Neo-Pentecostals’ Religious Practices and Alleviation of Domestic Water Scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Neo-Pentecostal Churches have had varied religious practices that have differently been informing their involvement of alleviation of societal problems.  This study focused on how these Neo-Pentecostal practices have informed Pentecostal Churches’ role in alleviating domestic water scarcity in Tigania west constituency of Meru County, Kenya. The participation of these churches in the alleviation of societal problems is not felt, contrary to the requirements of Exodus 17:1-7, Numbers 20:1-15, Isaiah 41:17-20, Matthew 25:35 and John 4: 5-15 that teaches that churches be involved such societal affairs. Scarcity of water affects 97 percent of the constituents. The study specifically analyzed the practices of neo-Pentecostal Churches under the theme ‘spiritual warfare’, ‘prosperity gospel’, ‘faith healing and deliverance’, and ‘prophecy’. It was guided by theological reflection and social capital theories. The study adopted interpretivist philosophy, qualitative approach and phenomenological research design. Twenty-two (22) pastors and 59 out of 594 members were sampled using cluster and simple random sampling technique. The pastors were interviewed, while Focus Group Discussion was conducted on 5 groups of Pentecostal churches members. The study further analyzed documents from participating churches. The instruments were validated and tested for reliability. Data collected was then analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that Neo-Pentecostal churches held their religious practices as adequate in alleviation of domestic water scarcity. This outcome necessitated recommendations on the need for Pastors to take measures for enhancing knowledge of ecclesiastical praxis. These measures include seeking advisory from their umbrella bodies. Consequently, the theological institutions ought to include social gospel in their training curricula. Further, Faith Based Organizations should organize conferences, seminars and workshops to train clergies and practicing pastors on the same. This would enable them to balance their epistemology on holistic aspects such as alleviating societal problems like water scarcity