Integration of Faith and Daily Living: an Examination of the Critical Pointers of Christian Practice in the Methodist Church in Kenya with Reference to Kaaga Synod

Abstract

The Church is expected to infuse the world, and provide moral and ethical compass for her followers in all aspects of their lives. However, there exists a disconnection between receiving Christian teachings and their application. This study examined the role of the Church in fostering the integration of Christian Faith into daily living, in Kaaga Synod, Methodist Church in Kenya. Its five objectives were: to assess the role of the Church programs, examine the role of the Church lay leaders, and evaluate the role of the clergy and to assess role of church member’s all in fostering the integration of Christian faith into their daily in Kaaga Synod. The theoretical frameworks that informed this study were transformational leadership and leader-member exchange theories which have the central principles of influence, motivation, inspiration and mutual relationships respectively. In its methodology, the study utilized constructivism philosophy, descriptive survey design and qualitative approach. The target population constituted of ordinary 339 Church members, 32 lay leaders, 12 ministers/clergy and 1 synod Bishop. A sample size of 380 respondents was gotten through proportionate random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. Validity of the instruments was achieved by checking content, construct and testimonial. Comprehensive explanation ensured the reliability of the research tools. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis/thematic saturation analysis. The demographic data was presented using percentages and tables. This study established that the integration of faith into daily living was hindered by inadequate implementation of church programs, minimal monitoring and evaluation of church programs, limited role models and limited skills and competencies among church leaders. The study recommends leadership involvement in ensuring consistency and reliability of church programs, training and competency development to church clergy and lay leaders, adults’ role modeling to their children, revision of existing church programs and clear identification of the roles of clergy and their participation in achieving members’ integration of faith