Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

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A strategy for motivating professional growth of pastors in the Southern highlands conference, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08-02) Chaboma, Ezekia Lupocho
The issue of offshoots is one of the big challenges facing the Southern Highlands Conference. This has affected the church in Southern Highlands Conference. Church members have become suspicious about the church organization. As a result, they question some of the church beliefs and Church Manual guidelines. A contributing factor is the incompetence on the part of pastors to handle the situation and to restrain the heresies from invading the church. The pastors’ professional growth is low. Most of them are unable to handle theological and leadership issues. The situation has preoccupied the researcher to the point that he has undertaken this research with the purpose of developing a strategy to empower pastors in the Conference, thus helping them to grow professionally. In the process of the study, the researcher collected data from the relevant current literature as well as from the survey in the Southern Highlands Conference. The data obtained from the survey was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The analysis revealed that the contributing factors to pastors’ poor performance were lack of personal study on the part of pastors (see Table 9), and incompetence in the use of computer science (See tables 10, and 15).As a solution to the problem, the research has developed a strategy which proposes three pillars for pastors’ professional growth. These are: 1) Personal study, 2) Prayer, and 3) Practical use of gained knowledge including computer science. The designed strategy was implemented and evaluated through a Bible Conference organized in Isanga SDA Church. Three pastors who had been trained on the use of the three pillars were key presenters of the Bible conference. The outcome of the meeting revealed the effectiveness of the strategy In conclusion, the researcher is persuaded that the implementation of this strategy will enhance pastors’ professional growth in the Southern Highlands Conference. Pastors are urged to apply the three pillars for their professional growth in the ministry.
Pastoring of rural churches: a challenge in Luapula Zambia Field
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-10-20) Sinyangwe, Samuel
While the Church in Luapula, Zambia has been able to record growth in membership on a quarterly basis, which now stands at 64, 190, the percentage of Spiritual maturity and qualitative growth in the knowledge of the truths held dear, as Adventists is still very low especially in rural churches. How can biblical approaches enhanced by pastoral care and lay involvement help in the nurture and growth of those disadvantaged rural churches? This question has been raised because the project is founded on the hypothesis that lack of pastoral leadership and lay involvement is the cause of stagnation in most rural churches in Luapula Field. Considering the vastness of the territory to be covered, a survey was conducted in only one rural church-Lubwe church, to ascertain among other things how long members have been in the church and their involvement in the mission of the church; whether in their view pastors and elders have been giving adequate spiritual nurture or not. In addition to the survey, young people and the elderly who could not read and write were also interviewed.Under literature review, Old and New Testament bible passages on church growth were investigated with a view to understanding what the Bible says, and how best we can work to help churches experience qualitative growth and thereby become active participants in missions. Other literature on church growth was also investigated; this includes Spirit of prophecy, Adventists and non-Adventist church growth authorities. The program was developed and implemented over a period of six months; beginning with training lay members’, lay involvement and monitoring. At the end of the period an evaluation of the program was carried out and recommendations made. Key among them was a recommendation to plant another congregation within the same area and nurture it to grow into a full-fledged church within a period of one year and also put a lay bible worker to over-see the growth of the church before a full-time pastor can be sent to the area. At the end of the project, lay members’ involvement in soul wining became evident, in six months three baptisms were conducted and 147 souls were baptized, and where it has taken years for an organized company to become a church, it only took a period of eleven months for a congregation started after an evangelistic campaign was conducted to be organized into a church, which is now self-supporting and 100% of membership is fully involved in the mission.
Intentional integrated program development to facilitate retention of Seventh-day Adventist youth in Calabar, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2020-05) Ewoh, Edy Ubi
The retention of young people is a challenge to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Calabar and it evokes deep concerns. The inability of the church to transmit her professed faith to its young people who are faced by the pressure of society and culture evolution is the essence of this study. This study examined factors associated with the loss of young people aged 18– 39 years. As with any other group or organization, the training of youth is critical to the overall growth of the church. The research developed a biblical model that is relevant to contemporary times, implemented, and evaluated as an intervention to the problem of youth retention in the Adventist Church in Calabar. A qualitative research method was adopted and the primary source of information was through a focus group interview. Data were gathered, analyzed and stratagems were developed, implemented, and evaluated to facilitate a coherent intervention program design for the Adventist Church in Calabar. The research findings reveal the presence of complexity and challenges of managing the differences among the varying groups of the church. A situation that edged out the young people and has become a contributing factor to the constant loss of the youth. The findings also made open the lack of professional ministerial impact, creating gross neglect of the young people; and challenges of program planning and implementation. This means that the church is not intentional about program design that targets to meet needs. A Koinos Mentoring Program, a faith-based, biblical intervention to tackle the retention problem of the church. Koinos Mentoring Program is intentionally integrated to fuses the mentor and the mentee in a relational atmosphere leading to retention, a principle rooted in Acts 2:42. This method would have participants develop a clear understanding of and appreciation for sound doctrine; encourage spiritual growth that enhances a sense of community caring for one another. It was implemented in Calabar Church with two groups who undertook pilot projects that ran for seven days, 2 hours 30 minutes daily. Group ‘A’ specifically targeted unmarried young people with “Get SMARTER” whereas group ‘B’ targeted the married group of young people with “Intimacy Oneonone.” The result of these interventions was that the programs do not only retain young people but also attracted their friends of other faiths as well.
Strategies to increase the baptism of non- Adventist Students at Maranatha Secondary School of Kivoga in Bujumbura
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2015-06) Ntiguma, Lambert
One of the most important missions the Adventist school has is to evangelize. A chaplain posted to a SDA school must establish all the strategies to see the church growing. Though sometimes non-Adventist students do not accept easily the Adventist message, efforts must be deployed to address this challenge especially in Maranatha Secondary School where non-Adventist students are the majority. Adventist students are longing to see non-Adventist joining the church. Many chaplains posted to that school did their best to pass on the three angels’ message to non-Adventist students and the number of those accepting to be baptized is minimal. The joy and success of every pastor is to baptize. The lack of candidates to baptize may look as a failure for him. Indeed the pastor alone will not reach many achievements. Unless he relies on the assistance of the school administration, he will not reach anywhere.The purpose of this work is to find out the causes that prevent non-Adventist students at Maranatha School from being baptized and to lay out some strategies that will involve the school administration and the few Adventist students. The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy and other Adventist sources on how to increase the baptism in this school were used. A seminar was organized for the Adventist population in the school. The project was evaluated for the three years I spent in that school in comparing the numbers of baptisms before I arrived there and the number of baptisms during the time of project implementation. To conclude, the project was successful and other church schools are recommended to follow this model.
A Strategy to raise Children in God's way in South, South-West of Mauritius Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Teddy, Ah Kiune
The responsibility of bringing children into the world should not be taken lightly. Teaching and nurturing children in God’s way should be systematic and daily in a family’s life. Parents should become agent of change in the spiritual development of their children, for education involves no so much what we do or say, but most of all what we are. Not only in the families, but the churches should be collaborating agent, in the spiritual development of children. Even though teaching the faith is a hot topic these days in the families and churches, according to King Solomon a child should be trained in the way he/she should go so that when old will not depart from it (Prov 22:6). Both the Bible and Ellen G White taught that the spiritual development of children should be a priority for families and churches. Parents needed to refocus their priorities about raising their children’s in God ways.The author of this work has developed micro programmes for children in Mahébourg and L’Escalier Adventist Churches in Grand Port Savanne district. The implementation started in 2012. The strategic planning involved two phases: the study on the theology of children and their development, implementation and evaluation of the micro programs. The focus was to create awareness among the parents and church to have a child centred approach, where a nurturing environment drew the child toward his Saviour. The study drew conclusion such as children were not being cared for into the spiritual life of the family and churches. For the children to be raised in God’s way, parents had to invest time and resources in them. Child-centred spiritual activities and programs needed to be designed and implemented. Raising children spiritually required the involvement of parents, local church leadership and the Conference.
A strategy to retain members in MBITA Central Seventh-day Adventist church, Kenya Lake Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2016-06) Nyangia, Charles Anguka
It has been observed that many members are leaving Mbita Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. Yet there seem to be no specific strategies that the leaders of the church have put in place to nurture and retain members. The aim of this study, therefore, was to discover the reasons why members join the church and leave it after a short time. The researcher designed integrated programs which eventually results in reaching many members and bring them back to the church as well as retain them as active members. The designed programs intended to enable church members to be participants in the church life rather than spectators. The programs were implemented at Mbita Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, some other activities required the researcher to move out of the church to other places deemed relevant for the study. The designed program targeted several different groups of people, including those who had left the church and the current members.After developing and implementing an integrated strategy, the program not only reclaimed former members but also added other new members to the church. Many church members and leaders became more knowledgeable of the church policy and doctrines as the level of participation by local church members increased by 62%. Recommendations were made to Mbita Central SDA church and Kenya Lake Conference on matters pertaining to adoption of the designed program in times of church membership challenges, good management of church finances and bursaries, embracing new scientific age and advancement in all facets of church life and involving youths for active participation to enhance effective church growth.
Towards reviving Eneka and Elimgbu churches in Rumuokwursi District of Seventh-day Adventists: Port Harcourt Conference, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2018-04) Agburuka, Chidi Onyemaechi
The quest to measure up with the popular spiritual trend common among Christian churches has brought about changes in beliefs and practices of some Christians in the world. Many are willing to do anything to experience what some refer to as the Pentecostal power, characterised with signs and wonders. Churches where such manifestations of signs and wonders are experienced are believed by some to have been visited by God and are experiencing spiritual revival. This so called revival movement, which seems to overlook the Scripture, its study, interpretation and practices as rule of faith and a spiritual sword and safeguard for believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizes emotional ecstasy and antinomianism. The movement has swept a great percentage of the membership of Elimgbu Church to form splinter groups and laid the foundation for schism among members, stagnating the growth of the church, not only in Elimgbu, but in Eneka Church as well.Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were adopted. Primary and secondary sources of information available were used to ascertain the biblical and theological stand on revival, comparing these with the popular trend of revival and its effects on Elimgbu and Eneka Churches. Strategies were developed, implemented, and evaluated to enhance the revival of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches in Elimgbu and Eneka. The research findings reveal that some SDA members in Elimgbu and Eneka believe that the popular Pentecostal revival is of God and needs to be adopted by the church while others hold a view akin to biblical based God-centred revival. The study further shows that the Pentecostal revival seems to undermine the teachings of the Scripture and the significance God’s law. The said movement combines Christian beliefs with traditional practices. The strategies were implemented which brought renewal of members’ faith. The approaches adopted by the popular revival movements pose great danger to the unity, growth and spiritual life of the SDA Church and is not likely godly. Adventists are therefore not safe to adopt the spiritual exercises and practices prevalent among the adherents of the charismatic cum Pentecostal churches. Regular Bible study, prayer for God’s guidance, genuine repentance, obedience to God and active labour for the salvation of others are therefore recommended as means of experiencing sustained revival of the church.
Reasons for members' participation in death rituals in Nchalo District, South Malawi Field
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Chikomo, Innocent Rodrick
The Seventh-day Adventist is one of the fastest growing churches in South Malawi Field where Nchalo belongs. The tendency of some baptized members of Nchalo in participating in death rituals that are contrary to Bible teachings prompted the carrying out of this study with the purpose of investigating the causes for this continued practice and develop a program to it. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, a survey in form of a questionnaire was designed to capture the desired information. The questionnaire targeted the Mang’anja and Sena people in Nchalo District. Furthermore, three couples of varying ages were picked for the interviews. The study reveals that some church members continue to participate in the death ritual called ‘kulowa kufa’ (removing death) even after baptism. The questionnaire revealed four main reasons for continued participation namely: fear of death, pressure from relatives, some see no problem in participating and some feel that it is a tradition that they have grown up with. Two years after implementing the program, three members who participated in the ritual after baptism resisted the practice when death occurred in their families. From the findings, it is concluded that there is need for men and women who are conversant with Adventist teachings to handle baptismal classes. This will help baptismal classes to produce Christians who are grounded in the faith. Finally, recommendations were made to Malawi Union Mission, South Malawi Field and those who would pursue the same study.
A strategy for improving stewardship in Marondera District, Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-07-02) Takaindisa, Morgen
Although Marondera District membership is at 1,796, only 10% is returning tithe and offerings. With such a percentage of giving, how can a biblical foundation brought about by systematic education on tithes and offerings increase church members’ giving pattern? Stewardship is part of discipleship; as such it is built on relationship. Giving reflects the kind of relationship that exists between God and human beings. Scripture encourages faithfulness among God’s people in order for God to continue blessing them. The study reveals that 48% of the district membership is formally employed but 10% of the total membership was found to be consistently giving tithe and offerings. The main reasons cited for unfaithfulness were, lack of commitment, poverty, insufficient information about tithe and offerings and misconception that tithe is only paid by those who are formally employed. After implementation of a program which included training, visitation and evaluation; participation in tithe and offering increased to 45% of the total membership. Additionally, two churches purchased stands, Cherutombo church roofed its building, the district cleared its Municipal debt and it was divided into two districts in January 2013.
A strategy to Address the Fear of the Dead Among the Bemba People of the Kasama East Mission District in the Northern Province of Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2015-06) Mwenya, Brighton Chishimba
Fear of the dead among some church members of Kasama East mission district is real and is expressed through death rituals they undergo after the loss of a loved one through death. A pilot program to address such fears was imperative among the people of the area so that they could be freed from these superstitious fears. A survey was conducted among the four churches and six companies to ascertain some cultural beliefs and practices which may have been the source of such fears. Interviews were conducted among people of different status in the society so that information on what they know on these beliefs and practices and the consequences of not adhering to them could be obtained. Under literature review, passages of scripture from both the Old and New Testaments about death and its rituals were investigated. The writings of Ellen G. White on the subject were explored and what others had to say on this issue were traced.The program was implemented over a four weeks period with three sessions on the first and last Sabbaths and two sessions each in the afternoons of the two Sabbaths in between. At the end of the project almost all members expressed their satisfaction on the program and their attitudes towards death and its rituals were not the same as before. This is supported by the responses obtained from members of Kasama main church at the end of the project. Question number 7 on the questionnaire, dealt with the issue of marrying or getting married to a known healthy widower/widow who was not customarily cleansed. During the general survey 296 of the total respondents were either unwilling or not sure and only 112 agreed to the proposal, but at the end of the program at this church 160 of 188 who attended the last session agreed to the proposal and only 28 refused. This shows that continued lessons on the subject can permanently change the attitude toward the dead and remove fear from the mind of church members.
The role of Pastoral counseling in Membership, retention in Ayetoro Ekiti Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ekiti State, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Alabi, James Olayinka
The study pursued the role of pastoral counseling in membership retention in Seventh - day Adventist church, Ayetoro Ekiti. Procedures followed in the pursuit of this study included an introductory statement that specified steps to be followed which led to the development of the program. Relevant literature examined included the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White, other numerous counseling books and various Christian commentators and encyclopedia that are of vital importance to pastoral counseling in membership retention. After the need for pastoral counseling was established, Ayetoro Ekiti was briefly explored historically, economically, politically, socially and culturally to expose the need for pastoral counseling in the church. Preliminary results revealed an urgent need to regularly counsel, educate members and to design, implement and evaluate an ongoing program of the role of pastoral counseling in membership retention. The specific strategies for effective pastoral counseling in membership retention were designed, and the fourth chapter carries specific measures that constitute the strategy. The initial responses to the program implemented signal a need for strategic pastoral counseling in membership retention in Ayetoro Ekiti. The last part of the project is a brief recapitulation of the whole project with necessary recommendations that cannot be exhausted. Pastoral counseling is an instrument of healing, and communication of the good news of salvation. It is hoped that because of the program design and implemented by this study, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ayetoro Ekiti will be transformed and impact the community positively.
A strategy to revitalize literature evangelists in Arusha city, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2020-01) Lusega, Joseph
Ellen G. White has repeatedly made calls that every Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) believer is called upon to scatter and broadcast tracts, leaflets, and books containing the message for this time. Yet, it appears that global Adventism, and Tanzania in particular, have very few literature evangelists (N=127), and these few appear to not be motivated, moreover having seemingly tense relationships with district pastors and, to a lesser extent, with church members. Thus, a project was designed with a strategy to revitalize literature evangelists in Arusha. The project involved 20 literature evangelists (75% female) residing in Arusha and 80 district pastors (100% male) who were working with North-Eastern Tanzania Conference (NETC). The study followed project design which had two phases of data collection and analysis. The pre-test phase is presented in Chapter Three, while the post-test phase is presented in Chapter Four. The study employed a questionnaire in both phases, but the second phase had only items that needed follow-up due to their statistical significance. The pre-test results showed both literature evangelists and pastors agreed that the spirituality was good of literature evangelists (M=2.16, SD=0.9298); the pastoral support of literature evangelists from pastors is ranging from average to weak (M=3.7666, SD 1.2933); however, it was interesting to note that both literature evangelists and pastors agreed that the membership support is good (M=3.28, SD 0.9896). The study also found out seven core challenges, Capital (M=4.2); Transportation (M=4.3); Reaching the educated (M=4.5), Not owning a car (M=4.9); Not owning a house (M=4.2); lack of competence in speaking English (M=4.8) and Tense Relationship with pastors (M=4.2). The post-test results focused on the objective relating to pastoral care, the findings showed improvement from M=3.7 which was interpreted as average pastoral care to M=2.3 which is interpreted as good pastoral care. Moreover, seminars in churches resulted in an additional 15 literature evangelists, which was a 60% increase from a pre-test season. Therefore, it is concluded that NETC ensures there is a good relationship between literature evangelists and pastors among other recommendations.
A program to increase youth involvement in church programs in Mongu North Mission of West Zambia field
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08-02) Kayongo, Ndala
There is low level of involvement in church activities among the youth of Mongu mission district. The promiscuous lifestyle, involvement in immorality, beer drinking, and other social vices could be a direct or indirect result of less commitment to God as seen in low levels of involvement in church programs. This trend is worrying to the church leadership and church membership at large. However, no deliberate program seems to have been undertaken to address this problem. After surveys and interviews, statistics indicated that there are low levels of youth involvement in church programs and activities. The researcher developed a schedule to engage the youth with a series of programs through seminars, workshops, revival meetings, counseling sessions, direct involvement, and visitations to address the problem of low involvement of youth in church programs. The lack of involvement of the youth is affecting the growth of the church directly or indirectly. To measure the effectiveness of the program, an evaluation instrument was used to get the facts. Statistics of youth’s involvement after the implementation of the program are compared with levels of involvement in church programs for the past four years. The increase in levels of participation is evident in the successfulness of the program. The programs designed could be used to improve levels of involvement in church programs even in other districts. There is increase in general participation in church programs and church leadership roles. The other benefits are a higher attendance at youth meetings and other church programs.
Strategies to increase the participation of women in Evangelism in the Ruheru Seventh-day Adventist Church, West Rwanda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-01) Ndagijimana, Daniel
Chapter one introduces the project presenting Ruheru Seventh-day Adventist Church, the research problem, and the attempt to change the current situation for its growth in number and ministries. Chapter two gives the Biblical accounts of the role of women in the Old and New Testaments, the experiences of Ellen G. White, and counsels on women in advancing God’s work. Chapter three describes Ruheru Seventh-day Adventist Church in its geographical setting, the social economic status, the traditional beliefs including myths, rituals of the population, and the importance of educating women for church growth. Chapter four presents the Program Design of a Seminar and Training, as a strategy to increase Ruheru Church women participation in Personal Evangelism, the Implementation and Evaluation of the seminar. Chapter five presents the Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations from the research on how to train women to actively participate in Personal Evangelism.The Great Commission is a command to every believer. Women in the church, if trained and empowered, will be useful in God’s ministry executing personal service for the Lord. Creation of relationships is key to be successful when rendering individual and shared service to God.
A Strategy to moderate the Belief in Immortality of the Soul in Apu-Ekpu District
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Anucha, Josiah Enyereibe
The state of the dead and human perception and relationship with the dead has been subjects of study among many biblical scholars within certain societies. The position one takes largely depends on one’s persuasion. Among the Seventh-day Adventists, it is believed that the dead are unconscious and incapable of relating with humans for whatever purpose. However, certain cultural practices among the Seventh-day Adventists in Apu-Na-Ekpu seem not to conform with biblical belief as understood and taught by the Adventist Church. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to form a plan (strategy) involving a designed programme that will be used to moderate the spiritual problem prevailing among church members in Apu-Na-Ekpu District as a result of their traditional belief in immortality of the soul.Traditional belief in this sense implies the natural teaching they have understood and accepted as truth based on culture. This is how many of them saw things from birth. And immortality in our study implies that those who died are not really dead. To them the principal aspect of life- mkpuru-obi (the soul) - does not actually die but lives on after death.The Apu-Na-Ekpu District of Seventh-day Adventists has a baptized membership of 524. However, a sample population of 150, to whom questionnaires were distributed, were used for this study. A total of 147 questionnaires were properly completed and returned. The survey indicated that there are divergent views among the members on the state of the dead. Further, it was also revealed by the study that some of the members in the District are involved in one way or the other and it is affecting their spirituality and witnessing in the locality. In conclusion the study the designed a programme which was implemented and the result shows significant changes in the members ’ understanding of the state of the dead and how they may relate to them. Further the programme designed enhanced the spiritual life of many and they have abandoned the practices inherent in that belief especially as it concerns burial of the dead. Therefore, this researcher recommends that pastors should train lay people to be giving doctrinal enlightenment to the members through Bible studies and thereby curtail their inclination to that tradition and pastors themselves should regularly the fundamental belief on the state of the dead enabling the members to know that the dead knows nothing. Further, members found guilty of involvement in the traditional belief and its practices should be disciplined. Finally, further studies on this research should be done by the Aba North Conference (ANC) in order to expose and curtail the diabolical dangers that our members involve themselves through that belief and its practices.
A biblical-cultural strategy of Mtwara Seventh-Day Adventist Church in reaching the Makonde people of Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-01) Ndolah, Zetti Batista
The aim of this study was to examine the methods used by Adventists to reach the Makonde people with the Adventist message. The study engaged a descriptive case study design where thirty participants were involved in giving data through face to face interviews. The finding indicates that there were limited cultural methods used by Adventists to reach the indigenes. There were several hindrances leading the indigenes people not to join the church. There were cultural challenges leading indigenes to drop out of the church. Non-Adventist Churches were found to be successful due to the use of frameworks in presenting the gospel, though these are considered contradictory to the fundamental tenets of Adventism. The study concludes by giving significant recommendations to various gospel stake-holders, indigenous people, evangelists, and pastors.
The development of strategies to tackle church divorce rates: a case study of Sefwi-Wiawso District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2020-05) Baidoo, Francis Tenakwah
Divorce ranks high among the issues that threaten the church’s mission and growth. H. Wayne House observes that this problem is not only faced by the non Christian community, but Christians are also overwhelmed by the challenges of marriage and are calling for marriage professionals and counselors with the hope of finding solutions to issues of marriage. Most of the time, Pastors, Elders, members, and the Home and Family Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church have to deal with divorce issues among believers. The problem of divorce presents a threatening situation to the members involved, their families, and the church at large. Over the years, the rate of divorce has been an issue of interest to society and the church at large. Even though it is an issue with its rippling effect on many and affects almost everyone in the society and the church, the issue appears a topic that is rarely given attention and consequently poses a challenge to all. The church has ignored this reality at the expense of other equally important activities.The study examined the issue of the divorce rate among the church members of the Sefwi Wiawso District of SDA in Ghana. It looked at why there are cases of divorces in the District, how the issue can be addressed, and finally, in an attempt to deal with the issue (phenomenon), a program was developed, implemented, and evaluated. This study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The qualitative aspect focused on ideas or theological framework on marriage and divorce to help understand these concepts. The qualitative part of the study is more on the quality of ideas and forms the framework of the study. With the quantitative part, there was a survey to investigate the problem at hand to suggest appropriate solutions to the divorce problem. The study concluded that how people perceive marriage has a relationship with whether there will be failure or success in marriage. Also, the study found that the use of marriage professionals, pastors, counselors, psychologists, and experienced married couples could go a long way to help marriages and also make divorce an option to be least considered. The study discovered that involving church members in the development of programs and implementation is one of the effective ways of reducing divorce.
A Strategy to increase weekly attendance meetings in Douala III District West Cameroon Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2014-06) Soum, Jean Clovis
The decline in church attendance during weekly meetings in Douala III district is alarming. Some observers after reflection before conducting the project have gone to the extent of shutting the doors on Wednesday and Friday based on the fact of the lost of interest of some members towards those services. In the selected churches where the problem was at stake, out of a total of 100 members only 15 to 20 were regular to weekly meetings, making an average of 20%. In the case of CCC/SOCARTO church, out of a total of 90 members only 40 were regularly attending such meetings, making a rate of 45%. At the end of the research, BEEDI saw the number of members attending weekly arose to 55% and in CCC/SOCARTO from 45% to 75%. The surveys indicate that some were not coming because of lack of sound and good programs, the church was engaged in monotony and routines, and no time was allotted for prayers, testimonies, and praises. The evaluation indicates that if members are constantly well thought, educated, and trained and if the service is conducted in a relevant way so as to meet the needs of the brethren, the number of attendances will increase and the members more devoted to one another and committed to the Lord. The study was concluded by making some relevant recommendations both to the selected churches and the mission administration. In the world of constant changes and confronted to social and human crises, the church programs need to be adjusted to fit the interest of people that lead them to salvation.
A strategy to alleviate poverty among members of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Kahondo, Western Uganda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2013-08-02) Kaahwa, Bright Amos
Poverty among the members of Kahondo Seventh Adventist Church brings a major financial challenge in their homesteads and to Western Uganda Field as well because the members are not effectively supporting the mission of the church through their tithes and offerings. The purpose of this study is to design, implement and evaluate a strategy to alleviate poverty among the members of Seventh-day Adventist Church Kahondo. After the literature review, the researcher designed the lessons which were giving the principles from the bible and the writings of Ellen G. White about poverty alleviation. In the implementation period church members were visited by the researcher, their pastor and other church officers. After visitation the questionnaires were administered to the members who were later followed by the seminars that begun late May-June 2012.During the program implementation church members expressed the desire to put into practice all the principles that they learnt in the seminars in order to alleviate poverty among themselves. After the program implementation the researcher realized that poverty alleviation should be mainstreamed in all the departments of the church field wide.
A Biblical response to marital inequality in Central Malawi Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2009-07) Gumbala, Joe Elliott Noah
Malawians have misunderstood the ‘complementary marital equality’ of husband and wife. Concepts and insights in this crucial ingredient of a fulfilling matrimony have been distorted and misapplied, leading to distrust, spouse and child abuse, household violence, and untold misery in the family relationship. The researcher was convinced that a conscious study of the essence of matrimony was required if the marital inequality was to be cleared. This is a theological issue. Since the whole Christendom accepts that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, the research called for the examining of most of the texts that relate to the marital relationship. This was tied together with insights from the writings of Ellen G. White and the views contributed by both Seventh-day Adventist authors and non-Seventh-day authors. The writer further held family ministries seminars both in rural and urban settings as a tool to glean from a wide spectrum the standpoint documented in this manuscript.The Bible declares that marriage was instituted by God for the good of humankind. The relationship of our progenitors, the couple of the first marriage, was one of mutual and relational equality, structured in the similitude of the Godhead. Ellen G. White, Seventh-day and some non-Seventh-day Adventist authors all share the same view. To equate ‘gender equality’ with the ‘relational equality in the marital relationship is a gross misrepresentation. The essence of marriage is embedded in the relational equality. This enables the spouses to complement and complete each other. They are mutually equal. Both have implanted in them the image and likeness of God. They have differentiated roles and responsibilities, but there is neither superiority nor inferiority between them. Marriage is a co-partnership of equality in difference.

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