Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://192.168.0.29/handle/123456789/135

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 106

Proposed Approach for Involving Women in Evangelism in Kayonza Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rwanda
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Rukundo, Isaie
Evangelism is the top priority in all programs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA). The mission of God’s church is to preach the Gospel to the people in order to prepare them for the soon return of Christ. Involving women in evangelism is the way of nurturing and making them part of the church through participation to spreading the gospel in the world. Jesus commended His disciples to go out into the world and preach the gospel to every human being. This is rooted in Matthew 28: 19-20 and Mark 16: 15-16. The women as members of the church are called out to declare God’s greatness to the world by actively participating in witnessing activities. By doing this, they are fulfilling the great work of winning souls to Jesus Christ. It will be possible if the women were equipped for the ministry through training, besides the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The study sought to find out why the women of Kayonza Seventh-day Adventist Church do not participate actively in evangelism. The tools employed in carrying out the research were included questionnaires and interviews. Women and church elders were asked to fill out questionnaires. Besides filling questionnaires others were interviewed. The 204 who filled out questionnaires and the few that were interviewed would represent the entire church. The researcher analyzed the data and came up with a program to equip the women with tools for effective evangelism. Equipping women was done through organization of seminars that empowered them for effective evangelism. The result was seen through the increase in baptismal class members and the baptism event in the church in 2015 and 2016 as compared with the previous years. Also, there was a large number of women elected for church activities in 2015 - 2016. Increase in Dorcas’ activities and home visitations by women were also seen in Kayonza SDA Church. The number of choirs was augmented from 3 to 5.
Assessment of the Social and Cultural Barriers to Planting Seventh-day Adventist Churches among the Luo Community in Siaya County: A Case Study of Ukwala Sub-location
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-04) Olum, Nelson Otieno
The Luo community residing in Siaya County, Ugenya Sub-County of Ukwala Sub-Location has remained inaccessible to the Adventist message despite the concerted efforts to reach them. The assumption that their unique social, cultural practices hinder the witnessing ministry has not been demonstrated. This study explored social, cultural factors hindering the work of reaching the Luos in Ukwala Sub-Location. After carrying out a community survey and analyzing the data, four social, cultural barriers emerged as follows: 1) the struggle for the preservation of their identity; 2) the institution of polygamy; 3) ancestral veneration, and 4) the region in Ukwala Sub- Location has been isolated to Adventists for some time. This study proposed four solutions of equal measure to mitigate the said obstacles. The first is the analysis of the strategies used formerly by Adventists in planting churches in Kisumu County. Second, are the cultural barriers that hinder Adventists in the planting of churches. Third, are the strategies used by the non-Adventists in planting churches in Ukwala Sub-Location within Ugenya Sub-County of Siaya County, and finally, the fourth one is the future approach purposely to level the ground for the missionaries to reach out and plant churches in Ukwala Sub- Location, also other people groups with similar features. I conducted a two-week evangelistic campaign at Ohagre in Ukwala Sub-Location where 24 persons were baptized, and a new Seventh-day Adventist congregation started at Ohagre village. The study includes the suggestion to enhance cross-cultural communication; promotion of formal education; application of beneficial Luo cultural customs; the total transformation of the Luo worldview and finally, developing accessibility avenues in future church planting in the Ukwala Sub-Location.
Reclaiming Former Seventh-day Adventist Church Members in Ogun Conference, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-01) Olawumi, John Adesegun
Reclaiming former Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Ogun conference is a study that was motivated by the alarming rate of backsliders in this Conference. The Researcher developed a programme with a purpose to reclaim the backsliders. The study utilized the programme development method to conduct this research. This included an empirical study to find out the reasons for backsliding. It is a fact that people are leaving the church for many reasons but the majority of backsliders are leaving because of issues other than doctrinal teaching. A programme of reclaiming members was implemented and many backsliders were reclaimed. The result of this study established that reclaiming the backsliding ones required the involvement of all church members in the congregation. Hence, the study concluded that the duty of bringing back the former members is not a work that can be left only to pastors of the congregation. It is teamwork. It is recommended, therefore, that the church pastors and members strengthen the programme of caring and nurturing among other things in order to sustain the gains of this programme.
A Strategy to Involve the Seventh-day Adventist Youth of North Rwanda Conference in Evangelism
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-06) Mutuyimana Nkundakozera
The great commission of Jesus Christ calls upon all believers to get involved in evangelism (Matt 28:19-20). This is the responsibility of all church members. However, the youth in North Rwanda Conference (NRC) have not satisfactorily participated in fulfilling what Jesus Christ required. This situation has been influenced by different factors, but mostly, by the fact that the church has done little to involve them. This problem has been observed in many churches throughout the conference. Due to this, young people were not aware of their responsibilities in the church. Considering the challenge at hand, the major objective of this study was to come up with a strategy of involving the youth in evangelism. The strategies of getting the youth involved in evangelism were best seen in the program design of this research. Its implementation rotated around revival and reformation of members and the training of the youth in evangelism. To achieve the target of the research different methods were used including; documentary method, interviewing, use of questionnaires, and personal observation. This project implemented the program in the four selected churches as a sample of the study. In this program, it had been discovered that the churches at hand had 27, 30, 35, and 36 youth involved from Nyarubande, Kigombe, Yaounde, and Bwuzuri respectively. This makes a total of 128. During the implementation, there was a 21.75% increment in participants from to 317, because of personal evangelism. Regarding public evangelism, the number increased from 1 to 10 in these four churches. Thus, the number of the youth involved in evangelism rose to 90%. Several factors hamper NRC youth from participating in evangelism: secular activities such as games and watching movies to mention but a few. On the side of the parents and church leaders, challenges include lack of time and sufficient skills to handle the youth. However, if a good program is designed to get them involved and active in the church, the results are promising. The parents and church leaders, therefore, should, from time to time, implement the strategy which has been proposed in this research.
A Strategy on Seventh-day Adventist Church Involvement Toward the Social Reinsertion of Inmates of Tsiafahy Penitentiary, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-03) Sahondrarison, Misaela Ranjaolisera
One of the main challenges for the prisoners of Tsiafahy is social reintegration and the personal follow-up of their spiritual life, especially when the sentence is over. This requires valuable work, unity, and strict cooperation with the Adventist Church in Antananarivo and the surrounding area, especially the Adventist Church near the site of the Tsiafahy prison. The aim of the project was to maintain the spiritual life of prisoners who have served their sentence and got out safely or prisoners incarcerated because of calumny who, after passing through trial and the issue of order, are acquitted, meaning that there is no criminal record on their bulletin No. 3. Thus, they will continue to remain with God, go deeper in their life of faith and directly apply the fundamental truths they have learned in their lives. Those truths will make them decent and reliable people in their community instead of being a burden to others again. The results of the inquiry revealed that the challenge was that most of these prisoners who are released from the Tsiafahy prison do not attend the Adventist Church. This is in spite of the fact that they were well trained in the Scriptures while in prison, through daily Sabbath School lessons, Bible memory verses, morning devotionals, worship, and service on Sabbaths. They had known well Seventh-day Adventist Church’s fundamental beliefs. The present researcher, who is the chaplain for prison ministry in the Central Malagasy Conference with his team, through his periodic interventions, contributed to the change for the improvement of the behavior of the prisoners. This state of affairs was quickly noticed by the prison service officers who wrote favorable reports to their superiors concerning the prisoners in question. During the presidential pardons at the national celebration in June and at the end of the year, precisely in December, these prisoners had their sentences reduced or even to be released in a very short time, which allows the surrounding churches to prepare for their reception before sending them back to their families of origin. Seasonal or short-term work helped them not to be a heavy burden for the church members before they were coming back home.
A remedial approach to the local belief on death in Ambilobe, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-08) Mbolatiana, David Tsilavina
The tribe of Antakarana in the northwestern part of Madagascar has many different cultures in all areas of life from birth until death. But the most crucial fact that each Adventist has to contend with is the funeral rituals and customs that do not fit in with the biblical teachings. Therefore, some members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church also follow and practice these rituals and customs, which, in turn, can create conflict within families, compromise their personal beliefs, and impact both the church community and its growth. In this regard, it is significant to explore the local belief surrounding death in Ambilobe and subsequently suggest an appropriate remedial approach. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by members regarding death rituals; and then develop and implement a remedial program accordingly. To attain The tribe of Antakarana in the northwestern part of Madagascar has many different cultures in all areas of life from birth until death. But the most crucial fact that each Adventist has to contend with is the funeral rituals and customs that do not fit in with the biblical teachings. Therefore, some members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church also follow and practice these rituals and customs, which, in turn, can create conflict within families, compromise their personal beliefs, and impact both the church community and its growth. In this regard, it is significant to explore the local belief surrounding death in Ambilobe and subsequently suggest an appropriate remedial approach. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by members regarding death rituals; and then develop and implement a remedial program accordingly. To attain the objectives, this study uses the qualitative interviewing method. Questionnaires were prepared and administered to 120 members in the North Ambilobe District. In alignment with the difficulties encountered by members, a remedial program was also formulated, executed, and evaluated. The results revealed that church members encounter family challenges, economic burdens, and spiritual confusion that may result in apostasy. The remedial initiative illuminated the minds of Adventist believers who were not adhering faithfully to the Bible teachings and were engaging in customary death rituals. This effort directed these church members back to the teachings of the Bible, facilitating their acceptance of the truth and comprehension of the doctrine regarding matters of death. Moreover, the project contributed to mitigating the pain and sorrow within mourning families and their relatives, guiding them toward embracing a simpler ritual. The evaluation of the project illustrates that church members who had previously adhered to traditional death customs and performed these rituals returned to a better understanding of the biblical teachings. This transformation encompassed not only their perspective but also their worldview. The implications of these findings offer valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners aiming to foster the growth of the church.
The role of small groups in the nurture and retention of members of Hoima Central and Hoima Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Western Uganda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Masereka, Paul B.
The purpose of this study was an attempt to reduce membership loss in Hoima and Central SDA Churches, using small groups strategy. The researcher sought to observe the role of small groups in the nurture and retention of church members of Central and Hoima Churches. The researcher also explored the biblical foundation of small groups, their importance or role in keeping God’s people on His mission. It was observed that small groups were found in the Old Testament and the New Testament, and Jesus used them during His ministry. Even the early church continued with the same principle. Hence a model for the contemporary church. The study observed that the youth and the middle aged make 97.9% of church membership of Hoima and Central Churches. But because of the lack for nurture and retention techniques the church is likely to lose most of them. However, because of the role of small groups, the dropping from membership was minimized from 75% to 45% in one year. The study that took nine months ended having observed that 99% of the respondents agreed that, indeed, small groups is an effective tool in the nurture and retention of the church members of Hoima and Central SDA Churches. This was because, in these groups, believers were cared for better than when they were in large congregations, and that believers were expressing themselves more than before. However, there was weakness in visitation on a weekly basis among small group members which needed more attention in order to keep these groups on fire. Small groups concept should be embraced in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in order to reduce membership loss.
Empowering Bahir Dar Seventh-day Adventist Church members to reach out to the Ethiopian Orthodox community with the core Seventh-day Adventist message
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-03) Defresha, Mandefro Alemayehu
Although Bahir Dar Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has existed for more than three decades, their effectiveness in reaching out to Orthodox Church members has been minimal. The reason appears to be that there was lack of empowerment of the church members for the task. This study carried out an empowering program to enhance the involvement of church members in outreaching the Orthodox community. The program assisted pastors and the church leadership in evangelism. The researcher used a program development approach to implement the empowering program. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection utilizing a survey of opinions, attitudes and experiences of the church members preceded the empowering program. The data collection points out the need of evangelism training and revival program to empower Bahir Dar SDA Church members. A one week fasting and prayer program with the church pastor and boards was done before the training program, which was followed by a three-day revival meeting. In these activities, an average of 120 church members (66 females and 54 males) participated. During the training which was conducted for seven days about 104 church members participated. These participants were trained and equipped for reaching out to the un-reached Orthodox community in the town. An evaluation of the program indicated that the training helped the church members to obtain knowledge, motivation, insight, and encouragement. The study recommends additional evangelism trainings and includes discipleship, leadership and small groups training that have to be done with consistent follow up.
Methodological strategies and approaches of increasing the membership of the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Simba, Malunza Monga
The Kisangani churches in Upper Congo Field (UCF) have a problem of increasing their membership. Despite many public efforts, the growth of these churches is low. So, there is the persistence of problem of nurture, faithfulness in tithe and offerings, and involvement to discipleship. This research was conducted, in the last three years (2014-2016) for the purpose to discover evangelistic strategies that will help Kisangani churches to increase their church members. An assessment of evangelistic approaches used in these churches had been done by a questionnaire which was sent to all churches of this city. The findings show that saturation strategy and oikos strategy in which personal evangelism and lifestyle evangelism are integrated part might help these churches which are feeble in outreach to resolve their problems. That is why a program was designed and training was done. The focus was to train pastors and church leaders whom in their turn had the responsibility to train their respective members. The seminar succeeded because of good participation. A program of follow-up was held and forms of the door-to-door report had been distributed to the seminary members. Church Personal ministry directors are chosen to do the follow-up. There is a need for more training in personal evangelism work in the local churches. Emphasizing on good lifestyle, the church leaders must promote the door-to-door outreach activities. These might be their priority. This approach walks together with intensive intercessory prayers that will provide a spirit of revival and reformation. It is only in this condition that the Holy Spirit can empower believers in fulfilling Jesus' great commission and converting the unbelievers.
Exploration of tithing challenges: A case of Wamaza District of Maniema Mission, Democratic Republic of the Congo
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Itengo, Tarquin Kilunda
The goal of this study was to discover the reasons that affect tithing. This study was done in two ways; first the interview to the members to know the reasons that affect tithing, and, then, the implementation of strategies to stop the causes and to increase tithes. Before this study, the situation was lamentable which formed the problem this study addressed. After the study, the situation has changed according to the results, which are found in chapter four. If the members practice all the strategies learned during the seminars, and follow all the advice that has been given, we have reason to believe that the situation prevailing in this district will not remain as is, necessarily there will be a change. So, if the Congolese government is thinking of locating the province of Maniema with other provinces, it will allow the population to wander well in their activities because after carrying out an evaluation of the program implemented, the number of donors has increased markedly as well as the rate of fidelity. If the program application extends to other Adventist Churches in other districts, we believe there will be encouraging results.
A strategy for Adventist youth involvement in evangelism in South Rwanda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-03) Karasira, Nsengiyumva Gerard
In South Rwanda Field of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, only 19.6% of the youth are involved. Most of the youth are not involved in ministry. Therefore, there is a need to change the situation in order to increase the number of young people who actively participate in evangelism. After conducting the survey, the researcher developed a strategy, program, and plan of implementation in order to increase the number of youth who participate in church activities, particularly, in evangelism. The researcher conducted trainings, after which the young people conducted a two-week evangelistic campaign as an application of what they learned in the trainings. Questionnaires were distributed to district pastors, church elders, and some young people. Out of their respective responses, Bible studies were conducted, homiletics principles were applied, and eight selected fundamental beliefs were shared for a period of two weeks, at least. The process ended in selecting a group of forty-five young people who were ready to conduct a two-week evangelistic meeting. The findings were very positive. At the end of the whole process, the involvement of the youth in evangelism increased from 19.6% to 48.3%. Even though they did not reach the goal of 50% participation, this percentage indicates that the program was successful. The exercise also revealed to the entire leadership of South Rwanda Field that there is a need of reinforcing the involvement of the youth in church activities.
A strategic plan for evangelism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwinilunga District, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, 2009-09) Nshindo, Humphrey Kambanzhi
Mwinilunga is one of the seven districts in the Northwestern Province of Zambia. The district lies in the extreme northwest of the province and covers an area of 20,910 square kilometers. Mwinilunga District lies 872 kilometers from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. The district has a population of 131,515 according to the census of population and housing of 2000. Though the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been in the area for more than twenty (20) years, the current church membership stands at 365. There is only one organized church. Church growth is very low, making it a source of concern. Chapter one discusses the statement of the problem, the purpose of the study, and the significance of the study. It also looks at the delimitations of the research and the methodology/procedure followed in the research. Chapter two deals with the biblical, Ellen G. White, Seventh-day Adventist proponents and other Protestant theologians’ basis for church growth through evangelism. The local setting of Zambia, Mwinilunga District, and Mwinilunga Central Seventh-day Adventist Church is described in chapter three. Chapter four deals with suggested solutions to the problem of low growth in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwinilunga District. Chapter five gives the summary, conclusions, and recommendations of the research.
The growth of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gisenyi City, North West Rwanda Field
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017) Kamandi, Ferdinand
Gisenyi SDA Church was established in 1968 in the Northwestern part of Rwanda. Since then, this church experienced a very slow church growth to the point that the total gross of its membership went up to 3782 church members over the City population of 83,623 by 2015. That is to say a rate of 4.5 percent of SDA Church members of the total population of the City. Even though many evangelistic campaigns were done in Gisenyi City, the growth rate of church members is still very low compared to the population. This being the case, focus is needed in evangelizing this City in more systematic and strategic way. The most promising methods to evangelize would be mobilizing pastors and laity, elders and church members at the same time as one man. Since most of those who will be involved in reaching out to unreached people of Gisenyi City are uneducated church members without skills in matters concerning evangelism, the program of equipping them is an obvious necessity. The researcher used the purposive method in sampling data. Both secondary and primary data were consulted during this research. Primary data was collected with the help of interview given to the church pastors, elders, and church members. The major findings revealed as shown in tables 7 and 8 that both four pastors and fifteen church elders agree that church growth is hindered by members being so busy and lacking training. After a spiritual revival and training of Gisenyi SDA Church members, a remarkable change appeared. The mid-week prayer attendance rate increased from 55.8% to 75%. Following oikos and public evangelism, 267 people were baptized and integrated into small groups for retention. Therefore the researcher concludes that without equipping the church members, growth will still remain low. It is recommended that more training should be carried out if the church is to realize the mission of the Master.
Developing a strategy for witnessing to the Indian community at Lukanaga Seventh-day Adventist Church and Kabwe Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Midlands East Zambia Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, 2021-03) Chilomo, John Massiye
The church has never had strategic evangelistic activities that target the Indian Community regardless of their proximity to the Conference offices of Midlands East Zambia Conference in Kabwe and despite their longtime presence there. The Hindus of the Indian Community have been in Zambia for a long time. The town of Kabwe in which the Midlands East Zambia Conference is situated has a large population of Indian descent. Despite their idolatrous practices, this study argues that there is the hope of winning Indians to a monotheistic Christian God. Towards that intended goal, this study developed a strategy for reaching out and witnessing to the Indian Community around Lukanga Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) and Central SDA Church. A questionnaire was taken to the churches and several members volunteered to be part of the witnessing project. The training was done using the information which was gathered in Chapter two. After analyzing the New and Old Testaments, the writings of Ellen White, other Adventists, and other Christian authors, the writer of this project was convinced that the church has not done much in witnessing to the Indian community. After the training of the volunteers was done, appointments were made to visit and witness the Indian community of which the target were the Hindus. The program was a success; many of them were reached and prayed with. The DVDs for new beginnings were distributed to them. There were no baptisms, though; The challenge they faced in this witnessing program was the fear of being disowned by their family members and not being supported in their business. However, a lot of interest was shown and Bible studies will continue to be carried out with these that have shown interest.
A strategy to empower lay leaders to develop effective preaching at Ambohidratrimo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-02) Josoa Jacquot Jimison
Preaching plays an important role in the lives of believers. The spiritual life of the church depends on it. Most of the members of our church are not satisfied with the sermons they hear in the church on Sabbath. The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ambohidratrimo is facing that problem. First, educated lay leaders use their skills and knowledge to preach. However, their sermons become profound and philosophical. Second, lay leaders who have not progressed much in their education convince the audience with their chosen language and voice only in preaching. Third, different opinions have been heard from members about lay leaders preaching. In particular, the sermon is too long and uninspiring. Too many references are used and the topic is not clear. The objective of this project is to develop a strategy to empower lay leaders to promote effective preaching. The study followed Biblical teaching, the writings of Ellen Gould White, and a seminar was conducted. The seminar trained lay leaders of Ambohidratrimo SDA Church in terms of preaching. The study reveals that lay leaders of Ambohidratrimo SDA Church must improve their manner of preaching. Because of this research, strategies are given to empower lay leaders to develop effective preaching.
A strategic program to counter the impact of globalization on young people in Mangarano Church District, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2022-06) Ranala, Isaac Andriamaniry Zakambololona
Globalization aims at making the world a global village. Its purpose is to eliminate the gap between all regions to connect the world in one big network of information without impediment. Young people who were born in the early 2000s have grown up in a new era of technological innovation which is considered to be more advanced compared to what was experienced before the third millennium. With this threat of globalization, this study is to discover the potential influence of leadership that should be considered to overcome the impact of globalization in the Mangarano Church District. In other words, these questions must be answered: Does globalization have an impact on Adventist youth leadership? Can a revision or improvement of the pastoral ministry, especially within the framework of the approach, constitute a hope for a solution to this situation? Would it be possible to increase or enhance it through this strategic program? This research would be beneficial for pastors and parents in their ministries and education in serving today’s local church youths as it is based upon Jesus’ leadership. The empirical evidence approach is used. It is composed of analytical and clinical methods. It is a mixed tactic. In addition, the survey revealed that leaders should continue to have close contact with young people. One needs to reinforce youths’ identities, their values, and especially to acknowledge the existence of technological innovations that are no longer inevitable because those move forward with new strategies. They need to be used as effective tools to accomplish the mission of the church.
Premarital education addressing premarital sex in the district of Ambohijafy, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-01) Harsha Niaina Davidra
In the Seventh-day Adventist District of Ambohijafy, premarital sex is one of the very crucial issues leading to a number of church disciplines whether by censure or by removal among many young people, both male and female between the ages of seventeen to twenty four. Then, forced marriages take place among youth which lead to the absence of marital stability. This study is a reflection of what is happening in several churches within the Central Malagasy Conference and the Indian Ocean Union Conference territories. The main target of the present project is to offer to church leaders, school officers, and church members, including young unmarried people, a concrete strategy to deal with premarital sex. Beginning with the biblical and theological foundations regarding premarital sex intercourse, the researcher continues with a detailed description of the local setting with an emphasis on the obvious realities motivating premarital sex intercourse and the indications of premarital sex intercourse among the church members. Then, the researcher proposes four principal approaches to stand as a godly education strategy to deal with premarital sex. These four principal approaches are seminars, prayer sessions, self-help and supporting group discussions with virginity pledge ceremony. The core theme of the seminars is grounded upon 2 Timothy 2:22 and the motto “No to sex before Marriage.” The duration of the overall education programs was less than three months long. Precisely one Sunday and nine Sabbath days were needed to complete the all education programs divided into awareness sessions and seminars sessions stages. Special interdependent tools were also used as equipment along the programs. These tools are a small guidance booklet, a Facebook page and a virginity pledge card. In conclusion, the education programs based upon seminars, prayer sessions, self-help and supporting group discussions with virginity pledge could bring success in dealing with premarital sex intercourse. At the end of the development of these four approaches, churches leaders were more concerned and a changing behavior among unmarried young people was observed as they refrained from premarital sex intercourse.
Strategies to Enhance Tithing at Soavinimerina Seventh-day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-02) Ratsimba, Oliva Colombe Andriampaniry
Tithing is a way for people to show their trust in God and their acceptance of Him as Lord of the universe. One of the biggest problems facing Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Madagascar is not ignorance of tithing, but unfaithfulness to it. They do not have the intention to follow the biblical model of tithing and this circumstance leads them into dreadful experiences. There is also a lack of training for church leaders on tithing, as well as encouragement of less confident members through fervent prayers and regular visits. The Church of Soavinimerina is one of 851 churches in the Central Malagasy Conference that is no different and has been studied in a particular case. The study aims to discover the reasons for the low tithe returning in the Soavinimerina Church and to achieve a fidelity rate in the tithe at least eighty percent. The study was conducted in two stages: the first was an interview with members to learn about the factors that influence tithing, and the second was the formulation of strategies to address the issue and provide practical advice. This situation should improve following the application and implementation of the proposed strategies, as well as following the suggestions that are thereafter provided.
A Strategy for Retention of New Members in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church, South Rwanda Field, Rwanda Union Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, 2016-05) Muvunyi, Charles
The aim of this study was to develop a strategy that will be used as a model for solving the problem of membership retention in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. The strength of every church is its membership. Loss of church members always affects the growth of the church. It is indeed difficult for the pastor to singly resolve or manage loss of membership in the church. The possibility of becoming ineffective to solve the problem of the loss of membership has made the pastor depend on lay leaders who often are not well equipped with skills in the treatment of new converts. The Bible, Seventh-day Adventist sources and other materials on membership retention were reviewed. Questionnaires were given to selected church members to determine the training needs of the church elders and all church workers as well as the church members for membership retention. A training workshop was organized for church elders and all church workers as well as the church members. The study outlined the reality of the loss of new members and enumerated the probable causes of new members backsliding in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. It drew a suggestive strategy on how to prevent this backsliding of new members. At the conclusion to this study, the researcher discovered that the fact that Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church has a high rate of dropouts brought a necessity of looking for the new answer to the question: “How to retain new church members in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church?” The study considered many challenges and causes of backsliding such as the lack of: proper follow-up, nurturing programs for new converts, bonds of friendship, effective visitation, and adequate fundamental instruction. The church planned a strategy which helped the newly baptized to stay in the church. The small groups program shows that there is hope. After the evangelistic campaign conducted in Ngoma Adventist Church, thirty-seven new converts were baptized. After three months of visiting and follow-up, all thirty-seven new members were still in the church and they were actively participating. Following the implementation of programs that are described in this study, it was concluded that it is possible to decrease the loss of members in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church if there is proper planning, commitment, and dedication on the part of the leadership of the local church and the pastor.
A Strategy to Equip Leaders for Church Growth at Ilakaka, in the South West Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-05) Andriamampiononandrainy, Arthur Sasah Doudou
It is a known fact that leadership is needed for the church. A great challenge for the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the lack of growth. Several reasons attribute to the lack of growth: a) diversity of communities, b) different levels of knowledge, c) different attitudes, d) different cultures, and the influence of other religious groups, such as Muslims. However, the main reason is the lack of spirituality. Leaders neglect to set aside time to communicate with God, and this has an impact on the members, and consequently prevents the church from growing. People are so busy trying to survive that they hardly have time to be with Jesus. There was a need to develop a strategic plan to deal with this lack of spiritually in order for the Ilakaka Seventh-day Adventist Church to grow. This study examined the theological foundations for leadership and church growth. Leadership and church growth are closely related. The paper analyzed different leadership styles and principles in the Old Testament and New Testament. This project explained also the Biblical concepts on church growth, both from the Old Testament and the New Testament, and Ellen White’s writings. Taking into account the theological basis of leadership and church growth, as well as the relationship between methods, the behavior of the leaders and the growth of the church, this study should help and equip Ilakaka leaders to apply some strategies to experience church growth. It is hoped that when this strategy is implemented, Ilakaka Church, and other churches in the Conference may attain their potential growth.

Browse

Recent Submissions