JA-Department of Biblical & Theological Studies

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Open Access
Influence Of Spiritual Control On The Performance Of Pentecostal Churches In Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2023-10-06) Musau, Nicholas Muasa; Ouma, Caren; Msabah, Barnabe ُ Anzuruni
The issues of manipulation, control, and ‘forced giving’ in the Church context have raised a lot of concern and especially at a time when the moral authority of the Church has been questioned. Indeed, in the wake of the evangelical explosion, con preachers and fake miracle workers have infiltrated and polluted the good news of the gospel. This study aimed at investigating whether spiritual control did exist in the Pentecostal Church setting, and if so, then the effect it has on the performance of Pentecostal churches in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research used a mixed methods design, embracing a concurrent triangulation strategy, and assuming a pragmatic philosophical approach. The target population was the 12891 congregants in the Pentecostal congregations in Embakasi East Sub-County, Nairobi County. The sample size was 388 congregants and 32 church leaders. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. It was analysed using inferential statistics (regression) and descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation) with the help of SPSS version 28.0.1.1. Data were presented using Tables, Graphs, and Charts. From the hypothesis testing, the results depicted a P value of 0.0110 (P < 0.05), and hence the null hypothesis that there is no statistically significant influence of spiritual control on the performance of Pentecostal churches in Nairobi was therefore rejected and the alternative hypothesis that there was a statistically significant influence of spiritual control on the performance of Pentecostal Churches in Nairobi, Kenya was accepted. The study recommends that church leaders should stick to the mandate of their calling i.e. to shepherd God’s children and forego the race to enrich themselves and expand church infrastructure using unorthodox means. It also recommends that leaders in Christian churches should consider enrolling for training especially those who have not attended theological colleges since leadership training moderates’ manipulation in leadership.
Open Access
A Response to the Biblical Question: “How many Times Shall I Forgive My Brother?” (Matthew 18:21– 22): Its Implications on Kenyan Communities.
(PACU, 2008) Moenga, Micah Onserio
One of the questions that has become of a major concern among political and religious leaders is: How can we build strong community bonds? Shockingly, Kamaara notes, “While Christian values are expected to foster national cohesion and identity, more often than not Christianity has provided a convenient rallying point around which ethnic conflicts are mobilized.” It is true that national cohesion in Kenya remains a challenge five decades after independence. This is due to a number of factors such as political, economic and socio-cultural challenges. These factors have hampered efforts towards building one nation as was envisioned by the founding fathers. Hence, the theological question: How many times shall I forgive my brother? This question needs an investigation in order to address the problem of disintegration of the Kenyan community. The subject of forgiveness has attracted the attention of scholars in the recent years. Schaeffer-Duffy, for instance, writes “forgiveness began to attract attention of researchers in academia. Prior to 1985, the total number of forgiveness studies completed was five. Today there are approximately 55, and research continues, according to A Campaign for. Forgiveness Research, a non-profit organization directed by Worthington.”3 This was, then, three decades ago. I am sure studies on forgiveness have burgeoned. The world today is in dire need of forgiveness. This is because forgiveness, peace and reconciliation constitute the very essence of community existence and cohesion. While forgiveness, peace-making and reconciliation are fundamental for the wellbeing of any society, they still remain a challenge in many societies. This paper, therefore, assesses Kenya’s history since independence to ascertain some of its challenges to national cohesion. As a response to the identified challenges, the paper examines relevant biblical passages related to the subject of forgiveness. This is done within the biblical exegetical framework. Thus, the study is a historical, exegetical and theological one aimed at providing possible applicable solutions to the challenge of cohesion in the Kenyan context and Africa at large.
Open Access
An investigation of Challenges facing Christian universities in Kenya: A case study of Pan Africa Christian University, Nairobi, Kenya
(International Journal Of Management sciences, 2014-02-02) Nderitu, Joyce W.; Minja, David; Muriithi, Samuel
With the upcoming private universities in Kenya confirms that there is fierce competition on funds, students, and right delivery of the higher education (Barnes in Kearney, 1994). The stiff competition is especially for students, and this competition can be won only on quality grounds (Abagi, Nzomo, &Otieno, 2005). The study was to identify the challenges facing Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University in gaining sustainable competitive advantage. It was also to establish sustainable strategies that the university was using to counter the challenges it is facing. The participants included university staff, faculty and students’ leaders. Based on the findings, it was concluded that challenges facing PAC University existed and they were expressed differently by various participants. Lack of funds was expressed as a major challenge at the University. Several recommendations were made to market and support the university with finances; University also needed to come up with ways of earning money by establishing more funding bases.
Open Access
Innovative christian strategies for confronting syncretic practices in selected methodist and pentecostal churches in Abogeta division, Meru county, Kenya
(International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 2015-01-31) Mwiti, Salome Gathoni; Nderitu, Joyce W.; Wambugu, Simon Nderitu
A study was carried out to establish the Christian strategies that confront syncretic practices in the church a case of selected mainline Methodist and Pentecostal churches. The objectives of the study were; to identify the forms of syncretism practices practiced by Christian churches in Kenya, to find out the reasons why Christians still practice syncretic practices in Kenya and to evaluate Christian strategies that confront syncretic practices in the churches in Kenya. The target population for this study was all the pastors and sampled members in Pentecostal and Methodist churches in Abogeta division. The study established that; the majority of the respondents was satisfied with the beliefs and practices of the church, of the respondents indicated that some of the church members did visit diviners. The study further established that some of the church members did believe in astrology and fortune-telling, some of the preachers did preach modified versions of the gospel and that some of the Church members were involved in traditional religious practices. The study established that some of the participants were not satisfied spiritually, and could have resulted to syncretic practices, for satisfaction, the preachers had disoriented the gospel to suit their needs, as was revealed by the majority of the participants, the gospel preached in the churches did not meet the spiritual needs of the church members and that the members of the church did not feel protected by their gospel. The study established that; the preachers did teach against syncretism using familiar accounts from the Bible, the church leaders did teach the supremacy of Jesus Christ, and the church leaders should teach and apply salvation by grace through faith, to confront syncretic practices. The study further concluded that spiritual dissatisfaction, preachers not meeting the spiritual needs of the members of the congregation, the Christians did not feel protected by the gospel and the insecurity that led to Christians resulting to witchdoctors. The study recommended that; the preachers should adhere to the actual content of the bible, and lead the Christians to the way of true Christianity, through spiritual nurturing and growth by the preachers
Open Access
Does religious giving matter? An assessment of the effects of giving in church on the believer`s faith in selected urban Pentecostal Churches in Nakuru town, Nakuru county, Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities and Social sciences, 2015-03-01) Nyamosi, Doreen; Nderitu, Joyce W.
The aim of the study was to assess the effects of giving in church on the Christians’ economic status in selected urban Pentecostal churches in Nakuru town, Nakuru County. The objectives of the study were; to determine whether giving in church is mandatory in Pentecostal churches in Nakuru Town, to establish if Christians should give according to their capacities in Pentecostal churches in Nakuru Town, to assess the amount of money given per month by Christians in Pentecostal Churches in Nakuru Town. The researcher focused on Ninian Smart’s dimensions of religion while putting emphasis on the practical and ritual dimension, the experiential and emotional dimension, the ethical and legal dimension. The practical and ritual dimension focused on what members of a religion did as part of that religion. The target population included church members and leaders of Pentecostal churches in Nakuru town. The study used simple random sampling and a total number of 311 respondents were sampled. The questionnaire was used as the only instruments of the study. The study found out that Christians should give according to one’s capacity as opposed to the stated amount given by some churches. The study asserted that the urban Pentecostal churches lay more emphasis on giving than on spiritual nourishment. The study recommended the following: Young couples should be advised properly on issues regarding the issue of marriage, this is because the divorce rate among the church members was high. Churches should come up with ways of encouraging giving in church other than search for blessings. There is need for churches to nurture the spiritual life of Christians as majority of the respondents felt that they had focused on material possession. A study should be carried out on the effect of church financial auditing and on Christian giving.
Open Access
Stereotyped-socialization and inter-group relations: A biblical perspective
(Ruwaza Africa, 2016-02-07) Bariu, Richard, Mutura
In this paper we present evidence from scripture using insights from social psychological models that will help examine the link between socialization, stereotyping and inter-ethnic group relations. We argue that each community is socialized in ways that strengthen social identification among its members. We further argue that ethnicity is socially constructed with boundaries that are permeable and in continuous flux. Group socializations even from extant past are oriented on the basis of 'us' and 'them'. Stories, riddles, parables and proverbs are told so as to transform the the social world of the members to reflect their values, norms and beliefs. By doing this they create a shared collective memory. The 'us' and 'they' socialization is therefore part of biblical orientation among communities and has definitively defined the inter-group relations. We will look at the role of stereotypes in shared memories of other groups. We posit that each group has a way of defining itself that is, more often than not, in relation to other groups. We will look at inter-group orientations in the old testament during different historical periods in general and in particular, we will look at some of the food laws in the old testament as a way of rethinking their function in inter-group relations. We will also look at socialization and inter-group relations redefined in the New Testament teachings. In sum we argue that the relations between ethnic groups are critically dependent on the socialization that shaped the social identities of each community and particularly on the meaning ascribed to the events in relationship to social identities. As a conclusion, we will briefly look at the role of socialization and stereotyping in defining our contemporary inter-ethnic group relations.
Open Access
Work matters: The christian understanding of labour
(PAC University journal of arts and social sciences, 2016-01-01) Cymbaluk, Gary
Many Christians experience a dichotomy between their spiritual lives and their ordinary lives. On the one hand, they spend the majority of their hours at work from Monday to Friday, without understanding what God requires of them. On the other hand, they are told that what really counts is what they do on Sunday morning. Yet the Christian faith speaks of the in-breaking of God, through Jesus Christ, into the ordinary world. God, in Jesus, became incarnated in human flesh and bridged the divide between the Divine and the human. The Christian Scriptures have much to say about the spiritual nature of all our labour. Some people believe that the call to bring God’s life and justice to the world is restricted to the religious sphere and the rituals of the church. Others are convinced that work is actually a punishment from God. But this is not the Biblical view of work. The Bible, from its opening pages to its end, declares that all work is a good gift God has given us. Even before sin entered the world, God was at work and He assigned work to Adam and Eve. When we enter the heavenly realms, we will have work to do. In all our work, we are asked to bring glory to God.
Open Access
Mentoring as a supportive pedagogy in theological training
(Theological Studies, 2015-03-31) Chiroma, Nathan H.; Cloete, Anita
Open Access
Christian Assurance and Crippling Introspection
(Testamentum Imperium, 2009) Chiroma, Nathan H.
This paper discusses the idea of Christian assurance and crippling introspection. It is quite common for Christians to look back at their supposed time of salvation and because they did not have some dynamic emotional experience wonder whether they were genuinely saved. Furthermore, the various uncertainties in life often make believers to question the factuality of their assurance. It is true that abeliever does experience problems, tragedies, dejection, discouragement and sometimes even depression; and this makes him or her to wonder if he or she is still saved. This paper argues that Christian assurance is based on God’s character, on God’s promises, and on the completed work of Christ on the cross; hence and encouragement to the believer to forge ahead in the Christian race. The paper also highlights the need for perseverance in the midst of crippling introspection.
Open Access
Mentoring and the ministerial formation of seminary students
(Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2017) Chiroma, Nathan
In this article I shall look at the role of mentoring and its relational nature in the ministerial formation of seminary students. Incorporating the relational nature of mentoring in ministerial formation it facilitates the integration of seminary students’ classroom experiences and their intellectual imaginations into practical ministerial skills in both the church and community. It is argued that embracing the relational nature of mentoring for ministerial formation in theological seminaries will help seminary students develop an awareness of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective practical ministry. It will further help them develop an appreciation for their unique calling, gifting and skills. This article thus looks into how the relational nature of mentoring can foster the ministerial formation of seminary students.
Open Access
Potential of Mentoring in Theological Seminaries
(2017-10-23) Chiroma, Nathan H.
The goal of theological education is to prepare students for their careers. It does not stop there, however; a further goal of theological education is to enable students to live lives of purpose—thus not only to transfer knowledge to students, but also to channel knowledge into meaningful Christian service. Making connections between faith, living and learning is thus a primary purpose of theological education. These necessary connections are made between faculty, staﬀ and students by establishing and maintaining mentoring relationships. Hence, this article considers the prospects of mentoring in theological seminaries with the aim of challenging seminaries to revisit the use of mentoring in the preparation of students.
Open Access
The Function of Prophetic Forthtelling in Roho Christianity
(European Scientific Journal, 2017-12-01) Bariu, Richard Mutura
This paper examines the forms and function of prophecy in Roho (Spirit-led) Christianity in Africa. It seeks to situate this function within the rubric of biblical prophecy. It takes seriously their beliefs and theological reasoning that informs their practice. We look at forms of biblical prophecy that generally serve as their guiding principle, namely: foretelling and forthtelling. The literature available on Roho Christianity largely focuses on the historical, sociological, and anthropological aspects of this brand of Christianity. Majority of scholars have paid attention to their origins, rituals, and interaction with the larger society. While this is important, there is very little attention given to one of their principal characteristics--an active prophetic ministry. This paper seeks to satisfy the following seven objectives. Firstly, we look at the prophetic role of the church in African society. Secondly, we try to establish the nexus between prophecy and salvation in Roho Christianity. Thirdly, we look at the forthtelling character and function of Jewish prophecy. Fourthly, we look at prophecy as a community constitution in Roho churches. Fifthly, we assess how prophecy acts as group ritual for identity maintenance. Sixthly, we examine ways in which prophecy acts as symbolic Christian ethics. Finally, we explore how prophetic forthtelling enhances socioeconomic support among Roho churches. In order to achieve the foregoing, we look at concepts common to Roho Christianity in an attempt to draw conclusions about the concept and nature of prophecy in Roho churches and convictions connected with them.
Open Access
The Influence of Music in Theologizing in African Churches
(One Planet Publishing & Media Services Ltd, 2018-07-06) Mbede, Peter
The African society has always used music to convey messages for various occasions. The message of the gospel should not be an exception. This research seeks to critically examine the role music plays in the communication of Christian theology focusing on the effects of musical theology, music as a medium of communication, dynamic interaction between artistic theology and other faiths and, benefits of music to theology. Because music has a greater audience than the other mediums of communication, it is a viable medium to effectively reach the masses with the Christian theology. Thus, provide a framework in which the authorship and practice of music can be based to ensure effective dissemination of Christian theology in rhythmic melodious manner.
Open Access
Transformations of Christianity in Kenya: A Historical Survey
(The International Journal Of Humanities & Social Studies, 2017-11-01) Bariu, Richard. Mutura
Christianity in Africa came through five main trajectories. The first main trajectory was the initial evangelization of North Africa in the first seven centuries of Christ Era. The second main trajectory from Europe was through the West African coast (1420-1780). The third trajectory of missionary activity was through the East Coast of Africa (1560-1700). The fourth trajectory was through the Southern Coast of Africa (1652-1840) and the final trajectory of missionary work was during colonialism (1880-1914). This paper is a survey of transformations of Christianity in this final trajectory to date. Thus, Christianity was introduced to Kenya by European and later American missionaries in 19th and 20th centuries. Christianity was indigenized after the 1960s after most of the African states gained independence from their colonial masters. Since indigenization, Christianity has gone through various transformations. These transformations are a result of the various factors that have influenced growth of Christianity in Kenya. The main drivers of transformation of Christianity in Kenya besides conversions could be better understood by analyzing colonial and post-colonial theological framework that has influenced or been influenced by cultural, social, economic, and political agenda. This paper attempts to assess Christianity in Kenya in the following areas: (1) Growth of Christianity and its Impact during the Colonial Era, (2) Growth of Christianity and its Impact in the Post-Colonial Era, (3) Christianity’s influence on social, political and cultural dimensions, and (4) Missiological implications of Christianity’s growth in Kenya.
Open Access
The Role of the Mosaic Covenant in its historical context and its relevance for today
(African Journal of Humanities, 2015-01-01) Chiroma, Nathan H.
The transaction that God YHWH performs at Mount Sinai with Israel is profound and has a great impact on His people. One of the most difficult problems in understanding the teaching of the Bible is the question of the place of the Mosaic Law in the Bible and today. This paper attempts to unravel this phenomenal transaction — to understand what was involved, what the implications were, how it relates to the patriarchs and the promises made to them, and how it relates to God's covenant people today. This paper also seeks to explore how or whether the Mosaic Law has relevance for believers today. The paper finally offers some recommendations for the church/believers today.
Open Access
Intergenerational Issues
(Langham Publisher, 2020-01-01) Chiroma, Nathan H.
Open Access
Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception
(Walter de Gruyter, 2019-09-01) Rutere, Joshua
Open Access
Democracy, Citizenship and Civil Society
(Langham Publisher, 2020-01-01) Chiroma, Jane Adhiambo
Open Access
Encyclopaedia of the bible and its reception
(Walter de Gruyter, 2017-09-01) Rutere, Joshua
Open Access
The therapeutic and integrative significance of faith in the African quest for healing and wholeness
(HTS Teologiese Studies, 2020-11-17) Chiroma, Nathan H.
The therapeutic and integrative significance of faith in the African quest for healing and wholeness has attracted a considerable level of interest amongst scholars in recent times. Despite the increasing interest in places of healing, faith communities have not paid much attention to studying the intersection of these practices for appropriate community hermeneutics. By means of qualitative methods, this research explored the therapeutic implication of the role of faith in the quest and appropriation of health and wholeness in modern Africa. Exploring perspectives from Ghana and Nigeria, the study engaged, through focus groups and individual interviews, the proper place of therapeutic significance of faith in the quest for healing and wholeness. Findings revealed that the African quest for health and wellness is anchored in the belief of a deity whose presence, love and benevolence transcend the ecclesiastical boundaries of one’s faith tradition. The study further describes the therapeutic and integrative significance of these prevailing faiths in God within the appropriation of health and wholeness in modern Africa, with the possibility of fostering a partnership amongst the three key players in the triangulation process. Contribution: The study falls within the field of practical theology and its major contribution falls within the quest of wellness and healing in Africa.