A study on the United Church of Zambia University Evangelism campaign's impact on selected congregations of Mpongwe District

A study on the United Church of Zambia University Evangelism campaign's impact on selected congregations of Mpongwe District

Master of Theology (Missiology)

The United Church of Zambia University, through its theological students, had carried out evangelism campaigns in 2018 and 2019 in the Mpongwe district with a view of converting people to Jesus Christ. Statistics show that before the campaign, two congregations namely: Ibenga and Kanyenda had 211 and 166 members respectively. As a result of the campaign, such membership of the two churches had slightly increased by 5% and 10% respectively(Luanshya consistory report 2015:2). Nevertheless, it was anticipated that after the campaign membership growth would increase to at least 50% in each of the congregations, which had not basically been the case.

This study investigated The United Church of Zambia University Evangelism campaign’s team impact on the selected congregations of the Mpongwe District. The study used a descriptive survey research design. A descriptive survey is a method of collecting information by interviewing or administering a questionnaire to a sample of individuals. The data was collected using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches which allowed the researcher to triangulate the data. In so doing the researcher was able to cross-check research findings.

One hundred participants aged 18 and above participated in this study, including two focus group discussions comprising of participants ranging from 6-to 8 per group. These were conducted based on qualitative research methodology, though both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for this study in order to overcome the weaknesses of each one of them and take advantage of their strengths. This was all for the purposes of triangulation.

Key findings of this study were that the majority 55% (55) of the respondents indicated preaching the Gospel of Christ to the community, while 25%(25) indicated teaching people without knowledge of Christ and 13% (13) stated that it was a way of bringing people to Christ. Also, the study revealed that the types of evangelism approaches used for evangelizing communities by The United Church of Zambia Evangelism campaign teams included: outdoor evangelism(70%), door to door evangelism (65%), open-air evangelism (59%), brochure or booklets evangelism(46%) and outreach evangelism(39%).

Regarding hindrances, to evangelism, the findings of the study revealed that the majority70%(70) indicated financial constraints, public address system equipment 65%(65), transportation to reach far-flung areas 45%(45), and 9% having indicated duo membership. Furthermore, this research Indicated that effective evangelism still remains a challenge, and therefore in order for evangelism to be effectively done by The UCZ University Evangelism Campaign Teams in their communities, there was a need for financial aid 75%(75), public address system equipment 65%(65), transportation to reach far-flung areas 40%(40) and 18% to meet the need to produce enough literature both in English and local languages.

The study recommended the increase in funding for effective evangelism by The United Church of Zambia Synod headquarters. Different types of literature for evangelism such as brochures, leaflets, flyers, and magazines, among others, should be translated into the local languages for Evangelism campaigns to make a positive impact in the Church. The United Church of Zambia as a whole should purchase P.A. Systems and other equipment required. Effective coordination by The United Church of Zambia University with the people on the ground is required.

Morgan Baxton Silwenga

Submitted to Justo Mwale University

2020

Supervisor: Prof. Edwin Zulu

All Right Reserved. Justo Mwale University

Physical Medium

English

The United Church of Zambia University
Evangelism Campaign's
Mpongwe District