Effects of Digital Media Participatory Communication on the Attractiveness of the Pentecostal Churches in Kenya: A Case of Citam Church Valley Road, Nairobi

Abstract

To contain the spread of COVI9-19, Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) transitioned completely to the online church, but conservatives and other members with connectivity issues were bypassed by church programs. This study purposed to examine how digital media participatory communication (DM-PC) can be used effectively to attract more members to CITAM. The objectives in this study were to: identify digital media technologies (DTM) used by CITAM in PC; examine the effects of adoption of DM-PC approach on the attractiveness of CITAM; establish the challenges CITAM is facing in using DMT in PC; and determine the measures that should be undertaken by the church to enhance the use of DMT in service delivery. This study was guided by the PC Theory. Descriptive research design was used, and the study had a sample size of 100 (comprising 20 members each from the five CITAM Prayer/Safari groups and four church administrators in Nairobi County). The sample was identified through simple random and purposive sampling techniques, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire and through interviews. Descriptive statistics which included frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the study and the SPSS Version 22 aided in the analysis. The study established that DM-PC had been incorporated in attracting members to the Church, 92.4% of respondents rating their participation on the church digital media sites at least occasionally or frequently and (94.9%) stating that they have used at least one of the 12 digital media sites to engage with other members, listen to a sermon, for worship service or entertainment. The study recommended that CITAM should provide effective feedback options to the congregants and extend her adoption and use of the diverse communication approaches and channels including extensive use of Facebook, snapchat and telegram.

Description

MASTER OF ARTS in Communication

Keywords

Digital Media, Participatory, Communication, Attractiveness, Pentecostal Churches, Citam Church Valley Road

Citation

Jelagat.C.B(2022).Effects of Digital Media Participatory Communication on the Attractiveness of the Pentecostal Churches in Kenya: A Case of Citam Church Valley Road, Nairobi:Daystar University School of Communication(Thesis)