Masters Theses

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2936

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1476

Patterns of Church Growth in Nairobi.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1970) Tate, Francis Vincent
Nairobi, Kenya, a city of 500,000 people set in the midst of East African villages, is a melting pot of African tribesmen, Asian immigrants and Europeans Within this complex, racially mixed society I have sought to discover how the Church is growing, I ten representative congregations from eight different denomina tions. In these, various aspects of increase are measured. Three kinds of growth — biological, conversion and transfer — are examined in detail as they are reflected in the congregations studied. The factors influencing church growth — ethnic, geographical, occupational, friendship, social and educational are considered. These factors largely determine the patterns of increase in the urban churches. Analysis of the current growth patterns in the sample give a basis for recommendations to obtain greater growth, I have sought to clarify church growth principles for the urban milieu. With an understanding of these principles churchmen should be better prepared to win the urban masses for Christ and multiply churches to the glory of God.
A Theological Critique of Church Indigenization In Africa
(Daystar University, 1976-06) Adeyemo, Tokunboh
Toposa Culture and The Communication of The Gospel.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1985) Mutuku, Kitonga David
The thesis of this study purports tnat effective communication of the gospel takes place when tne christian message and tne communicative methods are adapted to the hearers I culture . People properly associate true meanings with the message, as Intended by tne communicator , when the message is packaged in familiar and natural forms and means of communications. Such communicative channels are found in people' s own culture. God disclosed Himself to the Hebrew people througn their own culture and language. He also participated in numan culture by becoming man so as to communicate Himself properly , accurately and naturally to man, in man' s own terms of understanding . Effective communication is likely to be precluded wnen the gospel is presented in foreign and less natural ways of thinking. There is also a possibility of the danger of syncretism and paternalism wnen the gospel is presented in alien forms of communication, in which the cultural context is overlooked or ignored . The Toposa culture in this study is described in some details. First the study presents the Toposa Worldview , Social organization , Economic System , Enculturation and the Traditional Communication System. Then the ways of communicating the gospel to the Toposa within their cultural contexts , are explored. The Toposa cultural background is assessed, on tne Elblical teaching, to find their spiritual situation. The study draws some conclusions on tne theological estimate of the Toposa. Some ways are presented on how to introduce the Toposa , as illiterates , to the gospel. Also some aspects of the Old and New Testaments are used to snow how the message of Christ can be bridged to the Toposa. The study provides a communication strategy, a step—by—step approach which can be used by a new missionary to the Toposa people. The strategy proposes some preparations (requirements) for western missionaries. Some preparations for African missionaries are also proposed .
Adult Bible Study in AIC Kenya: An Investigation into Reasons For its Omission by most AIC Churches and Ways to Correct This Omission.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1985) Simbiri, Isaac A.
i n th i s thes i s the author ccntends i t i s i rd i spensab le end fu l ly understcn e 'h c conf ext of A I C hkenye, end the fcr adu lt b i b l e stud i es havi ng been l e ft cut i n r.any cf•s : herchcs be fore an unb i ased assessrer± of the v rectice canThe context addresses : E —zee end workab le sol uti cns suggested .vita l assumptions re l a ± i ng to adu l ts ih the church.r he assumptions are: Adu l t education i n the church th rough studi es, I s a p riori ty for each loce ! church . The Bi b l e po i nts to the role and respons i bi l i t y of each adul t necessi tates adul t ed ucat i on i n the I cca l church .Chri sti ans have wri tten and spoken commi tted l y about adu l t i n the l oca l churches. However, the AI C Kenya has a i n the adu l t B i b le stud i es i n many of i ts local churches, by bei ng preoccup i ed wi th the work of ch i l d ren and youth ' -e expense of mi n i stry to adu l ts . Severa l causes lead i nc to s fai l ure are: l ack of p ri or i t i es, preparation cf competent eet2%h i p, lack of cu l tura l l y re levant materia l s — books and7 hi s thes i s has f i ve chapters . Chepter one dea l s w i th the address t ng: prob lem de f i n i t i on, purposei mportance cf the E i b I c study, research questicns,' —-e:-etica l base, def i n i ticn c f terms and l i mi tat i ons . Chapter- "2 ! s wi th revi ew of l i tera+u re, covcri nc such tcp i cs . as base, va l ues of adul t education and key i ssues i n- . t education . Chapter thrce dea ls wi th mcthcdc lcgy, i nc l ud t nc: cc ,' lect ion, questionna i res and thei r answers and i ntervi ews .four summari zes fi nd i ngs of questionna i res end i ntervi ews .sur.r,ary recorrjendat ions ane ccncl us ion.t.-e recommendations are:Chri st ian educati on to adu lt a p ri ori tyi b le study materi a l s shoul d take i nto concerns and expectations of adults.be l ievers shoul d be tra i ned for leadersh i p for adul t
How Far Beyond? Christian Leadership and Media Survey Nairobi, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1985) Niemeyer, Larry L.
The Research Unit Institute of Christian Ministries and Training Daystar •University College
A Communication Audit for Effective Management: A Case Study of an East African Publishing House, Nairobi, Kenya
(Daystar University, 1991-06) Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri
A Study of The African Process of Mediation for Christian Ministry: A Case Study
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1994) Mungania, John
This study addresses itself in finding ways and means resolve conflicts using a cooperative and collaborative approach. The study attempts to formulate principles of zediation which the church and other parties can use to nake peace. A basic assumption is that the world more generally uses confrontation. This case study has proved that the origins of the tribe and of the Methodist church in Kenya arose out cf conflicts which needed to be resolved. The study compares the Western and the African way of decision—making, and the modern civil and traditional systems of conflict resolution. Findings reveal that the former is more adversarial, ending in courtroom contests, while the latter uses group consensus, ending in group harmony. The study proposes recommendations such as the following for implementation : 1. Open mediation centres; 2. Provide other avenues for conflict resolutions; 3. Proper church courts be established; 4. Peace and reconciliation departments be established; 5. Introduce "peace and peace—making" as part of the curriculum in our schools, colleges and universities; and, 6. Enact laws on mandatory mediation.
Survey and Directory of Mission Agencies in Uganda.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1994) Tumusiime, Ephraim N.
The purpose of this study was to explore the Uganda Missions situation through compi l ing a directory of r:ganda' s missionary sending Agencies , determining the degree of indigenization in the Uganda missionary. Movement ; and analyzing the problems these missions face promoting and expanding the Uganda missionary movement. The Ugandan church has not been reported in —issiological research as one of the significant missionary sending churches in the Third World. This state of affairs led this researcher to desire to find out Uganda's current state of missions and the steps that can be taken to encourage the development of Ugandan Missions. A mail survey was conducted among Christian mission leaders in Uganda. Exactly 165 questionnaires were distributed and 94 responses were registered from those replying to the questionnaire. The major findings were: I ) there were 53 Ugandan missionary sending agencies; 2 ) 77% of mission agency leadership was Ugandan; 3 ) the Protestant—Evangelicals were the most active doctrinal group in sending Ugandan missionaries; 4) the Charismatic—Pentecostals had the largest number of agencies that are funded local ly; Ugandan founded mission agencies are on the increase: 6 ) of Ugandan agencies are foreign control led: 7 ) lack of financial resources was reported as the major hindrance t c z:ssions ; and 8 ) the start ing of missionary training institutions was reported as the major solution to problems hindering missionary work.
The Relevance of Covenant Concept to Developing A Strategy for Christian Ministry Among the Luo People Cie' Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1994) Bolden, Kenneth D.
This work is a fusion of disciplines including biblical, theological, linguistic, hist:arical and cul t.ural studies; it is designed to formulate a strategy for L raining Christian workers among the Luo speaking people of Kenya . It is an effort directed toward achieving some degree of adequacy in the field of cross—cultural message formulation.The study centers on the bibl ical concept of covenant and investigates its meaning and its historical significance in both the Old and New Testaments and then considers Ole usage of the covenant concept in the field of applied theology. A parallel study is done within the context of Luo language, traditional Luo culture and ethics to seek a common thread of understand ing correlating with biblical examples. A glossary of Luo terms is developed and these in turn are used in the process of doing ethnographic interviews to determine how Luo people, both urban and rural, perceive covenant and how similarities can be used in explaining Christian ideals in a contextual form. No study of this type has been done among the Luo people. The results of the study advance Christian insights for textual and contextualized studies among Luo speaking peop les . The applications, suggested teaching device in the appendix, and Che other instruments used for anthropological investi gat-ion should prove helpful to other students wishing to investigate cultural norms and domains and apply them to Christian ministry.
A Directory of Ministry Opportunities in Selected Protestant Mission Agencies in Nairobi, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1995-05) Kabuu, Stella Mwihaki
Worship and Church Growth: A Single Case Study of Nairobi Chapel
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1996) Long, Kendra W.
White (1992) and Wardle (1992) have proposed a link between worship and church growth but their treatment of the issues are prescriptive and bound by the North American culture. In this study I develop a communications model for worship, propose multicultural principles, and derive hypotheses to examine the model in a single case study. The rapid growth of Nairobi Chapel in the past six years hag paralleled in its worship practices. A survey of the church congregation demonstrated that the worship experience of the church was in fact linked to its rapid growth. Not only did the worship rank high in importance as a reason to begin attending but it increased in importance as a reason to continue attending. In-depth interviews with the pastor and worship leader plus three focus groups with the congregation supported the explanatory value of the model. The findings complement the insights of King's (1989b) research in Cote d'Ivoire. I concluded that: the worship leader and team are a key to the worship experience, the worship experience must be encoded in the cultural media and understanding of the congregation, that worshippers deepen their spiritual understandings as they communicate with God, and that unbelievers drawn by the form of the worship are also attracted by the authenticity of its substance. I suggest implications for church growth that may be applied multiculturally.
Content Analysis of Books one to Four of Christian Learning Materials Center (CLMC) Christian Education Curriculum for Ages 13 To 15 for Relevance to The Christian Needs of Children Assisted by Compassion International, Uganda.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 1997) Magezi, B. A. Arthur
This study analyzed the relevancy of the content of books one to four of Christian Learning Materials Center (CLMC) for ages 13 to 15 (target content), to the children assisted by compassion international in Uganda. While CLMC generally aimed at meeting the needs of children in Africa, Compassion-assisted children were in a unique situation thal was not specifically targeted by CLMC at the time of designing the content that became the target of this study. The Content Analysis method was used. The themes needed to meet the Christian needs of compassion-assisted children in Uganda (target themes), were identified and the target content was scrutinized to determine the extent to which the needed themes existed in the target content. The analyzed lines were counted and the lines containing the target themes were identified. The frequencies of target themes in each Lesson Unit, Book, and the four books combined were determined. The percentage computations were marched on the following five point rating scale (Frequency Scale) to determine the level of relevance. 0. .. ... .. .. ... .. .. .20.. ..... .. ......... 60 .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . .80. . . . . .. . .. . .. . 1 less Somewhat Relevant More Most relevant relevant relevant relevant The study revealed that the average score of all the four books below 40%. Thus, all the four books were not relevant. Only Book Four fell under the "somewhat relevant" category and the rest were "less relevant". A deduction was therefore made that Compassion International would have to design there own materials or seriously improvise in the majority of the cases where the content is not relevant.
Leadership Development for Church and Para-Church Organizations: An Exploratory Study of Selected Followers and Leaders in Nairobi.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2000) Kyeyune, Henry E.
The purpose of this study was to describe Christian leadership and how to identify, select and train leaders for church and para-church organizations . The researcher conducted focus group discussions of selected followers to find out: what constitutes leadership, what expectations followers have of leaders, and what is the criteria for leadership identification and selection. The focus groups were also used to identify people considered Christian leadership role models in Nairobi. The leaders selected were then interviewed to find out how they became leaders. They were also interviewed on the challenges of leadership, the role of women in Christian leadership and leadership training and succession. The results fran the study indicated that Christian leadership is service to God and to people. A Christian leader should have the following qualities: he/she should be called by God; should have a divinely inspired vision and be a man or woman of integrity. In addition the leader should be competent for the task and also have good interpersonal and public comnunication skills.
Democracy in The Baptist Convention of Tanzania: A Study of The Understanding and Practice of Democracy in Decision-Making.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2000) Eseka, Kipimo
The purpose of this study was to explore the understanding and practice of the concept of democracy in Baptist churches in Tanzania as related to decision—making and leadership selection in the local church. The areas of concern related to the understanding of democracy, the practice of democracy, and the conflicts in a democratic government in church policy were considered in this study. A survey method with self—administered questionnaires were used to collect the needed data. This data gathering instrument utilized both closed—ended questions as well as open—ended questions. The questions were designed to seek Baptists opinions concerning understanding of democracy and its practicality among local Baptist churches of Tanzania. The study revealed that Baptist churches of Tanzania understood the concept democracy. People seemed to have a good grasp of a theological meaning of this concept. However, the study revealed that what was understood was not actually practiced. This contradiction between understanding and practice of democracy in the Baptist Convention of Tanzania was primarily due to cultural conflicts. The cultural conflicts included the difference of cultural values and the new patterns of leadership as introduced by missionaries in contrast to traditional cultural patterns. This study will be of use by missionaries to strengthen the awareness for the need of that contextualized leadership patterns within the Baptist Convention of Tanzania. The study will also be useful for pastors and lay people who understand the source of conflicts related to democratic system within their churches. This study will also illuminate the causes of conflicts within the Baptist churches in Tanzania and give advice on how they may be avoided.
An Analysis of the Content of Dinka Christian Songs of the Episcopal Church in Kakuma Refugee Camp with Special reference to Contextual Models Used
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2001) Campbell, Karen
This research stems from over two years of contact with the Dinka tribe of Sudan. -:serch sets out to collect and analyse Christian songs from Episcopal Church of Sudan to identifr all contextual elements present in the song. The analysis was mainly to content analysis. The hypothesis states that the ethnographic-contextual model of contextualization being used by the Dinka. However, whilst this was proven to be true, there were zany other contextual models found to be at work through the songs. This study is important for several reasons. First of all, it is studying one of the cultures in the world that has relatively little missionary influence due to the outbreak of civil war and the expulsion of missionaries in 1964. It is also important since there is no-one currently researching the use of song amongst the Dinka tribe and in particular in the Christian context. This research had several fin&mgs. One of them was that there are many contextual planes at work in the Dinka Christian songs. It was found that this must be an important feature for all contextual situations since it creates a site for the gospel message to trickle onwards. Secondly, music must be viewed holisitically in all forms of analysis. Also, the inclusion of a Christian message in a cultural song does not make that song Christian and vice versa. There always lies the danger of fetishising the message so that it loses its original meaning. This was seen in some of the songs collected. Finally, it is impossible to introduce technology without it having an impact on worship.
Factors Affecting The Growth of Newly Planted Churches in an African City: A Comparative Study of Two Churches in Kampala, Uganda.
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2001) Hategeka, Ernest S.
The concern of this study was to identi$r the factors that enhance, delay, or hinder the growth in newly planted churches in the city of Kampala, Uganda. A comparative analysis in the areas of church planting and church growth was done in two churches: Namirembe Christian Fellowship and Luzira Healing Springs. Church growth was examined at three levels: numeric spiritual groMh, and organic. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and unstructured observations were used as data collection techniques. After analysis of the data, the findings showed that church planting had been done and is still being done without the necessary preparation of the ground and people who perform the exercise of planting , while church grov1Äh is suffering from some deadly diseases like poor leadership, poor planning, lack of training, and lack of evaluation. However, Namirembe Christian Fellowship, one of the largest churches in Kampala and in Uganda, was found to be doing well, especially in the area of evangelization and has planted many other churches in and outside Uganda. IfLuzira Healing Springs Church is willing to grow, she has to learn some practical lessons on growth from Namirembe Christian Fellowship especially in the area of evangelism and programming. Involvement of the congregation members in church activities will boost individual growth, while the church as a whole expands in diversity. Also, church planters will make sure they plant churches and plan for the growth of those churches at the same time because, ifthe whole world is to be reached, then churches have to grow and plant other churches which will grow and plant other churches, and on, and on, and on. The researcher hopes to apply the eight steps of church planting in the ministry of starting new churches and, principles for church growth will be adapted to the environment and the situation once churches are established.
Attitudes Towards Local Language Bible Translations among Select Christians in Nairobi: A Functional Analysis
(Daystar University, School of Communication, 2001) Lheanyichukwu C. Okorie, B. A.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the attitudes that Christians in Nairobi have towards their local language translations of the bible and investigate the relationship between these attitudes, on the one hand, and preferences and uses of these translations on the other. The survey method of data collection was employed and a questionnaire with 30 questions was designed to identify attitudes, uses and preferences. This method was chosen because it provided the best means for acquiring the data. Å Iola) of questionnaires were equally administered among 10 local churches in Nairobi. There was a 70% response rate. The questions were coded, and using the SPSS program, the data was keyed in, analyzed and interpreted. Among the key findings of the research were: Christians in Nairobi have favorable attitudes towards their local language translations of the Bible. Christians in Nairobi prefer and use English versions of the Bible more than they use their local language translations. The value expressive function of attitudes best defines the attitudes of Christians in Nairobi towards their local language Bible translations. From the findings of the research, the future of local language translations of the Bible is dim. Christians in Nairobi expressed positive attitudes towards their local language translations of the Bible, but their preferences and uses of the Bible indicate otherwise. This implies that many of the languages in Kenya could be on the threshold of being termed 'endangered'.
A Curriculum for Christian Secondary School Leavers in Their First Year After School
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2001-05) Makau, Nathan Katua
The Power of Witchcraft Among The Kenyan Akamba
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2001-06) Mwalw'a, Matthews Kalola
Conflict Among Church Leaders in Nairobi: Sources, Communication Strategies Used and Indicators Of Successful Management
(Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, 2002) Wang'ombe, Peterson W.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the sources of conflict among selected church leaders in Nairobi, the communication strategies the church leaders used to manage conflict among themselves and what they perceived as indicators of successfully managed conflict. The respondents were 19 church leaders from five purposefully selected churches in Nairobi. The participants were asked to recall and narrate two episodes of conflict that they had experienced and which they perceived to have been resolved successfully; and two others which they perceived not to have been resolved successfully. The data, which were audio recorded, were coded and analyzed using the thematic coding method. The study found that the main sources of conflict among the leaders were struggles for leadership positions, financial control and mismanagement, prejudice against women leaders and differences in ethnic backgrounds. Competitive communication strategies such as threats, intimidation, position, underground schemes and canvassing were mostly used to manage conflict among the leaders. Prayer and Scripture were rarely used. Most women leaders used assertive communication strategies. Indicators of successfully managed conflict included remorsefulness, repentance and forgiveness; restored relationships; positive change of behavior and use of third parties. The study recommends, inter alia, that more culturally appropriate communication strategies such as discussions should be used in conflict management than letters, which are a one-way communication method. It also recommends that training in communication skills for conflict management and transformation should be made compulsory in Bible schools and other in-service courses for church leaders

Browse

Browsing Masters Theses by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options