The Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth: A Case Study of Parklands Baptist Church, Nairobi.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe how discipleship as an intentional program relates to church growth through a case study of Parklands Baptist Church, in Nairobi, Kenya. The components of balanced church growth include quantitative (numerical), qualitative, and organic (leadership) growth. The components of discipleship include knowledge, skill, and character. To un- derstand the impact of an intentional discipleship program on church growth, the researcher explored the relationship between the two sets of components. After the analysis of the data, the researcher concluded that the intentional dis- cipleship program had played a key role in the rapid and balanced growth of Parklands Baptist Church. It was also confirmed that part of the discipleship program at Parklands Baptist Church is not intentional because it is not specifi- cally designed to nurture a Christian and equip him or her in order to multiply. About 23.3% of the regular members among the respondents were found to be involved in the discipleship ministry. The discipleship program covers all ages and status of church attendees. The intentional discipleship program has contributed to the numerical, qualita- tive, and organic growth of Parklands Baptist Church. Attendance in worship has grown from 400 to 1500 within fourteen years. Members are involved in mis- sions and training even outside their church. Some of their discipled members have gone out to serve other churches, which were in need of pastors. The data collection techniques used in this study included questionnaires, in- depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The two pastors, the chair person of the discipleship, teaching, and training committee, twelve church leaders who represented various church departments, seven members of the discipleship group, teaching and training committee, one hundred and twenty regular church attend- ees, and nine representatives from current discipleship classes formed the target population that was studied.