Teachings and practices of the full gospel churches of kenya on environmental conservation in Embu Evurore district, kenya

Abstract

The basic subject of this study was the influence of the teachings and practices of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya on environmental conservation in Embu Evurore District. God created the environment and the natural resources therein and ordered man to be its steward. Environmental degradation continues to be prevalent in Embu Evurore District through deforestation, soil erosion, siltation, and synthetic litter garbage, among others. The FGCK is active in environmental conservation, which is a pillar enshrined in its National Development Project. The church enlightens congregants by teaching them environmental practices to avert degradation. This process is referred to as environmental evangelism. However, the rate of environmental degradation is alarming, hence the concern in this study. The study’s task was to evaluate the influence of the teachings and practices of FGCK on environmental conservation in the Embu Evurore District. The study was guided by the following objectives: To find out ways the congregants practice the teachings on environmental conservation in Embu Evurore District. To examine the effectiveness of the environmental conservation measures practiced in FGCK Embu Evurore District and to establish ways to improve the practices of environmental conservation in Embu Evurore District. The study outcome is important to future researchers in eco-theology, the church leaders and policymakers, and the congregants. Literature was reviewed on church teachings on environmental conservation, practices of church teachings on environmental conservation, effectiveness of environmental practices, and ways to improve environmental conservation. Behaviour Change Theory by B.F Skinner was used. In this theory, the individuals are victims of their society, which determines their behaviour. The study covered Embu Evurore District, an ecclesiastical District in the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya. The district has five Local Churches. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect the necessary information. An observation schedule was used to collect evidence of the effectiveness of environmental conservation measures used. Random sampling was used to identify the respondents among the congregants, while purposive sampling was used to identify the leaders to be interviewed. Using random and purposive sampling, 327 respondents from a population of 2032 congregants formed the sample for data collection. The collected data was analysed and presented through tabulation, charts, and graphs. From the findings, congregants’ methods of environmental conservation contributed to the conservation of the environment in Embu Evurore District. The study established that environmental conservation in FGCK Embu Evurore District was not adequate. The study recommended further support and improved structure to strengthen the practices to achieve tangible results. Further research can be done on Christian’s response to mitigate climate change. The study is significant in Eco-Theology and religious studies as it provides literature for future studies.