community. The spousal duration in marriage ranged from 0- 30 years. The researcher worked with 8 couples recommended by the Mabvuku Adventist Church board. These couples became the focus group that assisted in mobilizing other couples to attend Happy Home Ministry for spousal enrichment programs and later recruit couples experiencing domestic violence and victimizers for counseling. The researcher applied the Qualitative method for the study. Focus group questions played an important role in information gathering. Data was collected from focus group discussions, interviews, and observations. Enrichment spousal seminars were conducted. Counseling of domestic violence victims and victimizers was executed. Materials were distributed to participants and visitations and prayers were offered to those who requested. Results Data collected from Focus Group, interviews, and observations after examination revealed that physical violence appeared predominant in Mabvuku. 78% of the respondents placed physical violence as the number one vice that militates against spousal harmony. Men emerged as the main perpetrators of domestic violence since 88% of domestic violence emanated from men. All this emerged from poor communication which is reflected at 85% (table 7) as the chief source of spousal violence in Mabvuku Community. Conclusion Happy Home strategy, a response to domestic violence among couples sought to improve couples’ relationships by promoting love, respect, and harmony through spousal enrichment seminars and counseling of victims and abusers in the Mabvuku Community. The plan was successful. The research program effected inspired spouses to adapt positive interpersonal skills where love, respect, and harmony were cherished, and reconciliation pursued. Twenty couples whose spousal relationship had been ruined by domestic violence got reconciled. The Happy Home Ministry whose objective is to enhance spousal relationships through marriage seminars and counseling paid rich dividends at the end of seminars and marriage counseling sessions.
A strategy for the rehabilitation of people with alcohol dependency in the Benfica District of Huambo, Angola
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-01) Lemos, Jose Pereira
The use of alcoholic drinks in the Benfica district of Huambo, Angola, has been identified as the primary cause of many car accidents. As will be seen in this study, road accidents arise from driver-related issues, including impatience, lack of rest, pride, greed, ego, alcohol use, and lack of driving skills. It is evident from records that alcohol is one of the top causes of accidents worldwide. Alcohol not only leads to antisocial behavior, school dropout, domestic violence, and numerous health problems but has also resulted in the breakdown of many families. Considering this, the study focused on the prevalence of alcohol abuse in the district by developing a program that could effectively reach out to alcoholics, provide training to churches and the community on how to support those who have abstained from alcohol, and select some churches to be rehabilitation centers for alcoholics. The research design employed questionnaires administered to collect information on issues concerning alcoholism and the rate of alcohol consumption in the Benfica district of Huambo, Angola. The data were analyzed descriptively and presented in charts using percentile scores. The data analysis results revealed that the primary factor contributing to the higher rate of alcoholic beverage consumption in the Benfica district of Huambo is social connections, accounting for 33%. This emphasizes the influence of one’s social circle on alcohol-related behavior. Furthermore, when examining the frequency of drinking, men exhibited a higher percentage (46%) of consuming alcoholic beverages at very frequent intervals compared to women (23%). The study yielded significant conclusions, highlighting the severe consequences associated with alcohol consumption, including death, injuries, disabilities, and divorce. It emphasized that individuals struggling with alcoholism require not only medical treatment but also spiritual healing. The conclusions and recommendations derived from the study are considered pertinent and reliable, as they are based on concrete findings and insights from carefully selected participants.
Developing the discipleship strategy for local church leaders of the Kigombe District in the North Rwanda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-03) Nsengiyumva, Gerard Karasira
Problem The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Kigombe District registered a numerical growth of church members and good infrastructure in the last twenty years. However, during the last five years, it was observed that there has been a lack of effective discipleship for the local church leaders. It resulted in the least involvement of those leaders in church activities. The effects of such a gap in the local church leadership brought about less participation of members in various church services and a high rate of backslidings. Purpose The project sought to develop, implement, and evaluate a program to boost the discipleship process for the local church leaders in the Kigombe District based on practical spiritual disciplines so that their growth would effectively impact others. Method The research project started on 6 January 2019 and ended on 31 March 2019. The general study population was local church leaders of the Kigombe District, while the targeted population was church elders and local department leaders. The accessible population was 74 local church leaders from the age of 18 and above, both genders considered. For the pretest interview, key informants were 15 church elders and local department leaders. The Kigombe District Pastor served voluntarily as a research assistant to the researcher in the preliminary steps of the project. The quantitative method was applied in the study. Through the research instrumentation data were collected, processed, analyzed, and well-computed in an SPSS software. The implementation of the study consisted of the intervention articulating six basic spiritual disciplines: spiritual journaling, Bible study, mentoring new converts, small group activities, home visitation, and homiletic principles. Results The program implementation was run successfully. The average attendance was 98.8%, and the average report was 98.3%. Study participants got equipped because, through the Likert numerical scale, the spiritual disciplines generally scored very low at the beginning of the research, and they scored high level at the closing step of the intervention. Other satisfactory results were recorded in the tithe giving an increment of 27% per year. Local church leaders were participative in all church services. Therefore, the Sabbath School attendance recorded an increase of 25%, while the backslidings decreased at a rate of 30%. The outcome was that good and wide new church structures were put in place in a time of economic crisis. Conclusion Through the evaluation of the initiative, it was observed that transformational discipleship of local church leaders had positive effects on church members as individuals and as a corporate. The outstanding progress in many areas of church life was the result of the effective discipleship of all believers. The research was successful. However, further discipleship programs designed and implemented based on other characteristics of respondents could be of great value in the churches of the Kigombe District as long as the focus of discipleship is well-kept.
Influence of training on youths’ knowledge, perception, and attitude to entrepreneurship to reduce unemployment in Ogun Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Joseph Olusola Jegede
Unemployment amongst employable youths in Nigeria is at an alarming rate. This has led so many youths to different vices like internet fraud, ritual killings, armed robbery, prostitution, kidnapping, child trafficking and several others. To this end, many government dispensations in Nigeria introduced programmes aimed at solving the challenge of unemployment in the nation. Many of the programmes seemed to have failed to yield significant results. This study therefore, sought to determine if exposure to entrepreneurship training over a period of four weeks would positively influence the knowledge, perception and attitudinal disposition of youths in selected districts to entrepreneurship as a way of reducing unemployment among youths in Ogun Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Nigeria. This research employed the quasi-experimental method. Three districts in Ilishan-Remo were purposively selected for the experimental group while Ijebu-Ode district was selected for control group in this study. Forty-four youths were selected from each of the two districts. The experiment lasted for four weeks. In the first week, structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents at the baseline; the same instrument was used for data gathering at the endline of the study. Data were analysed using paired t-test and Anova. Practical demonstration of the respondents’ understanding of how to produce each of the products, showed their proficiency in the production of each of the products. Quantitative data also revealed respondents’ understanding of the problem of unemployment in Nigeria. Endline data showed statistically significant difference in the participants’ knowledge, perception and attitudinal disposition to entrepreneurship as against baseline data across all the tested variables. The study did not record statistically significant difference in the demographic variables of gender and income and the knowledge, perception and attitudinal disposition of the respondents to entrepreneurship. However, the study findings showed difference in the adoption of entrepreneurship with age. This probably means that as youths grow older, the quest for white collar job reduces while their focus shifts to getting a legitimate means of livelihood. Data from the study revealed statistically significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, perception and attitudinal disposition to entrepreneurship. The study therefore concludes that intervention programme using apprenticeship model is effective in training youths in becoming entrepreneurs. The study recommends introduction of entrepreneurship to school curricular at every level of education in Nigeria.
The need for mentoring and retaining the Adventist youth for discipleship in Yelwa District, North West Nigeria Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-04) Ishaya, Istifanus
Problem The Yelwa District Seventh-day Adventist Church has seen a notable decline in the attendance of young people in the past 20 years. The Church's spiritual health has been impacted by the decline in attendance. It also presents a significant threat to the Church's leadership and its survival. One of the challenges threatening the future of the Church is the lack of a comprehensive mentoring strategy that is geared toward the retention of young members. The leaders of the Church have adopted some strategies to address the challenges. Some initiatives include creating ministry opportunities, developing new member courses, and employing full-time Bible workers. However, due to inadequate mentoring strategy, those efforts have not been yielding the expected results which suggests that the Church needs to adopt more effective intervention strategies. A major aspect of the intervention strategies, which seems to have been neglected by the Church, is deliberate coaching and training of new members to stem the ongoing loss of members. Method The Church ran a mentorship program from February 2020 to January 2021. The program was organized for young and old members of the Church by some youth leaders who were willing to sacrifice their time for the mentoring and teaching of members as disciples of Christ. To educate, equip, and engage church leaders in a series of seminars, the Church created a mentorship curriculum for youth and new members' care and retention. The curriculum covers issues like spiritual formation, spiritual relationships, and spiritual gifts, which are appealing to young members and youths who have been backslidden from the Church. The program's efficacy was evaluated by seeing how the church's leadership approached youth and prospective members. Results Even though the training was initially designed for young people and older members of the Church, the Conference Administration requested the participation of all the youth leaders from the Districts in the Conference. Consequently, 94% of the youth leaders in the Conference were in attendance. The participants were enthusiastic about the program. They were eager to learn about the principles of mentorship that would lead to effective discipleship. The work reveals that the young people who participated in mentorship training have been attending church programs consistently since the training was conducted. The young people have also been active in various church activities. The response also suggests that to support mentor-mentee relationships in the Church, mentors would like further training. The mentees who took part in the program also support the sustenance of the mentorship program in the Church. Meanwhile, the study records that the challenge of sustaining the seminars and training for mentors and leaders in the District is very great. Conclusions Young people need to be mentored and discipled to stay in the church. It is also necessary for promoting youths’ active participation in the Christian faith and for selfless Christian life. A workable mentorship guide for discipleship will enhance spiritual reformation. It will transform mentor-mentee relationships that will foster the identification of latent skills in the youths. It will also encourage the young people’s retention for discipleship in the Church. The research, therefore, emphasizes that leaders and older members need to work together to encourage attitudes of openness, honesty, and spiritual growth which will help them to perform their tasks well in the Church, particularly among the youth. Young people, therefore, need mentors for effective training, engagement, encouragement, and guidance. Church members also have the responsibility of reaching out to the leaders of the future generation, and influencing the leaders positively.
A strategy to minister to at-risk homeless street youths in the Central Region of Lusaka, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-03) Hamweene, Highten
Problem The dissertation examined the plight of homeless at-risk street youth who patronize the Lusaka Central Business District. There was an observable growing presence of street youths exposed to various risks and dangers, whose predicament challenged the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide an adequate and holistic ministry. Purpose The purpose of this dissertation was to develop, implement, and evaluate a viable intervention and ministry model that seeks to account for both the physical and spiritual needs of street youth. This model is here dubbed the PSR2D model consisting of meeting physical needs, equipping with skills, reform and rehabilitation, and most importantly, discipleship as a way of reaching the street youths. Method To adequately and meaningfully minister to at-risk street youths, the researcher used the qualitative method as the approach to the research process. After an examination of the problem through data derived from focus groups and observations, the researcher designed and implemented a multi-faceted ministry to reach at-risk street youth and thereby create an entering wedge for discipleship. The program started on December 2, 2023, and continues to date at Railway Adventist Company under Lusaka Central Church. A series of deliberate relational activities such as food and clothing sharing, skill impartation, counseling, and prayer and Bible studies were undertaken. Results Data collected from Focus Group Discussions was examined and the results showed that street youths in the central region of Lusaka were faced with various risks and needs. It was ascertained that various factors led to their condition. The program implementation and intervention were successful. Street youth were counseled, enabled to acquire various life-saving skills, were presented with opportunities for reformation and rehabilitation, and were led to Christ. Through coordinated acts of kindness, the gospel was preached to street youth. Street youth are regularly attending church services. Railway Adventist Company is currently providing quarterly skills training programs, literacy classes, and weekly feeding programs from the worship premises. Conclusion By ministering to their physical needs, and equipping them with hands-on skills that benefit them at an economic level, street youth who roamed the Lusaka CBD were ministered to. The PSR2D model was implemented successfully. By conducting programs related to street youth needs, Christ’s love was not only proclaimed but demonstrated as well. The research was successful.
Building a community of mentors: A refuge for students at the public campus of Antananarivo
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Raharijaona, Haja
This dissertation focuses on creating a community of mentors to support Seventh - day Adventist students at the University of Antananarivo, addressing the challenges they face due to a lack of guidance and mentorship. The Ambolokandrina-Ankatso Seventh-Day Adventist Church struggles to provide support for these students, resulting in feelings of isolation and hindering their academic and spiritual development. The project proposes establishing a College-Age Mentoring Program, Useful Support (CAMPUS) Ministry, within the church to create a community of mentors who provide essential support. The inspiration for this initiative comes from biblical figures such as Moses, Daniel, Paul, and Jesus, whose lives emphasize the importance of mentorship, spiritual nourishment, and community support during times of academic and personal challenges. The project identifies three key communities crucial for student development: family, education, and spiritual community. These are foundational to the program, drawing from both biblical principles and contemporary mentoring theories. The project begins by training the church board and community members to serve as mentors, fostering an environment where students can receive guidance and feel supported. Although transforming the existing church culture proved challenging, positive feedback was received, particularly for the peer mentoring aspect. However, students expressed a need for a more welcoming and safe space to discuss their concerns. The project, inspired by and in the context of Public Campus Ministries (PCM), advocates for the establishment of a Professional Community of Mentors (PCM2) across Madagascar, with trained mentors consisting of seniors and peer-mentors offering support, guidance, and meaningful relationships to and between students. It also emphasizes the need of appointing campus chaplains at major universities to provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care. Through these initiatives, the Ambolokandrina-Ankatso Church can serve as a model for holistic student support, helping students thrive academically, spiritually, and personally. This approach could be replicated across Madagascar, ensuring that students are supported in all aspects of their university journey.
Assessing the phenomenon of backsliding among men in the selected congregations in Nyamira West Field, East Kenya Union Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2025-05) Aricha, Peter Omundi
The church stands as a vital institution within society, primarily offering spiritual guidance that encourages individuals to confront emotional, psychological, and mental challenges, as well as family-related issues, in a setting characterized by hope and optimism. Despite this critical role, a concerning development has been the noticeable decrease in male participation within church communities. The study assessed the phenomenon of backsliding among men in church attendance in selected congregations in Nyamira West Field, Kenya. It employed a quantitative method for data collection, using a self-generated questionnaire as the research instrument to survey respondents on a four-point Likert scale, measuring their attitudes and opinions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample comprised 179 backslidden men. The raw data were analyzed electronically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis. Based on the findings, the leading reasons for backsliding were loss of faith, loss of interest, involvement in drinking alcohol, criticism from fellow church members, lack of frequent visitation, and discrimination. Therefore, the study recommended that church pastors and leaders visit and reclaim backsliders, actively involving each church member in weekly activities to retain and nurture them spiritually. Additionally, it was deemed essential to revive the small group ministry, Sabbath afternoon program, prayer ministry, visitation program, and leadership training to address the concerning trend of backsliding. The study further recommended conducting research using both qualitative and mixed methods to gain a clearer understanding of backsliding.
Equipping and Empowering Church Elders for Effective Ministry at Nyamirambo Seventh-day Adventist Church, East Central Rwanda Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-08) Niyonagize, Jean Baptiste
In the Nyamirambo Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, a very few number of church elders are involved in leadership activities of the church, and a few number are involved in the Bible teaching and evangelism ministries. In fact, it was observed that none of the church elders led an evangelistic campaign from 2011-2015. After reviewing the literature on church eldership and the responsibilities of the church elders in the OT and the NT, as well as in other Christian writings, the researcher developed an intervention strategy based on theological and literature review of this subject. The purpose was to equip and empower the Nyamirambo church elders for effective ministry. The participants of this study were made up of 20 church elders elected for the year 2015, with eighteen (90%) who completed and returned the questionnaire. Data was gathered using both questionnaire and interview prepared by the researcher. It was analyzed by the use of Excel program. The findings revealed the need for a training program. Hence, the researcher embarked on an intensive training program to impart knowledge, skills, and practices to church elders. The development, implementation, and evaluation of this program were done in the period starting from September 2015 to June 2016. Eleven lessons were given in training seminars: leadership and spirituality, servant leadership, team working ministry, church committees, Holy Communion, prayer meetings, teaching the Bible lessons, preaching, personal evangelism, public evangelism, and spiritual gifts. The evaluation of this program has shown the following results: an overall positive change of church elders in devotional life; about 67% had an increment of change in the practice of servant leadership; increase of knowledge and skills in chairing church committees, conducting the Holy Communion, and prayer meetings; Twenty-two percent of the church elders reported being involved in evangelism as the preacher/presenter. In view of the results obtained from this study, it was recommended that the SDA Church at all levels prepare and organize ongoing educational programs to equip and empower the local church leaders, so as to enable them to perform the church ministries efficiently.
Strategy Development for Mission Education in Seventh-day Adventist Homes in Harare South District, East Zimbabwe Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Motsi, Phinias
Moral decay is continuously rising among all ages in Harare, regardless of gender. Social environmental factors can be significantly contributory. One area that many adults least suspect is the lack of Intentional Parenting Home Education. Those parents/guardians who do some home education for their children may not be well organized, equipped for the work, or consistent with the practice. The greater number of children within the zero to twelve years age range are growing up in homes where intentional parenting home education is neither somehow practiced nor valued. It is needful that every parent be conscious of this terrible situation, be trained and encouraged to seriously and urgently engage themselves in the task. The theological foundation of parental home education and the literature review in this dissertation provide the foundational context upon which a strategic intervention program was designed, implemented and evaluated. The research and implementation was done at Southlea Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Harare South District. The needed information was gathered by using a questionnaire, open-ended question interviews for parents and children aged from ten to twelve years old, and observations. It was discovered that the parents did not fully understand what intentional parenting home education was. As a result, they were comfortably convinced that they were correctly educating their zero to twelve year-old children. They had scanty resources for teaching the concerned group of children. It was discovered that most of the parents were too busy with the other things that they considered to have been more important than intentionally educating their children, and oblivious about the whole issue. The intervention involved the parents in the learning and teaching of their individual children. Observations, focus groups and a parental interview were used for the evaluation of the program. It can be difficult to believe that any child who does not undergo such a program will develop the desired Christian character. The dangerous results of such a neglect by parents are greatly imperceptible. It is desired that every parent be exposed to the Intentional Parenting Home Education Program information. All parents are encouraged to commit themselves to this task. It is recommended that every parent, in East Zimbabwe Conference and elsewhere, adopt and adapt this program.
Disciple-Making Ministry: A Way of Reaching Pastoralist Communities in Isiolo, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-08) Mochache, Samson Nyamora
Through Christ’s earthily ministry, a clear witness was observed of Him calling people to follow Him. Those who followed Him were called His disciples. The time they spent together was a relational developing experience. He taught and equipped them for advancing His mission on earth (Matt 28:19, 20). The disciples ventured out with three major duties to accomplish in the process of winning others to Christ. They who had been qualified to be disciple-makers assumed the title of apostles with the mission to teach, baptize and make the whole world disciples of Christ (Matt 28: 20). The baton was passed through the generations as the church expanded around the globe. The mantle currently is in the hands of the contemporary church to enlarge its boundaries to the ends of the world and disciple followers of Christ. This duty calls the Adventist Church to find ways of advancing the same message to the livestock farmers in Isiolo County, Kenya. This constrained the researcher to seek and identify the methods that can be used to reach these language groups and help them find a belonging place among the disciples of Christ. Out of this study, workable methods were used in establishing a strong nurturing process purposed in retaining these pastoralist communities. From both biblical theology and literature reviewed, several examples of disciple-making and methods of the same process were identified. During the process of research, qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The findings of this research indicated a changed attitude and practice from a number of church members on their spiritual journey. The researcher designed programs, implemented and evaluated this approach which helped in establishing the necessary requirements in this ministry context. These programs also supported church leadership in Isiolo in reaching and meeting the spiritual desires for these language groups. The church members’ participation in these programs aroused an active involvement in the church activities. Members started to nurture each other in this region and some members testified to the impact they were experiencing after the implementation of the initiatives.

Browse

Recent Submissions