http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/316 Browse within this collection. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:48:36 GMT 2026-08-03T17:48:36Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1067 Greed and the Dark Powers in Luke-Acts: The Cosmic Battle from Jerusalem to Rome Blythe, Michael This dissertation examines how Luke interweaves socio-economic exploitation and dark spiritual powers in Luke-Acts to depict a cosmic conflict culminating in Rome. It explores the central research question: how does Luke’s narrative unify wealth ethics and spiritual phenomena in forging a theological vision of resistance to evil? The study addresses its rationale, scope, and methodology, demonstrating how literary and historicalcritical approaches illuminate the socio-economic and political backdrop behind Acts’s trajectory “to the ends of the earth.” A review of scholarship highlights discussions on wealth and poverty, spiritual warfare—including magic and exorcisms—and Luke’s stance toward the Roman Empire, identifying a gap in studies that integrate these themes. Establishing Luke-Acts as a unified, prophetic historiography, the dissertation examines dating, audience, genre, and authorship, proposing that Luke’s writings function as a retrospective theological account shaped by empire. The analysis explores Jesus’s initial battles against demonic forces in Galilee and his teachings on reversal, setting the stage for conflict with Jerusalem’s elite. A detailed exegesis of key passages demonstrates how greed and dark forces intersect in figures such as Judas, Ananias and Sapphira, Simon Magus, Agrippa I, Elymas, the spirit of Python in Philippi, and the Artemis cult in Ephesus. These episodes reveal that the misuse of wealth serves as a potent weapon of darkness, yet also highlight the Holy Spirit’s role in dismantling oppressive structures. As Paul advances to Rome, these conflicts intensify, culminating in a confrontation between the early church and economic and imperial systems under satanic influence. Despite these challenges, the Spirit-empowered witness of the early believers ultimately prevails. The conclusion synthesizes these findings, arguing that Luke consistently presents greed as an ally of dark powers while emphasising the Spirit’s power to liberate humanity from both spiritual and economic bondage. Finally, the study considers avenues for further research, including implications for postcolonial contexts and contemporary prosperity theology. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Religion (Phd In Religion) in the Department of Religion in the School of Religion and Christian Ministry of Africa Nazarene University Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1067 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1066 Church And Women's Leadership Inclusion: A Comparative Study of Legio Maria of African Church Mission, Roho Rabbi Church Holy Spirit of Africa, and Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa, Migori County, Kenya Pascal, Gucha Vincent The Reformation of the sixteenth century led to the transformation of the Christian faith. In the same spirit, it also led African Christians to initiate their churches. However, five hundred years later, since the Reformation and more than a century since the inception of the first African Instituted Churches, it appears that the church has not fully embraced gender equity in leadership. Thus, this study aimed to examine the gender dynamics and roles of women within the leadership structures of the Legio Maria of African Church Mission (Legio Maria), the Roho Rabbi Church Holy Spirit of Africa, and the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA). The following objectives guided this research: to examine the perception of leaders on the biblical teaching on the inclusion of women in leadership in the Church; to survey the history of the Roho Rabbi Church Holy Spirit of Africa, the PEFA, and the Legio Maria; to ascertain the experiences of women in these three churches regarding the leadership within their respective churches; to explore arguments about the exclusivity of women in the leadership of these churches; and to find out ways gender inclusivity is impacting the leadership of the Legio Maria, the Roho Rabbi Church Holy Spirit of Africa, and the PEFA church. The study used two theories: the trait theory of leadership by Carlyle Thomas and the skill theory of leadership by Robert L. Katz. The conceptual framework was based on gender and leadership inclusion, as explained by leaders' perceptions of women in leadership, the history of women's inclusion in the selected churches and the experiences of women. The study was conducted in Migori County, Kenya, and was a descriptive and exploratory research design. A total of 249 respondents participated in the study: 228 questionnaires were randomly sampled from church members, while 21 interviews were conducted with church leaders, who were purposively sampled. The data collection procedures were in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and participant/non-participant observations. Qualitative data was thematically analysed and presented in narrative form. At the same time, quantitative data were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software program to generate descriptive statistics in terms of means and percentages. The findings are presented with the aid of tables. The results indicate that 96.4% of respondents from the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa believe that the bible supports women's inclusion in leadership. In contrast, 54.7% of those from RRCHSA accept that the bible endorses women's leadership. While 79% of Legio Maria members are convinced that the bible supports women's inclusion in the leadership of the church, it is overtly extolled, but covertly patriarchal tendencies have crept in. In RRCHSA, women's inclusion in leadership is ceremonial and domestic, and it is hinged on marriage to the more influential ordained male husbands. It is evident from the findings that 76.5% of PEFA's respondents believe that women hold the highest level of leadership positions in their respective churches, with 100% representation in both Legio Maria and RRCHSA. The researcher recommends that leaders from RRCHSA, and Legio Maria be exposed to ecumenical engagements, which will introduce them to other Christian theologies. This Thesis is Submitted In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirements For The Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy In The Department Of Religion, School Of Religion And Christian Ministry of Africa Nazarene University Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1066 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/953 An investigation of the concept of justification in Romans 5:18 and its implications for the Wesleyan doctrine of prevenient grace Nefitala, Halissone Jamissone The universal terms related to condemnation and justification in Romans 5:18 reveal the double dimension of justification. In the same manner that sin is contemplated as both universal and individual, as is justification. The universal dimension of justification is beyond faith and good works for salvation, while the individual dimension follows one’s faith for salvation. When justification is interpreted as synonymous with eternal salvation, the universal terms found in Romans 5:18 seem to imply universal salvation or universalism. One might argue that in the same manner that all human beings are condemned in Adam’s act of disobedience without their own choice, so also all humans are to be justified in Jesus’ act of obedience without their own choice. However, the Bible reveals that eternal salvation requires a human response to what God has provided universally. To counteract universalism, some argue that the universal terms in Romans 5:18 do not include every person but only the elect. This position deemphasises the universal aspect of justification depicted in this passage because the universal terms are applied to both condemnation and justification which means that the target of justification is the same as the one of condemnation. The literature reviewed in this study revealed the gap in resources concerning the universal nature of justification without falling to the extreme of universalism and this research sought to fill this gap. The study showed that both universalism and the doctrine of unconditional predestination undermine the urgency of Christian ministry because if all will be saved, there is no need for evangelism, missions, or discipleship. On the other hand, if God has already elected those who will be saved, then there is also no need for evangelism, missions, or discipleship because the human response cannot change God’s decree. This study investigated the meaning of the universal terms of both condemnation and justification in Romans 5:18. To reach this goal, the researcher applied a historical-grammatical exegesis of the aforementioned Biblical text to discover the sense and meaning of this passage. He then correlated the passage with the entire canon to discover its relationship with the entire Bible. The researcher discovered that throughout the history of Christianity, almost all scholars and theologians agree that for justification to take place some conditions must be made. It was also revealed that sin put humanity into a situation of being unable to fulfil the required condition for their salvation. In this way, when the Bible speaks of justification in a universal manner it refers to God’s righteousness which includes His faithfulness in creating all the conditions necessary for the reconciliation with sinful humanity through the atoning work of Christ. This act is universal and independent of human action. When the Bible speaks of justification in an individual manner it refers to the way human beings exercise their choice to receive God’s universal offer. Thus, the study concluded that Romans 5:18 supports the Wesleyan doctrine of prevenient grace. Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/953 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/952 Representative roles of the Priest, Levite, and Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35 in the context of Luke’s travel narrative Blythe, Michael This project employs a socio-historical and exegetical methodology that examines the context and meaning of the passage in Luke 10:25-37, exploring the author’s intent in contrasting the roles of the priest and Levite as opposed to that of the Samaritan. The study’s parameters situate these characters within Luke’s literary context and within the socio-economic circumstances of first-century Palestine. The literature review establishes a current lack of substantial scholarly contributions regarding the priest’s and Levite’s representative qualities within the Lukan travel narrative (9:51-19:27). Addressing this research gap, this exegetical study identifies the socio-historical background, appraises Luke 10:25-37, and synthesizes the findings regarding the author’s intent, utilizing the precedent for Lukan parabolic interpretation as a re-telling of Israel’s history. Finally, this project applies its findings to the African context, considering various forms of banditry, specifically abuses of the clergy and implications for missiology. The study contributes a key message conveyed by the Lukan author in this parable. It begins to fill the knowledge gap regarding Luke’s intentional use of the priest and Levite as failed temple representatives contrasted with the Samaritan as a successful representative of the “new temple”. This indictment of the Temple establishment occurs in the context of the overall theme of Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem and his eventual “cleansing of the Temple”. Rather than simply expressing how to treat one another, the parable plays a role in reimagining Israel’s story, relativizing the method of cult and sacrifice and re-focusing beyond Jerusalem to a broader view of God’s kingdom, which is defined by a demonstration of love and compassion that exceeds socio-economic and geo- political boundaries. Just as the priest and Levite symbolized the Temple they served, made ineffective due to socio-economic and political abuses, so Christians today must consider whether today’s religious representatives align with Jesus’ standards of God’s kingdom. Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/952 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/933 The impact of bi-vocational ministry on church health: a comparative study of the Church of the Nazarene, Kenya Central District and the Anglican Church of Kenya, Nairobi Diocese Onyango, Charles Oduor Church health is widely confused with church growth. Whereas church growth is the numerical increase of attendance in churches with elements of spiritual growth, church health is the wholeness, that relates to interpersonal relationships, and not only focusing on growth but on the greater mission of God. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of bi-vocational ministry on church health involving a comparative study of the Church of the Nazarene (CotN), Kenya Central District (KCD), and that of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Nairobi Diocese. The study objectives were: first, to contrast and compare the bi-vocational and full-time pastor’s work schedule’s impact on church health; second, to determine how the bi-vocational pastor’s church economy impacts church health; third, to assess how the bi-vocational pastor’s leadership expectations impact church health; and finally, to establish interventions that can help the bi-vocational pastors to deal with church health challenges and at the same time maximize on the positive impacts. The research comprised both primary and secondary data collection techniques through field surveys that incorporated both quantitative and qualitative study methods. The research purposefully sampled churches within the CotN where bi-vocational pastors minister and compared them with parishes in the ACK that have full-time priests. Lead pastors from both the churches were interviewed one-on-one, by the use of an interview guide, on the impact of the nature of their ministries on church health of their local churches. Also questionnaires were distributed to the other pastors (associates and attached). The researcher assumed a uniform distribution of respondents within the target population which was 500 with a sample size of 217 and therefore, used a non-probability sampling frame. The Cronbach alpha (α) reliability test and validity of the study instruments were authenticated through a pilot test that was scrutinized by the research supervisors. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), version 26 was employed in the exercise of analyzing and presenting the final quantitative data. This involved the use of statistical presentations such as tables, pie charts, graphs, frequencies and percentage calculations and inferential statistic. The qualitative was thematically analyzed and presented in narratives. The study made recommendations on strategies that can be used to improve church health in the local churches. The study established in relation to the pastors’ working time that their time-frames fully engaged in the ministry work enhances ministry service. The study established that pastors’ effectiveness depends on the church’s economic stability. The assessment carried out revealed that the expectations of pastors are the same for both full-time and bi-vocational ministries. The study concluded that pastors whether in full-time or bi-vocational ministry need to develop viable strategies for improving church health. Therefore, the study recommends the following: pastors need to intrinsically search their hearts on whether God, the owner of the church has called them to His ministry and hence meet the needs of His flock; pastors and church leaders need to to develop creative ways of supporting both the pastor as well as the members without regular income; bi-vocational pastors should not consider themselves lesser in ministry than full-time, both are called by God; church leadership should look for ministry partners to work with; and finally, the researcher recommends that in future a similar study be carried out in the indigenous churches, like the AIPCA – Tri-Bar Cross, the Legio Maria or the Africa Divine Church to find out how their churches realize church health. Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/933 2023-07-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/932 The influence of stakeholders’ on church growth in Kenya: A case of Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Milimani South Presbytery, Nairobi Ng’ang’a, Rose Wanja Kamau The church plays an important role in the life of the people who attend and the society around it. Its foundations develop morals that guide and guard individual followers and society. Therefore, the church must touch on all aspects of life for it to remain whole without blemish. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of stakeholders‘ role on church growth in Kenya: a case of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Milimani South, Nairobi County. The study‘s specific objectives were: to determine the role of the pastors on church growth in the P.C.E.A. church in Milimani South, Nairobi County; to examine the role of elders on church growth in the P.C.E.A. church in Milimani South, Nairobi County; to assess the role of the congregation on church growth in the P.C.E.A. church in Milimani South, Nairobi County; and, to establish key interventions that can promote the health and growth of the churches in Kenya. The study adopted three theories: Wagner‘s Church Growth Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Natural Church Development (NCD) Theory. The study applied a cross-section survey research design. The target population was 6,813, which included pastors, elders, and congregants. The sample size of 218 was obtained using Nassiuma formulae. Data were collected from the respondents using interview schedules and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 23. The study discovered enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis and to maintain the entire alternative hypothesis because all independent variables had a statistically significant relationship with church growth. The study concluded that any unwillingness of leaders to learn and implement new ideas can cause problems in the church and hinder its growth. The study recommended that pastors should learn to accept any good idea from members and elders, build on it, and create leadership capacity without discrimination. Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/932 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/863 Influence of the church on peaceful civic elections in borabu Sub-County, Nyamira County, Kenya Nyakundi, Ayub Mong’are Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/863 2021-09-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/862 Strategic planning for effective church ministry: a study of local churches of the Nazarene in Zimbabwe Ndlovu, Khulani Churches from both the developed and the developing worlds are increasingly embracing the practice of strategic planning hoping to derive superior ministry effectiveness. This study was prompted by the fact that local churches of the Nazarene in Zimbabwe (LCNZ) face various challenges emanating from ineffective strategic planning. The purpose of this study was to assess strategic planning among LCNZ. Moreover, the study sought to identify the biblical basis for strategic planning among LCNZ; to examine the role of various stakeholders in the development of strategic plans among LCNZ, and to identify the challenges and suggest possible solutions to the challenges faced by LCNZ in strategic planning. The study was grounded on the Systems Approach to Christian Management Theory by Michael J. Anthony and James Estep Jr. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was the 59 organised LCNZ, with a total membership of 12 781 full members. The sample for this study was selected through probability and nonprobability sampling techniques, particularly a combination of multistage, stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. A sample size of 378 respondents comprising pastors, church secretaries, and lay members was drawn from a sample of 30 local churches of the target population using the Taro Yamane formula. Data collection was through online interviews for pastors and an online questionnaire for lay members and church secretaries. A pilot study involving three LCNZ was conducted. The Cronbach alpha (α) reliability test was used to ascertain the internal reliability, while expert opinion ascertained the content and construct validity of data collection instruments. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26 and presented with the use of frequencies, percentages, and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented as narratives. The study established that all respondents believe that strategic planning is biblical. Majority of LCNZ conducted environmental scanning and analysis though there is a lack of formal continuous environmental scanning by a significant number of churches. The study established that a majority of LCNZ have written down short-term one to two years plans. Moreover, the study indicated that most of these strategies are very poorly implemented. The study also revealed that most churches are lacking in the area of strategy control and monitoring. The study further established that the pastors and the church board are the most involved in all aspects of strategic planning, while church members are the least involved. The study concluded that LCNZ need to improve on their strategic planning practices. Therefore, the study recommends that theologians need to invest more research on the link between biblical theology and management sciences. In particular, there is a need for more in-depth research on the biblical basis for strategic planning in the Church. Pastors also need to educate their members on the importance of strategic planning in the church. The researcher also recommends that pastors, their church boards and lay members need to be trained in strategic management to improve on their strategic planning efforts. The study noted that there is a need for further, more in-depth research on the biblical and theological basis for strategic planning in the Church. More studies also need to be conducted in the context of churches of the Nazarene in Zimbabwe since strategic planning, as a discipline is still a budding concept in this context. It is important to establish by research how this discipline can be incorporated and integrated effectively into the Church terms of reference. Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/862 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/728 Effects of barriers of women ministry on the growth of the church: a case study of the church of The Nazarene in Western Kenya District, Kenya Owuor, Julius Omondi Women in ministry face various setbacks. The churches of the Kenya Western District (KWD) of the Church of the Nazarene are not growing numerically. The study sought to clarify the extent the stagnation of the growth of KWD was due to the untapped potential of women in leadership. The purpose of the research, therefore, was to assess the effects of barriers of women ministry on the growth of the church: a case study of the Church of the Nazarene in Kenya Western District, Kenya. The study was guided by five objectives. The first objective sought to weigh the extent to which theological beliefs have inhibited the involvement of KWD women in ministry. The second objective sought to measure the extents to which poverty have inhibited the involvement of KWD women in ministry. The third objective sought to assess the extent to which illiteracy have inhibited the involvement of KWD women in ministry. Whereas, the fourth objective sought to consider the extent to which inferiority have inhibited the involvement of KWD women in ministry. The fifth objective of the study was to estimate the cumulative effect of each of the barriers on the growth of the Church of the Nazarene in Western Kenya District, Kenya. The research was conducted through the descriptive designs that allowed the use of the quantitative and qualitative methods of research. This research was carried out among the members of the Church of the Nazarene and their pastors in KWD. The research covered Nazarene churches in Kakamega, Busia and Bungoma counties. The researcher used probability sampling with the specification of simple random sampling. The targeted population was 550 members in the Church of the Nazarene in the area mentioned according to the 2018 annual pastors’ reports submitted to the district assembly. Ten percent of the number was sampled randomly. A descriptive survey was used in the study and therefore instruments such as questionnaires and interviews were of great help in getting qualitative and quantitative data. In order to analyze process and present the data the researcher used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16.0 (SPSS). This involved the use of histograms, frequencies and percentages. The key findings showed that the women needed to be empowered economically and be encouraged to participate if the church is to grow. The hypothesis was intended to find if there was any correlation between the barriers and the growth of the church. The null hypothesis was confirmed as they did not inhibit the involvement of women in ministry hence did not affect their involvement in the ministry of the church and not resulting in the lack of growth. The study recommended that women be encouraged by pastors to plant high yield crops. Women empowerment was a necessity as such the study suggested that women be encouraged to attend TVET colleges where they will learn life skills that will help them get employed. It was also recommended that pastors liaise with the local administration and NGO’s to facilitate women trainings. The study also recommended that women be urged to train for ministry and where possible be given financial boosts towards the tuition. The pastors were also recommended to be mentor female assistants. The other recommendations suggested that local churches come up with adult education programs to help that will eradicate illiteracy among both women and men in the church. The last recommendations urged the district to put in place structures that will absorb those who have been trained through the NBCEA program. The study also suggested areas of further studies. Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/728 2020-08-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/524 The effectiveness of pastoral counselling in the management of HIV/AIDS in the church in Malawi: a case of the church of the Nazarene, Malawi Central District Manjengwa, Farai This study was conducted within the Church of the Nazarene, Malawi Central District. The study sought to investigate the effectiveness of pastoral counselling in the management of HIV/AIDS in the church. The objectives of the study were to establish the role of pastors concern for members welfare in effective management of HIV/AIDS; to assess the role of pastors social skills in HIV/AIDS management; to examine the role of pastors training (technical skills) in HIV/AIDS; and to determine the role of pastors partnership with other service providers in the management of HIV/AIDS in the church in Malawi. The study hoped to find out whether pastoral counselling to people living with HIV/AIDS or the affected is helping members to cope with the pressures of illness or caring for an ill family member. The study hinged on the understanding that pastoral counselling is a function of pastoral ministry and is effective when an integrated approach is used. A descriptive survey research design was implemented. The validity and reliability of research instruments was ensured through pilot testing and a test-retest method and scrutiny by supervisors. Nonprobability sampling was used to select the 385 participants required according to Taros formula. Questionnaires, focus groups, and personal interviews were used to gather data. The researcher and research assistants visited churches to hand out and explain questionnaires. In addition the researcher personally conducted interviews of some pastors, laity, and educators as well as facilitated focus group discussions. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and presented using tables, charts, and narration. The study found out that pastoral counselling of PLWHA and the affected is hardly taking place despite the overwhelming agreement that pastoral counselling is of great benefit. In addition the study established that only the use of the Bible is encouraged for counselling. The study therefore recommends that a course of study be introduced at NTCCA that specifically targets HIV/AIDS and other health issues as a way to equip pastors to minister effectively to infected church members and their families. It is also recommended that pastors be introduced to an integrative approach to counselling in order to be able to be holistic in the healing process. The findings of this study will be beneficial to pastors and their congregations in the CON, MCD, and beyond as well as the government and nation at large. Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.anu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/524 2019-08-01T00:00:00Z