Case Study of Kotobe Evangelical Church, Mekane Yesus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the evangelism strategies being used by Kotobe Evangelical Church-Mekane Yesus (KECYMY). In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as a tool for collecting data. Thirty samples were taken out of the population of about one thousand. This sample has provided the necessary information needed to answer the research questions. The study accomplished its purpose by evaluating the evangelism strategies of the church under study. In this process the strengths and weaknesses of the church which would be useful for the church to improve her service delivery have been identified. The study has shown that the church has been fighting back the injustice and oppression inflicted upon her by the Orthodox Church and some evangelicals. Most of the church's time has been spent trying to secure her existence which was threatened. The findings of the study indicated that the church had limitations in carrying her duties. For instance, youth ministry had been observed to be failure while lack of commitment of members to home based fellowship and lack of love and harmony were some of the limitations. Finally, recommendations were made on the areas that the church needs to improve. Specifically the church should establish a youth ministry. Furthermore, there is need for membership commitment to home based fellowship and participation in the different works of the church besides the need to train pastors and evangelists. The church needs to be bold enough to speak against all kinds of social, economic and political injustice prevailing in the society. This should be done in line with the message to the church in Smyrna in the book of Revelation which admonishes the church not to be afraid and to be faithful, even to the point of death so as to receive a crown of life.