Journal of Pastoral and Practical Theology

Pre-warning signs of backsliding among male church members: Patterns and interpretations

Peter Omundi Aricha, Mahlon Juma Nyongesa, Feliks Ponyatovskiy — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to determine the pre-warning signs exhibited among male church members in Masaba North Sub-county, Nyamira County. The research focused on identifying consistent patterns of backsliding and interpreting their underlying meanings. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a questionnaire with structured, closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale to collect respondents’ attitudes and opinions, taking into account the sample of backslidden men. Data were analyzed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive analysis to capture percentages. Based on the findings, the pre-warning signs of backsliding that stood out include, but are not limited to, the following categories: reduced participation in church programs, irregular attendance, lack of personal devotional practices, not being visited, and emotional disconnection from the church family; which can be clustered as church-oriented, personal, sociological, and external signs. Therefore, the study recommends that church pastors, elders, and church leaders monitor, personally engage, and actively involve all church members in weekly church activities: the Sabbath school program, divine worship, communion service, small group ministry, Bible study, prayer ministry, afternoon program, mid-week prayer, church leadership, visitation program, and returning of tithes and offerings to retain, and nurture members before they backslide.

A cultural-theological reflection on “wacha niongee initoke” in light of Ephesians 4:29: Why do people say what they say?

Elie H. Nataka — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to explore a popular Kenyan apophthegm “wacha niongee, initoke”—loosely translated as “let me talk [so that] it leaves me”—in light of Ephesians 4:29: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (New Living Translation). The apophthegm proposes catharsis through speech, but this paper questions the insinuations of such speech for Christian living. Should those who follow Christ speak to relieve themselves without considering the consequences? Through observations, unstructured interviews, and real-life narratives, the study argues that God’s people, unlike the general public, should be mindful of the consequences of their words. Drawing from various sources such as the Bible, the paper challenges the church to cultivate speech that is not only authentic but also healing, constructive, and life-giving (see Prov. 18:21b; Eph. 4:15; James 3:6). The church must serve as a querencia for those who have been harmed by reckless words and as a prophetic voice characterised by veracity, mercy, and transformation.

Navigating celibacy: The lived experiences of Kalenjin Catholic priests in Kenya

Michael Kiplagat Rop — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the lived experiences of Catholic priests from the Kalenjin community in Kenya, focusing on their perceptions of the Church’s mandatory celibacy rule within the context of African cultural values that often view celibacy with skepticism. This exploratory study conveniently sampled 27 Catholic priests from the Kalenjin community in the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret through key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). The collected data was transcribed, analysed, and interpreted into themes, and was further complemented by narrative analysis. The findings indicate that young men are often stirred up into the the Catholic priesthood by a strong Catholic background and strengthened by idealized motivation from an older priest. However, priests still face social and cultural rigidities in their quest to join the priesthood. While many African priests have accepted the mandatory celibacy rule, they often feel burdened by the overt sexuality in their environment. The priests acknowledge the challenges in priestly service but have concretised their persona to fully serve God and humanity. In the African context, the celibacy debate is only marginally connected to the priesthood and remains largely undefined. The study concludes that Catholic priests are mentally and socially weighed down by the demands of celibacy life and priesthood. It recommends that the church hierarchy in Africa re-evaluate the relevance of their training programs for African clergy.

Lifting every voice in a Southern Baptist Cooperative Church: Spiritual formation by way of multiculturalism at Sunrise Church of Rialto, California

Simon J. Woodstock — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates how the recent celebration of the African-American Juneteenth holiday by Sunrise Church of Rialto, California, has benefited the spiritual formation of their multicultural fellowship, a church that remains in full cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention. While it is not uncommon for churches in the United States to celebrate extra-biblical holidays such as the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, there has been an increase in ecclesial observation of other culture-specific markers. Also, the study explores the deeper spiritual significance of their corporate singing of The Black National Anthem for the Juneteenth holiday, attempting to uncover any positive reflections, spiritual enhancements, and ecclesial encouragements that may have resulted from the practice. Moreover, consideration is given to the sensitivities involved in such cross-cultural endeavours while also evaluating what motivated this ethnic-specific holiday observance. A synthesised research approach of phenomenological observation, interviews, ethnography, ecclesiological perspectives, and cultural intelligence review has been employed, also considering matters of critical contextualisation and potential parishioner pushback.

Identification Repentance in New Covenant theology: A balanced theological and pastoral appraisal

Gordon Sinclair, Yolanda Sinclair — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article assesses Identification Repentance (IR) within New Covenant theology. Identification Repentance (IR) refers to repenting for the sins of a group with which one identifies. It has gained popularity in intercessory contexts. However, its theological validity within New Covenant theology is questionable. While Old Testament figures like Nehemiah and Daniel model communal confession, these acts lack the personal transformation central to New Testament repentance. This study uses a doctrinal definition (Webster, 2005), biblical-theological analysis (Vos, 2003), thematic evaluation (Grenz & Olson, 1996), and a balanced appraisal (Grenz & Olson, 1996) to assess IR’s theological coherence. Scripture is allowed to shape doctrine, tracing IR across redemptive history and evaluating its compatibility in the New Covenant context. IR lacks biblical, patristic, and liturgical support. Key texts (e.g., Nehemiah 1; Daniel 9) demonstrate Identification Confession (IC), but not repentance. The New Covenant emphasises personal accountability, emotional integrity, and spiritual rebirth. IR risks undermining the believer’s new identity in Christ and runs the risk of confusing intercession with repentance. IR should not be normative in the Church. Ministers should promote authentic, Spirit-led repentance, distinguish IR from IC, and emphasise the believer’s identity in Christ. Lament and intercession are valid expressions of pastoral solidarity, but must not replace personal repentance.

Beyond differences: A shared mission of Christians and Muslims to combat child labour in Bukoba, Tanzania

Aminiel Mugorozi Kaimukilwa — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the joint efforts of Christian and Muslim communities in Bukoba, Tanzania, to tackle the persistent problem of child labour, influenced by poverty, family breakdown, and limited access to education. Children in the area face serious risks, such as dangerous working conditions and harmful physical and psychological effects. Despite both faiths strongly condemning child exploitation, the absence of a coordinated interfaith initiative allows child labour to continue and weakens social unity. Using a qualitative research approach, the study incorporates documentary analysis and interviews with religious leaders, teachers, and parents in Bukoba, conducted in Swahili for clarity. Results show that cultural norms and educational obstacles worsen child labour, though both the Bible and the Qur'an highlight children's dignity and rights. Leaders from both faiths recognise their shared responsibility to protect children. The research suggests that interfaith cooperation can effectively raise community awareness and influence policies aimed at addressing the root causes of child labour. By uniting around values of compassion and justice, faith institutions can play a crucial role in advocating for children's safety and rights. Recommendations focus on enhancing educational opportunities and promoting community involvement through awareness campaigns that capitalise on the strengths of both faith communities, aiming for a comprehensive approach to creating lasting change for vulnerable children. Additionally, this can help strengthen relationships between Christians and Muslims.

Digital discipleship: Investigating youth participation in online church services in FGCK Meru South District, Kenya

Purity Kajuju Kiruja, Dickson Nkonge Kagema, Purity Kananu Mwongera — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to examine the level of youth participation in online church services in Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, Meru South District, Kenya. This study focused on the youth group within Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK) in Meru South District. A descriptive research survey design was used, guided by Mediatization theory. Information was gathered from the youths, youth leaders, youth Pastors and church members. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The study targeted a population of 3089 with a sample size of 282 youths, 4 youth leaders, 4 youth pastors and 56 church members in FGCK Meru South District. Data was analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The study found there is a paradigm shift in youth discipleship, with many youths increasingly preferring online services over traditional physical church attendance. The findings reveal that youth participation in online church services is high; however, the findings reveal a gap in relational aspects of discipleship, like mentorship and accountability. The research contributes to the discussion on technological solutions in community development and religious innovation, aligning with the theme of leveraging technology for sustainable development. The study is relevant as faith-based organisations strive to remain impactful and inclusive in an increasingly digitised world. The findings provide valuable insights into how churches can adapt to emerging trends without compromising the core values that define their identity.

A Christocentric theology of vaccination: A pastoral resource for navigating science and faith

Gordon Sinclair, Yolanda Sinclair — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to provide a Christocentric theological and pastoral framework for understanding vaccination, offering a theological and epistemological tool (Theological Epistemology) that distinguishes observation and reason (OR) from beliefs inconsistent with biblical doctrine, thereby enabling trust in the veracity of scientific OR. This study is motivated by two pressing concerns within the Christian community: a growing mistrust of scientific observation and reason (OR), particularly regarding vaccination, and a theological gap in understanding how vaccination aligns with Christ’s redemptive mission. The study critiques existing theological literature on vaccination, identifying gaps in either scientific or theological rigour. In response, this study proposes a balanced integration of theological and scientific reasoning (Theological Reflection), presenting vaccination as participation in Christ’s redemptive mission to “destroy the works of the enemy” (1 John 3:8). Public health successes, such as smallpox eradication, are framed as missional acts, supported by scientific observation and reason (OR) that reinforce the theological argument. The paper responds to common objections (Systematic Theology), including concerns about aborted foetal cell lines, bodily sanctity, divine healing, and moral implications of certain vaccines, through biblical reasoning and pastoral sensitivity. Thus, the method is a three-step process: Theological Epistemology, Theological Reflection and Systematic Theology. This Christocentric framework enables church leaders to guide congregations toward informed, compassionate vaccination choices, aligning with their missional and pastoral responsibilities. This significance lies in its potential to foster faith-informed public health engagement and promote life-affirming theological reflection.

Biblical basis for chaplaincy involvement in rehabilitating prisoners in Kenya

Peter Muriithi Wambugu — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study sought to examine the biblical teachings regarding rehabilitating prisoners in Kenya. The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) has invested resources into prisoners’ rehabilitation programs. However, despite the government institutionalising prison chaplaincy since 1957 as valuable in the rehabilitation process, prisoners and recidivism rates have continued to escalate unabatedly, weakening the socio-economic and socio-political fabric of the nation’s development. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. The study was informed by Mugambi's Reconstruction Theology and Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory. Proportionate, stratified simple random and snowball samplings selected a sample size of 290 respondents from a target population of 4178. Quantitative data were analysed utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Data was analysed thematically, coded and processed. The study findings show that Biblical teachings on rehabilitating prisoners are limited due to hermeneutical problems. The study concludes that Biblical teachings propagated by chaplaincy in rehabilitating prisoners demonstrate God's justice, mercy, unconditional love and salvation. The study recommends recognising multi-religious agencies and integrated Biblical reconstructions as effective in prisoners’ rehabilitation. The role of chaplaincy in nurturing prisoners to hear, study, memorise, meditate, put into practice, reap success and begin teaching biblical truth to others remains imperative.