Theological Seminary

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://irepository.aua.ac.ke/handle/123456789/956

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Burnout among Faculty Members in Adventist Higher Institutions of Learning in Sub-Saharan Africa.
(International journal of research and innovation in social science (IJRISS), 2026-09-01) Mahlon Juma Nyongesa
This study investigated burnout using a quantitative descriptive design with a sample of 130 faculty members. Data from a self-constructed questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.0 for statistical treatment. The faculty members experienced a high level of reduced professional efficacy but lower levels of exhaustion and cynicism. In terms of age, the younger faculty members were more vulnerable to exhaustion, reduced professional efficacy, and cynicism. Being male or female made no difference in the experience of burnout. Further, the faculty members who work from home more than 80% of the time face higher levels of burnout than those working from home 2 - 3 days a week and more than 80% in the office. For future research, the study recommends the following. For future research, a convergent parallel design mixed-methods approach could complement personal and organizational factors. Not only should standardized and validated instruments such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory be used to enhance reliability, but also the sample size should be expanded to include different Adventist universities across Sub-Saharan African countries to improve generalizability. Changes in burnout over time and identifying causal relationships would require a longitudinal research design. Future research would look at how variables such as workload, organizational support, leadership style, job satisfaction, and mental health resources affect burnout.
Psychopathic Experiences Among Faculty Members in Adventist Higher Institutions of Learning in Sub-Saharan Africa.
(International journal of research and innovation in social science (IJRISS), 2026-08-06) Mahlon Juma Nyongesa
This study sought to investigate the presence of psychopathic behaviors among faculty members using a quantitative descriptive design with a sample of 130 faculty members. Data from a self-constructed questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS 27 for statistical treatment. Faculty members demonstrated low levels of psychopathic behaviors. This is attributed to their religious value system and the integration of faith in learning and teaching. Being aged 18 – 44 years or aged 45 – 64 does not make one more vulnerable to psychopathic experiences. Regardless of age, the psychopathic experiences are the same. Being a faculty member or HOD/Dean does not make a difference in psychopathic behaviors. Any university faculty job level is vulnerable to psychopathic behaviors. The One-way ANOVA test for a significant difference showed that the psychopathic behaviors of faculty members across the Divisions do not significantly differ, as they adhere to the same education system and share religious values. A phenomenological study would spell out the lived experiences. A convergent parallel design could complement personal and organizational factors. Besides, the study could expand the sample size to include public institutions across Sub-Saharan African countries and use standardized and validated instruments to enhance reliability and improve generalizability. An examination of the influence of organizational support, leadership style, and mental health resources on psychopathic experiences would be ideal.
Pre-Retirement Financial Behavior and Preparedness of Seventh-day Adventist Pastors in Africa: A Study of Graduate Ministerial Students
(Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences (PAJES), 2025) Angela E. Nwaomah; Sampson M. Nwaomah
Retirement is an inevitable end for people engaged in full-time employment. But the quality of life after retirement is a grave concern for many because retirement is not well prepared for. Seventh-day Adventist Church pastors in Africa traditionally rely on church-sustaining benefits for retirement. However, the inadequacy of such provisions has left many pastors in penury at retirement. This study investigated the pre-retirement financial behaviorsand preparedness of Seventh-day Adventist pastors in Africa. It focused on Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors studying at the Theological Seminary of the Adventist University of Africa (AUA), Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive, quantitative research design. A total of 105 pastors participated in the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentage. The findings revealed positive pre-retirement behaviour but low financial literacy and inadequate financial preparedness for retirement. Therefore, activities and policies that can increase financial education and pension scheme literacy should be implemented in the ministerial education. Furthermore, ongoing educational initiatives and collaborations with financial experts to mentor pastors are worthwhile and beneficial for enhancing pre-retirement behavior and financial preparedness among SDA pastors in Africa.
Social Justice and Information Management: A Biblical Perspective
(Pan-African Journal of Theology, 2026) Sampson M. Nwaomah; Angela E. Nwaomah
come one of the most powerful resources in shaping society, influencing public opinion, policies, decisions, determining access to opportunities, providing the basis for openness and accountability, protecting individual rights, and enforcing legal obligations. Nonetheless, the global explosion of information and its importance for organizational and individual openness and accountability for social transformation and social justice also provides the possibility of its manipulation and suppression. This situation warrants an ethical response, especially from a Christian worldview. Consequently, a Christian biblical worldview on information management could offer a balanced ethical stance in relation to social justice. This research utilized a documentary content analysis approach by analyzing biblical and secondary data on social justice and its interaction with information management. The authors identified some significant resources for this research, established their authenticity, credibility, and representativeness. It then divided the material into units to discuss and establish meanings for the theme studied. It was argued that the biblical principles of truth, integrity, access, equity, equality, confidentiality, privacy and stewardship, and accountability in information management are significant to social justice. Therefore, the paper concluded that from a biblical perspective, social justice has connections with information management. The paper encourages responsible use of information as a moral and spiritual duty that reflects God’s concern for justice, truth, and the flourishing of all people.
A Faith-Based Intervention for HIV/AIDS Orphans in Monze, Zambia: Perspective of Selected Church Leaders and Social Workers
(The international journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2025-04) Maxwell Muvwimi; Sampson M. Nwaomah
HIV/AIDS is identified as a significant public health issue confronting humanity today. While the impact of the epidemic varies widely across regions and communities, Zambia, similar to numerous other African countries, faces devastating repercussions from this relentless illness. This investigated the perspective of some Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders and Social workers on the status and role of faith-based intervention for the emotional and physical well-being of the HIV/AIDS orphans in Monze, Zambia. They utilized the qualitative approach of Focus Group to engage the research participants. It found that the participant affirm the unique role that faith-based organizations can play but identified the weaknesses of some existing innervations and the lack of a Seventh-day Adventist organized intervention to assist the children in their context of Biblical mandate. The research recommends that faith-based organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in partnership with NGOS, should design appropriate support programmes such as counselling, educational support, and skill acquisition schemes that would enhance the holistic development of the orphans and enable them to realize their future aspirations.
An Enquiry on the Use, Benefits and Challenges of Virtual/Hybrid Worship in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Kenya
(International journal of research and innovation in social science (IJRISS), 2025) Sampson M. Nwaomah
The digital phenomena has influenced how worship is conducted in many places even in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. However, opinions and experiences vary on the use, benefits and challenges of virtual/hybrid worship. Thus, this study examined the degree of usage, benefits and challenges of virtual/hybrid worship in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDAC) worship in Kenya. This descriptive study adopted the convenience method of sampling. Data was collected from about two hundred and sixty-three respondents through the use of questionnaire distributed via google docs amongst some clerics and members in about fifty-five churches in five selected sub-administrative units of SDAC in Kenya. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The findings of this study indicated that SDAs in Kenya still extensively utilized the social media platforms such as FB and YT and Zoom conferencing platform for worship during post- pandemic ear. The perception of this type of worship in SDA congregations in Kenya is generally positive, suggesting that virtual/hybrid worship has become an integral part of worship delivery, fellowship and evangelism and church services. Overall, it is recommended that despite the obstacles encountered in virtual/hybrid worship, the denomination should continue to utilize it as it has been a source of growth and innovation. As a church, it is important to remain vigilant in the digital age, with a focus on monitoring and assessing potential dangers, continuously evaluating and adapting, and engaging in advisory discussions.
Reflections on Biblical Principles on Environmental Sustainability and the Quest for Attaining the SDG 15 in the Niger Delta
(International journal of research and innovation in social science (IJRISS), 2025) Sampson M. Nwaomah
The United Nations adopted Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 with a target date of achieving them by 2030. SDG number 15 focuses on environmental sustainability and seems to reflect biblical principles on environmental sustainability. However, in Nigeria, certain factors such as some policies that govern exploration and exploitation in the oil and gas industry and some of the activities of local population where oil is found in the Niger Delta Region, challenge the realisation of this SDG. Therefore, this paper examines SDG15 in the context of some biblical principles on environmental sustainability, specific policies and activities causing the environmental challenges in the Niger Delta. The study adopted descriptive method. It analysed secondary data to obtain logical deductions, and a presentation of facts to draw a clear picture of the problem. It concluded that based on some governmental policies and local population choices the realisation of the SDG15 may be a utopia in the Niger Delta. Nonetheless, the revision of some adverse current policies, purposeful diversification of national economic opportunities, economic empowerment and public education of the people of the Niger Delta could assist in the realisation of the SDG15 targets in the Niger Delta.
A Biblical-Theological Foundation for Youth Spiritual Mentoring as an Ecclesia Responsibility
(The international journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2026) Samuel Sinyangwe; Sampson M. Nwaomah
Although young people constitute a significant proportion of church membership, many Christian contexts face increasing challenges related to youth disengagement, declining participation, and fragile leadership continuity. This could mean they are frequently marginalized within ecclesial life, treated as passive observers, and isolate themselves rather than intentionally form as participants in the mission of the church. This paper contends that, to reverse this trend, mentoring is a necessity and a significant ecclesiastical practice grounded in Scripture. Based on selected Old and New Testament models, it shows that mentoring is a divinely facilitated process through which faith and leadership are also transmitted across generations. Further, it situates mentoring as grounded in the theology of the church as the body of Christ, the family of God, and a royal priesthood—elements that underscore interdependence, generational responsibility, and shared vocation. Finally, the writings of Ellen G. White are examined as a constructive theological resource that reinforces mentoring as intentional guidance, modeling, and experiential participation in ministry. The article concludes that recovering mentoring, as a central ecclesial practice, is essential for youth spiritual formation, ecclesial continuity, and faithful participation in God's mission.
Social Justice and Information Management: A Biblical Perspective
(Pan-African Journal of Theology, 2025) Sampson M. Nwaomah; Angela E. Nwaomah
ctures and systems promote and practice a just, healthy, safe, and equitable treatment of individuals. On the other hand, information has become one of the most powerful resources in shaping society, influencing public opinion, policies, decisions, determining access to opportunities, providing the basis for openness and accountability, protecting individual rights, and enforcing legal obligations. Nonetheless, the global explosion of information and its importance for organizational and individual openness and accountability for social transformation and social justice also provides the possibility of its manipulation and suppression. This situation warrants an ethical response, especially from a Christian worldview. Consequently, a Christian biblical worldview on information management could offer a balanced ethical stance in relation to social justice. This research utilized a documentary content analysis approach by analyzing biblical and secondary data on social justice and its interaction with information management. The authors identified some significant resources for this research, established their authenticity, credibility, and representativeness. It then divided the material into units to discuss and establish meanings for the theme studied. It was argued that the biblical principles of truth, integrity, access, equity, equality, confidentiality, privacy and stewardship, and accountability in information management are significant to social justice. Therefore, the paper concluded that from a biblical perspective, social justice has connections with information management. The paper encourages responsible use of information as a moral and spiritual duty that reflects God’s concern for justice, truth, and the flourishing of all people.
Pastors’ Level of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Sub Sahara Africa
(International journal of research and scientific innovation (IJRSI), 2025-10-23) Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma
The study investigated the Pastors’ level of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) using a descriptive design on a sample of 304 pastors in the East-Central Africa (ECD), West-Central Africa (WAD), and Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Divisions (SID) of the Adventist Church. Data from the self-constructed questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.0 for statistical treatment. The pastors in the three Divisions (ECD, WAD, SID) exhibited a low level of ACEs. It is a sigh of relief that pastors in Sub-Sahara Africa have low levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Eight out of ten pastors are being disturbed by those who attempted or committed suicide of a close of kin. Two out of five are being disturbed by parental bereavement before 18 years. Four out of 10 pastors still nurse the effects of physical abuse from caretakers. Fifteen percent suffer from earlier lack of parental care while 24% nurse scars from battering. Forty percent still nurture the bereavement of nearest of kin. There is no significant difference in the levels of ACEs when age is considered. Future research would study the level of ACEs among ministerial spouses and children
Root causes of men backsliding from church membership
(Journal of Philosophy and Religion, 2025-05) Aricha, Peter Omundi; Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma; Ponyatovskiy, Feliks
The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons and root causes of men’s backsliding from weekly Sabbath attendance and worship services in the Mochenwa and Rigena districts. The phenomenon of backsliding and church non-attendance among men is one of the emerging tendencies in the postmodern religious worldviews. The gradual backsliding of men from regular church attendance and participation, as observed in Nyamira West Field Seventh-day Adventist churches, is a worrying trend. This research design applied a quantitative method for data collection. The quantitative design utilised a questionnaire with structured closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale of measurement and collected respondents' attitudes and opinions, which factored the backslidden members in this study. The design provided the blueprint for this research. Data was analysed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis to capture the percentage. Based on the findings, the reasons for backsliding that stood out include but are not limited to loss of faith, loss of interest, involvement in drinking alcohol, criticism from fellow church members, lack of frequent visitation, and discrimination. Therefore, the study recommends that each church member be actively involved in weekly church activities so that the backsliders can be reclaimed, retained, and nurtured spiritually. The church should implement the following programs: small group ministry, prayer ministry, visitation program, and leadership training to curb this worrying trend of backsliding.
Pre-warning signs of backsliding in church members: patterns and interpretations
(Journal of Pastoral and Practical Theology, 2025-05) Aricha, Peter Omundi; Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma; Ponyatovskiy, Feliks
This study aims to determine pre-warning signs of backsliding exhibited by church members in Kisii, County. The phenomenon of backsliding and church non-attendance among men is one of the emerging tendencies in the postmodern religious worldviews. This research applied a quantitative method for data collection. The quantitative design utilised a questionnaire with structured closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale of measurement and collected respondents’ attitudes and opinions, which factored the backslidden members in this study. The design provided the blueprint for this research. Data was analysed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis to capture the percentage. Based on the findings, the warning signs for backsliding that stood out include but are not limited to, the following categories: churchoriented, personal, sociological, or external signs. Therefore, the study recommends that each church member be actively involved in weekly church activities so that the backsliders can be reclaimed, retained, and nurtured spiritually. The church should implement the following programmes: small group ministry, prayer ministry, visitation programme, and leadership training to curb this worrying trend of backsliding.
Psychological Wellbeing of Pastors in the Three Adventist Divisions in Sub-Sahara Africa
(Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science (JAHSS), 2025) Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma
The study investigated the Pastor’s Psychological Well-being (PWB) using a quantitative descriptive design on a sample of 304 pastors in the East-Central Africa (ECD), West-Central Africa (WAD), and Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Divisions (SID) of the Adventist Church. Data from the self-constructed questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.0 for statistical treatment. The self-constructed PWB scale demonstrated poor internal consistency and reliability, as indicated by its low Cronbach's alpha of .543, which falls below the commonly accepted minimum threshold of .70 to .80 for a reliable scale, making it an unreliable inference about PWB. The pastors in the three Divisions (ECD, WAD, SID) exhibited a high level of psychological wellbeing. Regardless of age, territory, and current workstation, pastors exhibited a high level of optimum psychological functioning in ministry. The pastors have a high level of positive relations with others, a high level of autonomy, a high level of self-acceptance, and a high level of personal growth. The pastors in Sub-Saharan Africa have healthy optimum psychological functioning and take ministry as an opportunity to develop their potential. Despite the workload, pastors can have optimum psychological functioning. However, they have a low level of environmental mastery. The study confirmed the applicability of the new tools of PWB in the ministry. Future research would study the level of PWB among ministerial spouses.
Pastors’ Awareness of Clinical Pastoral Education in the Three Adventist Divisions in Sub Sahara Africa
(International journal of research and innovation in social science (IJRISS), 2025-10) Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma
The study investigated the level of Clinical Pastoral Education using a sample of 304 pastors in the East-Central Africa (ECD), West-Central Africa (WAD), and Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Divisions (SID) of the Adventist Church. Data from the self-constructed questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.0 for statistical treatment. The pastors in the three Divisions exhibited a high level of CPE awareness with WAD having a higher level followed by SID and ECD. They affirm that CPE is essential for enhancing pastoral ministry, improves the management of emotions, and enhances intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. This phenomenon could be explained by the fact that there’s an ongoing emphasis on Clinical Pastoral Orientation training on the continent as well as the presence of CPE training at AUA and Babcock. Concerning CPE training, ECD has 2.84%, WAD has 6.4% while SID has 3.91% of pastors that have taken at least a unit of CPE as of February 2025. In general, out of 7,585 pastors on the continent of Africa, only 302 representing 3.98% have at least one Unit of CPE as of February 2025. There is no significant difference in the level of CPE awareness when age is considered. The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) and other theological institutions to embrace the establishment of the CPE center as a continental training hub for graduate students in the theological seminary and integrate CPE into standard ministerial curricula. CPE be a must-do training for all seminarians. AUA-CPE center to source ministry partners to offer scholarships or donations to sponsor CPE participants. The 3 Adventist Divisions on the continent of Africa to examine denominational policies and collaboration with government agencies to strengthen the structural implementation of CPE. For future research, a moderated mediation study on the functionality status of chaplaincy facets and CPE across Africa would be interesting. A comparative study with other continents could highlight global best practices and provide a roadmap for scaling up CPE training across African divisions.
Faculty Artificial Intelligence Readiness in Adventist Higher Institutions of Learning in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences (PAJES), 2025) Nyongesa, Mahlon Juma
This study investigated AI readiness using a quantitative descriptive design with a sample of 130 faculty members. Data from a self-constructed questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.0 for statistical treatment. Anchored on grit theory, the results show that the faculty members have a high level of AI readiness in terms of wellbeing and mental health, changing skill requirements, job automation and displacement, and low level of privacy issues. The independent samples t-test conducted to compare the AI readiness of faculty members aged 18 – 44 years and 45 – 64 years showed that younger faculty members were more ready for AI technologies than older faculty members. The Mann-Whitney U-test results and Cohen’s effect size revealed a significant difference in AI readiness for Protestants and non-Protestants, with Protestants having a higher level of readiness than their counterparts. On gender, the females had a higher level of AI readiness than the males. In terms of educational levels, postgraduate degree faculty members had a higher level of AI readiness than those with up to bachelor’s degrees.
Transformational Leadership and Educational Development in Seventh-Day Adventist Schools of The Central Malagasy Conference, Madagascar
(UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2025) ANDRIAMPANIRY RATSIMBA Oliva Colombe; Angela Ewhonne Nwaomah, Ph.D
Despite increased research interest in leadership of educational quality among developing countries, there are few documented studies on the transformational dynamics of religious school leadership in Africa, especially resource-constrained learning environments like Madagascar. This study examines the impact of transformational leadership on school educational development in Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) secondary schools in the Central Malagasy Conference of Madagascar. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative surveys (n=28) and qualitative interviews (n=34) assessed leadership style, teacher motivation, student performance, and adherence to Adventist educational philosophy. Quantitative findings showed a strong correlation between transformational leadership and academic achievement, with teacher motivation the strongest predictor (r = .658, β = .412, p = .016). The highest transformational leadership schools experienced 21% to 28% improvement across various indicators. Qualitative findings revealed four main themes: a shared inspiring vision, individualized support, shared governance, and addressing contextual challenges, including limited resources. Findings indicate that transformational leadership rooted in Malagasy values of service and cultural values improves teacher motivation, student achievement, and institutional growth, even if hampered by material constraints. However, the leadership effect is moderated by resource constraints, explaining 47.6% of unexplained variance. The study extends transformational leadership theory by demonstrating that changes are required in faith-based, communal, and resource-poor contexts. Practical recommendations are leadership development programs that embed transformational competencies in Adventist philosophy, institutional support mechanisms that reduce administrative workload, and policy systems that ensure leadership succession. This research contributes to the application of leadership theories from across the globe to African faith-based educational settings and provides evidence-based guidance for SDA educational leadership development.
Charitable giving
(Steward Ministries, 2022-06) Prof. Sampson M. Nwaomah
Charitable giving may be defined as the willingness and decision to give money and other resources directly or doing so through organizations for worthy causes. Charitable giving is the kind act of making donations for the benefit of the underprivileged or for other worthy causes. Generally, charitable giving be could be secular or religious on nature. Secular charitable giving may include giving for the benefit of persons or causes without religious motivations. In some parts of the world, there are registered foundations/organizations which either give or receive money and other resources for this kind of purposes Religious charitable giving may be considered as the commitment to cheerfully give money or other resources beyond the regular tithes and offerings for a religious or other worthy cause(s). This kind of giving could be considered as part of a Christian’s response of gratitude to the unsurpassed sacrifice of God to save humanity by supporting worthy causes through his/her resources.
The Significance of Τοῦτο in Act 2:16 to the Eschatology of Acts
(Pan-African Journal of Theology, 2024-07-12) Odhiambo David Odhiambo
The demonstrative pronoun “τοῦτό” in Acts 2:16 carries pragmatic weight, suggesting markedness and emphasizing the eschaton (v. 17). Despite scholarly oversight, verse 16’s syntactical placement within the main clause underscores its significance. This article seeks to rectify this neglect by examining Acts 2:16’s theological and syntactical importance, particularly the usage of “Τοῦτο” and its implications for understanding Acts’ eschatological framework. Through linguistic analysis, theological exploration, and intertextual connections, this study aims to reveal the profound implications of Acts 2:16 for the eschatological discourse in Luke’s narrative.
Biblical Foundations of Giving Insights Through the Seven WH Questions
(Steward Ministries magazine, 2024) Melak Alemayehu Tsegaw, PhD
Giving is a fundamental aspect of God’s kingdom, rooted deeply in the foundation of love. As the saying goes, “You can give without love, but you cannot love without giving.” This principle is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating how God designed His kingdom to operate on the principle of receiving in order to give. Understanding and embracing the concept of giving is crucial for anyone who desires to be part of His kingdom. This article explores the biblical foundation of giving, structured around seven key questions: What?, Why?, Who?, To Whom?, Which?, When?, and Where? From a biblical perspective, we will uncover the importance of giving in the Christian faith and how it should be practiced according to biblical principles.
Shaped in Iniquity or Knit Together by God? An Inquiry into the Psalmist’s Understanding of Humanity’s Sinful Nature
(Old Testament Essays, 2024) Melak Alemayehu Tsegaw, PhD
Several authors have employed Ps 51:5 as a foundation for teaching the doctrine of original sin, which portrays the complete depravity of human nature (cf. Ps 58:3). Nonetheless, various passages in the book of Psalms offer an alternative portrayal of the moral condition of the same human nature. These passages depict a close relationship between the worshipper and God from infancy (Pss 22:9; 71:6; 139:13). A sound hermeneutical principle necessitates that interpreters analyse both sets of passages rather than emphasising one and undermining the other. This essay endeavours to examine these passages and expound upon a comprehensive understanding of the nature of sinful humanity, as presented in the book of Psalms. Furthermore, it highlights not only the pervasiveness of sin but also the extent of YHWH's hesed, which makes such an intimate bonding with God possible even from the womb.

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