Professional Dissertations DMin

Moyo Muzabazi

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

David Penno

Second Advisor

Etzer Obas

Third Advisor

Skip Bell

Abstract

Problem

In the East Congo Union 60 percent of the membership is composed of youth between 16 to 30 years of age. However 61 percent of these young people are not actively involved in the mission of the church, and only 39 percent participate in youth activities. A contributing factor is the worldview, cultural forms and ingrained patterns that young people bring with them to the church. For example, the cultural view on gender sensitivity makes it difficult for young girls to share their faith.

Method

Based on the contemporary context in the East Congo Union Mission, an assessment of one major cultural pattern, “gender sensitivity,” was performed in the light of God’s word. Seventh-day Adventist church members, eighteen years of age and older, were the population group studied by the survey. Materials from libraries and electronic sources, as well as field research, were assessed. Finally, a program implementing practical strategies on how to address this cultural barrier was designed to provide a Bible-based approach. This was a qualitative research.

Results.

As a result of the research a report with recommendations was formed to be shared with other Seventh-day Adventist churches for replication.

Conclusions

In the East Congo Union people generally participate in the beliefs, ceremonies, rituals and festivals of their communities. Cultural practices may positively contribute to the progress of the gospel ministry or inhibit it. Therefore, it is important to identify the negative traditional practices and address them through a Christ-centered relevant ministry.

Subject Area

Church work with youth--Congo--Seventh-day Adventists; Church work with youth--Cross-cultural studies; General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. East Central Africa Division. East Congo Union Mission; Seventh-day Adventists--Congo; East Congo Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists

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