Biblical and theological basis for church involvement in community development: a case of the Anglican development services in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to establish the biblical and theological basis for church involvement in Community Development (CD). The Anglican Development Services (ADS) of the Anglican Church was used as the case for this study. The study targeted four ADS regions namely; Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). The theory of Reconstruction Theology (RT) advanced by Jesse Mugambi as a paradigm for CD was employed. A sample of 330 respondents gotten from a target population of 1,827 was used. Descriptive survey design was employed. Utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group discussions data was gathered. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 computer software was used to analyze quantitative data in frequency and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed thematically and narrative formats in accordance with the study objectives. The findings showed that biblical and theological basis for church involvement in CD were highly valued. This compels the church to engage community in socio-economic and political development through conscientization, transformational participatory and goal-oriented empowerment. The study recommends more effort be made to disseminate biblical and theological teachings to educate communities about wholistic mission of the church. Implementation of CD be based upon proper biblical hermeneutics and contextual theologies as a demonstration of service to the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable in community. Key Words: Community Development, Anglican Church of Kenya, Anglican Development Services, Biblical and Theological Basis, Church Involvement