Methodological strategies and approaches of increasing the membership of the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

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.