Academic Libraries are indeed lakes of mental energy. This Repository is a digital service that collects, preserves, and distributes digital material.

 

Communities in AUA iRepository

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

Recent Submissions

No Thumbnail Available
Item
A strategy for discipling Sabbath School small group leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ngoma, Rwanda
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-04) Ruhongeka, Abidan
Problem This dissertation analyzes the impact of the Sabbath School small groups in discipleship. The experience and the observation disclosed that the Sabbath School small groups are not discipling the members of Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church as it is expected. Purpose This project's goal is to create a training curriculum for Sabbath School small group leaders, put it into practice, and then assess it to see how well it promotes discipleship. Discipling the leaders of the Sabbath School small groups is the proper way to disciple the participants. The similar approach was utilized by God in the Bible; before beginning any significant action for His people, He first trained the leaders. Moses' pre-mission preparation is a classic illustration of how to prepare. Therefore, it's crucial to disciple the Sabbath School small group leaders using the Bible approach before releasing them. Method The researcher used a qualitative approach to train the small group leaders in the Ngoma Seventh-Day Adventist congregation. The researcher created a program to train the Sabbath School small group leaders after analyzing the findings from focus group data and team observations. The Sabbath School small groups become an effective hub for discipleship when their leaders are discipled. The program began on April 22, 2022, in the Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church, and it ended there on September 30, 2022. In order to disciple the Sabbath School small group leaders, a number of thorough training programs were implemented. Result The pre and post-focus groups' data examination outcomes were used to measure the program. The pre-program disclosed that the members of Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church believe that the poor quality of discipleship in the Sabbath School small groups is mainly the result of undisciplined Sabbath school small group leaders. The post-program discussion examination of data revealed that discipling the leaders of the small groups brought a positive change in discipleship and leadership in Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. Conclusion In conclusion, the program has addressed difficulties with poor participation, discipleship, and leadership in the Sabbath School small group activities at the Ngoma Seventh-day Adventist Church. According to the program review, untrained small group leaders are to blame for the members' lack of discipleship and bad leadership. Success in leadership development is essential for success in discipleship. Recommendations More discoveries are needed. The project focused more on the adult and young adult Sabbath School small group leaders. But the children in the Sabbath School were not the focus. The research is needed to know what is going on in the children's Sabbath School and their challenges and find out how to minister to them effectively through the Sabbath School. To disciple small group leaders is recommended to the churches that want to develop the Sabbath School small groups in discipleship. The success of Sabbath School small groups depends on the success of the church in discipling the leaders of the Sabbath School small groups. Furthermore, the researcher suggests to churches that are willing to disciple church leaders consider this approach to disciple the Sabbath School small group leaders. This approach can be a way to develop many church leaders who can serve the church effectively in many capacities, with less cost. To keep alive the Sabbath School small groups, it is necessary to disciple the Sabbath School small group leaders continually not just once but keep them growing and encourage them. It is also important to keep recruiting and training the new leaders to cover the gap that can occur in the leadership of the Sabbath School small groups, because Sabbath School small group leaders can change responsibilities in their local church for many reasons. Therefore, to keep on training the new leaders is important. Completing and keeping the records of the Sabbath School small group activities is important for the follow-up, the plan, and future research. How the local church in the Seventh-day Adventist Church keeps the records need further research. Training and involving the Sabbath School small group members in personal evangelism is one of the objectives of the Sabbath School small groups. This area needs to be researched more to see how the Sabbath School small groups can be a center for church evangelism.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
“Baptism in the name of Jesus” in the book of Acts: implications for the doctrine of the trinity
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-04) Khumalo, Khonzile
The aim of this study is to evaluate the teaching of “Oneness or “Jesus’s name alone,” theology in relation to the rite of baptism. Christian baptism is deeply rooted in that Christ commanded it to be practiced (Matt 28:19). This study seeks to show that Luke in the book of Acts is not giving Christians a new “formula” for baptism in his thematic phrase "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” but he is presenting a contextual response of Peter. The study also shows that an appreciation of the context of the book of Acts, particularly 2:38, will help the readers to embrace the triadic “formula” embedded in the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19. Hence the study seeks to point out the meaning of baptism in the name of Jesus in the book of Acts and to some extent pursues the significance of baptism in triadic formula. Chapter 1 reveals that baptism is an important rite which most Christians practice. The chapter also shows that there are differing views when it comes to the doctrine of Baptism. Amongst many differing views; the issue of some calling it a sacrament yet others see it as an ordinance is one of them. Chapter 2 explores the concept of baptism in the name of Jesus by analyzing the antecedents to baptism in the OT and NT backgrounds. The study also analyses the historical theology of baptism, the practice and the “formula” throughout the different periods in history. The chapter shows that baptism in the name of Jesus was practiced during the apostolic era and later in the successive years it was administered in the triune formula with variations of either once or triple immersion. An exegetical-theological analysis of Acts 2:38 in chapter 3 shows that baptism in the name of Jesus is not a new formula for baptism but a contextual statement of conviction of belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The chapter further reveals that “baptism in the name of Jesus” in the book of Acts played a pivotal role in buttressing the role of Jesus both as the Messiah and the savior of the world to Peter’s audience. Chapter 4 concludes and points out that baptism in triune God is very necessary in the life of Christian convert because it helps an individual firstly, to appreciate the unity of the Godhead in the salvation on mankind, secondly to appreciate the fact that one is being subjected under the authority of the entire Godhead. It further concludes and shows that baptism in the name of Jesus in the book of Acts should be interpreted contextually. The chapter recommends and affirms to the Christian world to continue baptizing in triune formula because that’s what was commanded by Jesus Christ (Matt 28:19).
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Developing effective strategies for urban ministry in the Lagos Mainland Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-01) Adeniyi, Emmanuel Olawumi
Problem There is great concern regarding the impact the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) message has made in urban centers, especially in Lagos where there is a population of 18 million based on last census. Thiose are the census numbers, but in a real sense, Lagos harbors 24million inhabitants and a church membership of 12,000. Several evangelistic methods have been used but with little success. There is an urgent need to meet the people where they are and to reach the unreached and the unchurched. It was, therefore, the purpose of this dissertation to develop, implement and evaluate biblically based effective strategies for urban ministry. Method In view of the above and in line with the biblical foundation for urban ministry, the literature review, survey and questionnaires distributed all pointed to the method Jesus used 2,000 years ago while He was on earth. A community based/multi-dimensional strategies was proposed to reach the unreached people groups with the everlasting gospel. Five effective strategies were used, namely: prayer intercession, establishment of schools, establishment of professionals associations, intentional meeting of felt-need of the community and media evangelism. Results Following the implementation of the multi-dimensional strategies, the church became more relevant to her communities. The result is that a total of 130 persons have been baptized into the church. The love of Christ is now shared freely with the inhabitants of Lagos on radio and television. The schools have not only brought new members through baptism, but also are a great financial boost to the conference treasury and source of employment to members. Conclusion The strategies put forth in this dissertation have proved successful for urban ministry—even in the 21st century. It is recommended as a great tool to make a difference in proclaiming the gospel in all the cities of the world to share the joy of the Second Advent and impending doom for the disobedient. Christ’s model of ministry was a comprehensive one and every church must imbibe Christ’s mission of loving service in their community to be able to impact the people positively. There is need of coming close to the people as Christ did over 2,000 years ago to be able to win their confidence as He did. The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, where the mere reiteration of doctrines will accomplish nothing for the gospel.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Theological analysis of the new covenant and Seventh-day Adventist views on the everlasting covenant
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-03) Acquaah, George Emmanuel
In Christian theology, the doctrine of the Covenant seems to attract the most opposing views. The divergent views relate to the OT and NT Covenants. The purpose of the study is to assess and compare the views of New Covenant Theology (NCT) and Seventh-day Adventist Theology (SDAT) on God’s covenant, the law, and the Sabbath in the light of biblical teachings about the redemption of humanity. The study demonstrates that there is a continuity of God’s covenants. The idea of an everlasting covenant began with the Father and the Son and the promise to humanity in Genesis 3:15. This was renewed to Abraham (Gen 17:7), given to Israel as the old covenant (Exod 2:24; Luke 1:67-77), and renewed to believers as the new covenant. There is continuity of the Ten Commandments in the new covenant period. However, there is some element of discontinuity, which is based on God’s perfect provision of obedience through the Holy Spirit in the new covenant vis a vis the human effort of obedience in the old covenant. In this vein, the study concludes that God’s plan of salvation, which was made in eternity past was about Christ. It is the same Christ, who is promised as “the seed” to the patriarchs. Also, God’s plan was for Christ to die for the sins of humanity. So God instituted temporal sacrifices pointing to the true sacrifice, which was Christ. Therefore, it could be said that there is continuity of God’s everlasting plan in relation to the salvation of humanity. Salvation always comes by grace and never by works. The OT is so intertwined and connected to the NT. God’s covenants are unified and function as phases of advancement in God’s general plan of salvation throughout the OT era and on into the NT. There is one covenant of salvation in the OT and NT, which is called the everlasting covenant.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among women aged 25 years or older in Kpone-Katamanso District, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, 2017-04) Acheampong, Kwabena
Hypertension in Ghana is a common problem of enormous public and fiscal consequence because of its high occurrence and the severity of its complications. Population-based studies estimate the prevalence of hypertension in Ghana at 19% to 48% (Bosu, 2010).This study’s main objective was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among women aged 25 years or older in Kpone-Katamanso District, to determine socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors associated with prevalence of hypertension, and determine co-morbidities and family related factors associated with prevalence of hypertension. In addition, assess the knowledge on cause, prevention and treatment of hypertension among the target population. This study employed across sectional study design. A total population of 216 consenting participants aged 25 years or older from four communities in Kpone Katamanso District were involved in the study. Data were collected from the study population by household visits using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire after taking their consent. The data were entered in SPSS version 20.0. to be presented in tables, and analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression. The significance threshold was set at 0.05. A total of 73 out of 216 participants were hypertensive, giving the overall prevalence of 33.8%. Its prevalence increased with age (from 13.3% to 56.4%, p<0.000). Among hypertensive participants, the mean SBP reading was 145.75±14.13mmHg and the mean DBP reading was 93.70± 9.50mmHg whereas the non-hypertensive participants, the mean systolic blood pressure reading was 114.76 ± 9.13mmHg and the mean diastolic blood pressure reading was 72.73±7.24mmHg. Forty-six (21.3%) of the subject were previously diagnosed of hypertension (aware of hypertension status). The Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age 65 and above 8.788 [3.829-92.188: p˂0.000), obesity 5.513 [2.013-15.098: p˂0.001]) and family history of hypertension72.132 [19.43-267.613:p˂0.000] were found to be significantly associated with hypertension. The study established that the prevalence of hypertension was high and its associated risk factors included age, obesity and family history of hypertension. Women with a very high risk of developing hypertension like high systolic blood pressure, marked obesity, or a strong familial history of hypertension should undertake blood pressure screening regularly for early detection and prompt treatment.