Communal Training in Spiritual-Economic Projects and the Growth of the Methodist Church in Kaaga Synod, Kenya
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Abstract
The physical and spiritual aspects of an individual in society are equally important, so the church emphasizes their training. Despite these efforts, most Methodist church members in Kenya live below the poverty line and cannot meet even basic needs, making it difficult for them to attend or afford training fees. The study examined the role of community-based training in spiritual and economic projects and its effect on the growth of the Methodist Church in Kaaga Synod, Kenya. It was based on resource-based theory and used a descriptive survey design, targeting 25 circuits within Kaaga Synod, where the church has historically received strong community support. The study involved 53 project managers and 196 project members, selected through purposive and simple random sampling, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics in SPSS version 24. A pre-test was also conducted in Nairobi Synod. Results showed that 77% of respondents strongly agreed that the church’s creative engagement strategies attracted more members and increased attendance. However, 73% disagreed that there was a strategic plan to guide project implementation. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.404, p < 0.000) indicated a significant positive link between communal training and church growth. The study found that financial management courses were often left unfinished because members lacked financial literacy or expected compensation. Leadership resistance also hampered the training, with concerns about timing and priorities. The study recommended that church leaders strengthen sensitization programs to emphasize the importance of financial literacy. These programs should provide members with basic financial knowledge to prepare them before enrolling in courses, ultimately promoting both spiritual and economic growth within the church community.
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