By Elimu Assistant Team 
THE UNITY OF BELIEVERS
Learning outcomes: By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Explain teaching in selected New Testament texts of the unity of believers.
2. Identify the metaphors used to describe the unity of believers.
3. Identify the causes of disunity in the early and modern church
LESSON ONE: TEACHINGS OF THE UNITY OF BELIEVERS IN SELECTED NEW TESTAMENT TEXTS
Unity of believers refers to the oneness of those who believe in Jesus Christ.
Learning outcomes: By the end of this lesson you should be able to: –
1. Describe the activities of early Christians
2. Describe the characteristics of the people of God
3. Explain the meanings of these symbolic expressions
1. The body of Christ
2. The Vine and the Branches
3. The Church / Assembly of God
4. The Bride
a. Early Christians
The early Christians in Jerusalem demonstrated their unity by.
1. Holding joint prayer sessions
2. Sharing the Lord’s supper, that is Eucharist.
3. Sharing their possessions with the poor.
They showed oneness and unity as believers. They expressed their oneness using various terms, images, metaphors, and symbols. They regarded themselves as the people of God, the church, and an Assembly of God. When they celebrated the Last Supper, eating bread was a symbol of the body of Christ. They saw themselves as belonging to one tree with vines and branches. As followers of Christ, the early Church saw itself as the Bride of Christ.
b. Discussion of Symbolic Expressions
i. The people of God
Read 1 PETER 2: 9-10. Peter has outlined the characteristics of the people of God. He says that the people of God are
- Believers in God: through faith in Jesus Christ.
- The ‘Chosen race’, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a chosen people
- Those who stand out from the rest because they live a holy and righteous life
- Form a selected holy nation to proclaim the works of God.
- Not just the descendants of Abraham but people who follow Jesus Christ and His teachings.
ii. The body of Christ
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, and Ephesians’ 4:1-12.
The Holy Spirit is the one who brings Christians together as one body of Christ to serve the church. Christians are given gifts to share the body of Christ.
Jesus Christ is the head of the church. And just as the body has many parts, playing different roles, so has the Church. Every member of the church plays a vital role because different members have different spiritual gifts and callings. Some are Apostles, Teachers, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Miracle performers, Administrators and those who show mercy to others and encourage (exhort) others.
All church activities should be directed to the welfare of the church, just as the function of each part of the body is necessary for the well-being of the whole body. To have a united body, members should be meek, and patient to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. For a church to be united, or to be considered as one body, Christians should have faith in God the Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Holy Spirit and have faith in God through Jesus Christ.
iii. The Vine and the Branches
Read John 15:1-10
The vine represents Jesus. Vine tree was a tree that bore grapes. The vine tree was a symbol of prosperity and peace. Jesus is the vine and the Father is the vinedresser. Christians/ believers are the branches. They are expected to produce good fruits by remaining faithful and united in Christ. Faithful branches bear fruit like good Christians while unfruitful branches are like unfruitful Christians.
Christians should remain united to Christ who is the vine so as to bear fruits. The teachings of Jesus purify the Christians. The dead branches of the Vine trees are cut off and the livings ones are trimmed or pruned. This is done so that the vines may produce high yields. Likewise unfaithful Christians, believers are rebuked and corrected so as to bear high yields.
iv. The Church or Assembly of God. Read Ephesians 5: 21 – 32
Church is a Greek word “““ekklesia””, which means people. People who belong to the Lord, Assembly of God is the coming together of people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds who recognize lordship of Jesus. The church is likened to the relationship between a husband and a wife. Christians (the church) are expected to be united with Christ just as a husband and wife are united in marriage. Just as husbands and wives are expected to love one another, so too, are Christians called upon to express love to one another and to love God.
A husband is the head of a family; Jesus is also the head of the church.
v. The Bride. Read 2 Corinthian 11: 2, and Revelations 21: 1 – 12
In the Old Testament, God calls Israel a bride. In the New Testament, Christians are referred to as “a bride’ in the New Jerusalem’. God or Jesus Christ is the bridegroom. Christians are reminded that the life on earth is a temporary home. Their real home is in heaven, the Holy city of God. Just as a bride is expected to be faithful to her husband, so are Christians expected to be faithful to God by observing the covenant way of life. Deviation from the covenant was portrayed as adultery.
John, who wrote the book of revelations, sees a vision of a new heaven and a new earth in which faithful Christians will be rewarded. Christ will come to take His bride to eternity to live there forever. The relationship between Christians and Jesus/ God is like a marriage. It is a covenant. It is a relationship where the church (bride) is expected to submit to God. Jesus died for the church, a show of His or God’s love. Likewise Christians should be committed in their relationship to God.
SAQ.
- Discuss in twos who is a bride and what takes place in a wedding.
- Discuss the significance of the symbols used to express the unity of the believers. These are “The people of God”, “The body of Christ”, “The vine and the branches” “The church or assembly of God” and “The bride”.
LESSON TWO: CAUSES OF DISUNITY IN THE EARLY CHURCH
The early church experienced some challenges, which led to divisions among the early disciples and Christians.
Learning Outcome: After reading this lesson,
- Identify causes of disunity in the early church
- State causes of disunity in the modern church
- Compare the causes of disunity in the early and modern church
- Suggest possible solutions to disunity in modern church
a. Causes of Disunity in the Early Church
- After Jesus ascended to his Father and left the Holy Spirit to look after his followers, the disciples established congregations or communities to spread the Word of God. As believers of Christ met and prayed together, there were disagreements and divisions brought about by several factors and issues. These were:
- Disputes, among early Christians; concern leadership of the Church, Christians wanted different leaders: Paul, Apollo’s, Cephas or Christ. Paul told them that Christ couldn’t be divided (1 Corinthians 1:10 -21).
- Sexual immorality was another cause of disunity in the early church. Some Christians were doing or having irresponsible sexual behaviours. These were incest, fornication, and prostitution. Paul condemned such behaviours and told Christians to stop sinning and honor God with their bodies. The body of a Christian is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthian 5: 1-13, 6:12 – 20).
- Christians settling disputes in civil courts: Paul advised they ought to talk over issues among themselves and agree to solve problems on their own (1 Corinthians 6).
- Dispute over marriage and divorce: Some Christians were opposed to marriage. Others were encouraging divorce. Paul addressed these issues in 1 Corinthian, chapter 71-16. Paul advised Christians that it was okay to marry or not to marry. But marriage was needed to stop immorality.
- Eating of meat offered to idols. Some Christians were eating meat offered to idols while others were against it. Paul advised Christians not to eat anything that will cause their faith to weaken or fail. (1 Corinthians 8 and10: 14 – 20.
- There were disputes about dressing during worship. Should women cover their head during worship? Should women shave hair? Should men wear long hair? (1 Corinthian 11:1-16).
- Some Christians were overeating and over drinking during the Holy Communion – misuse of the Lord’s Supper, (1 Corinthians 11:17 – 33)
- Misuses of spiritual gift especially the gift of speaking in tongues: Paul taught that all gifts are equal (1 Corinthians 12).
- There was a misunderstanding about the resurrection of the body and the dead. Some were saying there is no resurrection. Paul preached that if there is no resurrection then their preaching was in vain as they were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15).
b. Causes of disunity among believers and church in Kenya today
- Leadership differences: Some Christians are struggling for power. This has led to formation of splinter groups, divisions and enmity between these groups.
- Cultural differences; Christians are divided by their African cultural beliefs from their backgrounds. This culture is merged with Christianity and Western cultural practices forming a unique mixture of beliefs.
- Some Christians are permissive, while others are conservative. This has led to disunity, for example in the areas of dressing.
- Discrimination; There is inequality within the church between the rich and the poor, the whites and blacks. Some Christians are viewed as more spiritual than others, on basis of the tribe, gender, wealth and social status among others.
- Misuse of freedom of worship; Christians are starting sprinter churches, probably because they want to control church finances without supervision by the wider church. To justify their departure, they spread propaganda against the ‘mother’ church, and other churches in order to attract followers. The more followers a church has the more tithe it collects.
- Misuse of church funds; Some church leaders and followers misuse church funds
- Differences in the practice of baptism
- Arrogance and pride by some Christians.
- Sins: sexual immorality in the church, divorce and marriage issues.
- Some Christian denominations reject the human nature of the person of Jesus Christ; that Christ had both a human and divine nature e.g. Nomiya church.
SAQ. Can you think of factors that led to disunity among Christians in the early church that you have noted in the Kenyan church?
c. Reasons why Christians should work in Unity.
- Christians face many problems and they therefore need to work together in unity to:
- Promote the oneness of Christians in Jesus Christ.
- Promote the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Achieve effective evangelism or ministry.
- Adopt a common attitude to the integration of African culture in worship.
- Prevent the formation of splinter groups and cults.
- Reduce the internal wrangling.
- Have a common stand in dealing with issues affecting society.
d. Possible Solutions to disunity
- The church should settle issues that divide its members by Christians:
- Learning to appreciate and respect the practices and belief of other Christian’s denominations. Having or forming a common goal
- Striving to be guided by the principle of love in solving problems facing them
- Observing the teachings of disciples, prophets, apostles, God, laws of Moses, Jesus and the Bible. Avoiding doing anything to their fellow Christians that would cause suffering and disharmony
Activities that the early church did in order to remain united were that they:
- Ate bread together
- Held fellowships together
- Shared with the needy
- Prayed together for each other
In the current worldwide Church, there is disunity among believers and Christians. The most common ones are due.
- Leadership differences and wrangles for power.
- Cultural differences among Christians
- Some Christians are permissive while others are conservative.
- Differences in the interpretation of the Bible
- Misuse of church funds
- Pride and arrogance
Revision questions
- Write down terms used in the New Testament to refer to believers in Christ
- Identify five causes of disunity in the church today
- Identify factors which cause disunity among Christians today
- Discuss reasons why members of Christian families in Kenya find it difficult to harmoniously live together
- Explain how the church strengthens family relationships today
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE TOPIC
Explain the life of the early church community
- They led a life of prayer/fasting
- They witnessed the risen Christ/preached about the risen Christian
- Simon Peter was their leader leadership under original disciples of Christians.
- They received the Holy Spirit /were led by the Holy Spirit.
- It was a growing community as new members were added to it each day.
- New converts were baptized in the name of Jesus
- They had fellowship
- They practiced the breaking of bread/ celebrated the Lord’s supper.
- They had communal meals in their houses / feast /Passover
- Performed miracles among the people (eg healing the sick/raising the dead)
- Lived together as a community /in unity
- They sold their property and shared the money, each according to his/ her needs.
- They took care of /helped the needy/ widows
- They attended temple worship.
- They faced persecution from the Jewish leaders.
- They condemned evil (eg Ananias and Sapphira).
- There were deacons who took care of the distribution of food
- Through the holy spirit they prophesied/spoke in tongues
- Faith in God was Central in their social /religious activities.
Discuss problems encountered by the church at Corinth.
- There was the problem of factions characterized by quarrels /bickering (which had split the church into rival cliques).
- There was the problem of interpreting / understanding the death of Christ /crucifixition
- There was a high degree of immorality among Christians, worse than that found among
- Christians (eg there was a member in the church who was living v/ith his father’s wife (step -mother). Thus committing incest, which others seemed to condone).
- There was immorality (eg fornication/adultery/ prostituting among church members.
- There was the problem of whether to marry or not o marry / celibacy/divorce.
- On matters of litigation, Christians were taking legal action against fellow Christians (and had cases tried by non-Christian judges. This was a great scandal because Jews living in heathen cities did not take their case to Gentile Courts).
- There was the question of eating meat offered to idols. (The problem was whether to eat or not eat food offered to idols).
- There was the problem of idolatry / syncretism. (Some Christians worshipped God but also worshipped idols. I Cor 10:14)
- The question of how women should dress in church and how they should behave in church.
- People were divided on the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Some had turned the occasion into social merry making opportunity rather than an occasion of worship.
State five ways in which the Roman Empire helped in the spread of the early Church (5marks)
- The persecution of Christianity by Roman authorities forced Christian to disperse in different parts of the empire to escape persecution. As they went to spread the Good news and where they settled they started the Christian community. The blood of the martyr is the seed of the church.
- The roman authorities had provided good roads and other infrastructure which make communication easy. Thus Christians missionaries and preachers were able to travel with relative ease.
- The roman authorities maintained law and order therefore peace a factor which enabled Christian missionaries to travel safely within the empire
- There was unity in the Roman empire, under the ruler in Rome thus citizens of the empire could move from place to place without hindrance or visas. A factor which helped the Christians missionaries in their travels
- Greek was the common language ( Lingua- Franca) of the empire which enabled the Christians to communicate their message wherever they went
- The empire had adopted Greek education philosophy and cultures which provided a point of departure in preaching the gospel.
- The organization skills of the Roman administrators, provinces, city states and towns helped the Christians in founding churches
- There was some degree of religious freedom which had allowed Jewish synagogues to exist in cities from where the missionaries started preaching the gospel.
- The roman authorities gave roman citizenship to non- romans which allowed them the same privileges as the Roman themselves. Those Christians like Paul who had this citizenship could travel throughout the empire with guaranteed safety and protection.
- Later part of roman empire, Christianity was encouraged by Emperor Eenstantine. (5 x 1 = 5 marks)
Identify five problems which Dr. Ludwing Crapft experienced when he worked as a missionary in Kenya between 1844 and 1858. (5marks)
- Hostile climate i.e hot and humid weather
- Language barriers, at first he could not communicate effectively with the local people
- Had to contend with tropical diseases e.g. malaria/ lack of proper medical facilities
- Suffered personal tragedies when he lost his wife and child through death
- Hostility from some quarters e.g. Muslim Arabs and Swahili. Suffered an attack by robbers when he traveled inland with Chief Kivoi
- Frustrations because the people he had come to work among were slow in accepting the gospel/ slow phase of the missionary work
- Problems of adopting to a different life style form the one he used to in Europe e.g. housing, food
- Suffered from loneliness
- Lack of transport
- Wild animals (5 x 1 = 5 marks)
State five ways in which the missionaries in Kenya helped to rehabilitate the freed slaves in the nineteenth century. (5marks).
- They established freed slaves colonies/ centers in their mission stations e.g. Freetown, Rabai, Ribe, Jomvu, Mazeras where they provided the homeless freed slaves with home/ shelter and other basic needs
- They taught the freed slaves industrial/ vocational skills to help them become self- supporting e.g. carpenters, masons, Bricklayers
- Some of them were professionally trained as catechists, evangelists, teachers to enable them secure employment
- Provided them with formal education to help them improve their living standards and fir self – realization
- Taught Christianity/ converted to Christianity to create awareness of their human dignity and worth
- Some freed slaves were given jobs in the mission stations as teachers, catechists, evangelists
- They provided them with land on which to grow their food as well as provided them with agricultural tools/ material support for business
- They taught the freed slaves better agricultural methods to improve their yield
- They were taught health science, hygiene and home science to help improve their health
- They were provided with medical care and medicine
- Those who wanted to live outside the colony were allowed and helped to do so.
- They were helped to find marriage partners
- They were to observe very strict discipline/ helped in character building (5 x 1 = 5 marks)
Give five reasons why some missionaries in Kenya condemned the practice of female circumcision. (5marks)
- They argued that the practice was unnecessary / useless
- They viewed the practice with abhorrence/ it was repugnant
- It was not keeping wife European uncivilized norms/ European civilization
- They condemned it was an absence act/ immoral act
- It was injurious to the health of the girls/ could lead to death though bleeding/ could cause infection/ had medical consequences especially in maternity cases
- It was unchristian/ not agreeable with the biblical teachings (5 x 1 = 5 marks)
Identify factors which cause disunity among Christians today. (9marks)
- Selfishness/ greed for money by some Christians
- Rivalry/ competition for leadership positions/ greed for power
- Misinterpretation by some Christians of the work of the Holy Spirit
- Arrogance/ Pride by some Christians
- Corruption in the church
- Failure by the church leaders to live according to the law of god/ their failure to live exemplary lives
- Lack of concern by some Christians about the plight of others
- Misinterpretation of the Bible/ doctrinal differences
- Misuse of church funds/ power by some leaders
- Lack of transparency/ accountability in running church affairs
- The emergency of charismatic movements in the church creates a situation where some Christians think they are more equal/ holier than others.
- Political interference where Christians find themselves in different political camps
- Sexism/ women are not involved in decision making they are under represented
- Discrimination against the youth churches ignoring the youth in the running of the church
- Tribalism where Christians are divided along tribal lines/ racism
- Denominational differences. (9 x 1 = 9 marks)
How did the early Christians community preserve the teachings of Jesus? (8marks)
- Through worship e.g. Prayers/ praises
- Preaching the good news to others/ baptism
- Teachings/ instructions by the apostles
- Putting the teachings of Jesus into practice/ committed to Jesus teaching (e.g. helping the poor/ sharing e. t.c)
- By witnessing about Jesus/ testimonies
- Celebrating of the Lord’s supper’
- Missionary work
- Writing/ keeping a written record of the teachings of Jesus/ what he did and said.
- Keryoma/ oral traditions
- Through their faith in Jesus Christ
- Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them
- Welcoming/ winning the converts into the community
- Through counseling/ pastoral care
- Through writing letters/ epistles
- Through visiting other members
- Sharing of the good news among themselves/ fellowship
- Apostle training e.g. Paul trained Timothy
- Accepting to suffer/ persecution and even death for the sake of the gospel
- Incorporating people’s culture into the gospel ( E.g. Hellenism/ Greek Philosophy) ( 9 x 1 = 9 marks)
State five effects of the conversion of Paul on the early Church (5marks)
- The persecution of Christians decreased as Paul had been their chief persecutor
- Expansion of the new faith through Paul’s missionary journeys/ evangelization
- The spread of the new faith to the Gentiles as Paul had been appointed apostle to the Gentiles
- Paul’s letter to different churches were included in the scriptures/ canonized
- Through his teachings and admonitions to different churches. Paul gave interpretations to Christians doctrines/ clarified the teachings of the church
- He helped set up structures in the early church e.g. types of leadership and thus church in a society
- By his examples of tolerance, Constance in faith the Gospel in spite of persecution he set a model for other Christians to emulate at this difficult time of persecution
- Paul defended the gospel against any attacks
State the teachings of St Paul in the Resurrection (5marks)
- The resurrection of Jesus was foretold in the scriptures/ resurrected according to scriptures
- His appearance to Peter the twelve and the five hundred
- Jesus appeared to Paul
- Jesus resurrection is a proof that there is the resurrection of the dead
- God raised Jesus from the dead
- Christians faith is found on their belief in the resurrection of Jesus
- Because Christ rose from the dead, all those who die will resurrect
- The resurrection of Jesus destroyed death/ was victory over death
- Baptism signifies that Jesus resurrected
- People will resurrect in new/ different spiritual bodies
- The trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable and all will be changed a day.
- Resurrection gives hope to believers/ Christians 5 x 1 = 5 marks)
Write down five lessons on the cost of discipleship that Christians can learn from the Uganda martyrs. (5marks)
- Christians should be ready to suffer and even die for their faith/ should not give up their faith during persecution/ held on the truth at all cost.
- Following Jesus can lead to suffering and even death
- Christians should be ready to deny themselves for the sake of the gospel
- They should rely on God help during persecution
- They should not conform/ compromise political social or traditional demands expense of their faith
- They should pray and forgive their enemies martyrdom should unite against oppression injustice and persecution
- They should be determined to carry out the work of God. Propagate the gospel witness to Christ. In spite of persecutions/ condemn evil. (5 x 1 = 5 mks)
State the teachings of Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 about love (9marks)
- It is a gift from God/ of the Holy spirit
- It is the most important gift
- It is patient / does not let down.
- It kind
- Not jealous/envious
- Not conceited/Proud /not cruel/not self seeking
- Not ill mannered
- Not selfish/it is generous/ not cruel/not self seeking.
- Not irritable/ resentful/not quick to anger/bears no grudges
- Does not keep a record of wrongs
- Not happy with evil
- It is happy with truth
- Never give up/endures/not tired/tolerant/withstands long suffering
- Its faith/hope/patience never fails/it is reliable.
- It is eternal 8 x 1 = 8 marks.
Discuss the problems that Church ministers (priests) encounter in their work (8marks)
- Lack of money/resources to pay their salaries/meet other expenses.
- Poor housing/lack of housing for themselves/their families
- Some Christians might reject a minister/lack of acceptance by some Christians on grounds of education/age/tribe.
- What they preach/teach might make them unpopular with some members of the congregation/with the powers that be.
- Might work in geographical hostile environments where they might suffer from disease/drought/weather /traveling long distances.
- People might expect too much from them when they are only human. When they make mistakes people may not readily forgive them.
- some members may not co-operate with them.
- Might face un co-operate from other church leaders (e.g. Bishops/moderators).
- Might not be in agreement with some rules/regulations/ standing orders of the church.
- Pastoral problems might be too complex to deal with/might not be able to handle some people.
- Settling quarrels/disagreements/disputes without being seen to take sides suffer from stress.
- Depression from personal problems/ problems form the congregation and have nobody to share with them/might not share problems with people for fear of exposing weaknesses.
- Problems/ harassment form civil authorities/politicians who might want to use the church for their own benefits/accusation of involvement in politics.
- Might not know how to deal with different groups in the church (e.g. youth/women/men/choir/revival groups).
- Might face cultural barriers. Language problems if they are not working in their home districts.
- Temptations from worldly/ earthly pleasures/materials.
- External factors-competition/rivalry from other religions/other Christian denominations.
- Too much demand on their time/services by the members. 8×1=8marks
Give five qualities of an apostle in the early church (5 marks)
- He was called/appointed by God
- He was to be prepared to persevere/ suffer for Christ.
- Be ready to forgive those who persecute/no retaliation
- He was to humble /avoid pride
- strive to win converts for the Lord
- Be loyal /teach Christian principles/ doctrines
- Commit one’s life to the course and work of Christ
- Depend on God for provision and wisdom
- Rely on the Holy Spirit for interpretation/ revelation/inspiration.
State five activities a modern Christian can perform in order to be considered a true follower of Christ (5 marks)
- Take a vocation/ do work whose benefits are minimal –even when there is a better alternative.
- Spreading the gospel in remote places/under difficult circumstances/ persevering persecution.
- Witnessing through work (e.g. teaching, medical, social work)
- Guiding and counseling people in understanding God’s message/interpreting God’s blessings/guidance.
- Setting good example / role models
- Praying for God’s blessing/guidance
- Helping the needy/by providing (food, shelter, clothes)
- Helping the needy/by providing (food, shelter, clothes)
- Keeping to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 5 x1 =5marks.
Relate Saint Paul’s teaching on responsibility for others according to Galatians (6: 1-10) (8 marks)
- Correcting wrong doers gently.
- Sharing one another’s problems/burdens.
- Avoiding boastful behaviour that may discourage other in faith/self righteousness.
- Taking care that one does not fall into temptation lest one becomes a stumbling block to the brethren.
- Everyone will be responsible for his/her spiritual life/problems
- There should be fellowship between the teacher and the learner.
- Whoever sows evil will be punished/whoever sows good will be rewarded.
- Be honest to God for He is not mocked.
Explain how the church strengthens family relationships today (7 marks)
- Through guidance and counseling /mediation.
- Hold seminars/conferences/etc for couples/children/the youth.
- Through publications on Christian living (e.g. magazines/books/ pamphlets).
- Use of mass –media (radio/videos/television).
- Through preaching/teaching /condemning vices
- Through offering pastoral care in homes/house visits.
- Giving financial support to the needy families
- Praying for the families.
- Offering employment to the jobless.
- Providing vocational training /skills 7×1 =7marks.
Identify the activities the church engages in to demonstrate love for others (9 marks)
1. Spiritual and Pastoral Care:
- Pastoral care and counseling: This involves providing emotional and spiritual support through visits, counseling sessions, and prayer.
- Praying for one another and faith healing: Offering intercessory prayer and believing in divine healing for the sick and afflicted.
- Worshipping together and fellowship: Building community and fostering a sense of belonging through shared worship and fellowship activities. This strengthens bonds and provides mutual support.
- Preaching and evangelizing: Sharing the message of love and hope, offering spiritual guidance, and leading others to faith.
2. Community Engagement and Social Justice:
- Condemnation of evil: Speaking out against injustice and advocating for the vulnerable and marginalized. This is a crucial aspect of demonstrating love in action.
3. Practical Assistance and Charitable Works:
- Giving offerings and tithes: Supporting the church’s mission and outreach programs through financial contributions.
- Opening money-generating projects and offering employment: Creating economic opportunities for those in need.
- Involvement in Harambee projects: Participating in community-based fundraising initiatives to address local needs.
- Providing affordable medical care: Making healthcare accessible to those who cannot afford it.
- Homes for destitute, orphaned children, and the aged: Providing shelter and care for vulnerable populations.
- Providing water (digging boreholes): Addressing the critical need for clean water, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Relief food, clothes, sharing resources, and acts of charity: Directly assisting those in need through the provision of essential resources.
- Visiting the sick in hospitals and homes: Offering practical support and companionship to those who are ill.
- Giving education and training to improve living standards: Empowering individuals through education and skill development to improve their lives.
- Baptizing and confirming converts (and other sacraments): Welcoming new members into the faith community through sacramental rites.
Describe methods used by the missionaries to win converts among the Kenyan communities before 1963 (16 marks)
Missionaries played a significant role in winning converts among Kenyan communities before 1963 through various methods that aimed to spread Christianity and Western values. These methods were strategic and encompassed a range of approaches to attract and retain followers:
Use of Education: Missionaries provided education to Africans, teaching them how to read and write, which enabled them to access the Bible and catechism. This educational opportunity served as a way to impart Christian teachings and values.
Use of Gifts: Missionaries utilized gifts such as sugar, food, and clothes to demonstrate charity and goodwill towards the locals. This act of giving not only met immediate needs but also helped in building trust and establishing relationships with the community.
Medical Assistance: Providing medical services and assistance to the local population was another effective strategy employed by missionaries. By offering healthcare, missionaries gained the favor of the Africans and showcased the compassionate side of Christianity.
Teaching New Skills: Missionaries taught Africans new agricultural and technical skills, empowering them to improve their livelihoods. This practical approach not only enhanced the lives of the converts but also showcased the benefits of embracing Christianity.
Construction of Worship Places: Missionaries constructed churches and worship places where the converts could gather for religious services. These physical structures served as focal points for community gatherings and religious activities.
Befriending Local Leaders: Missionaries befriended local rulers, such as chiefs and headmen, and learned the local languages to better communicate with the people. By understanding and respecting the local culture, missionaries gained acceptance and credibility among the community.
Translation of Scriptures: They translated parts of the Bible, hymns, and creeds into local languages, making the Christian teachings accessible and relatable to the African converts.
Use of Technology: Missionaries used advanced technology like radio, newspapers, and books to spread their message more effectively and reach a wider audience.
Friendly Approach: Missionaries adopted a friendly and supportive approach, defending African interests against colonialists and showing solidarity with the local population.
Inclusivity: They encouraged worship in local languages and tolerated certain African customs, promoting a sense of inclusivity and acceptance within the church.
Employment Opportunities: Missionaries offered employment opportunities to converts, providing them with financial stability and a sense of belonging within the Christian community.
Rehabilitation and Support: Missionaries rehabilitated freed slaves and outcasts, offering them a chance for redemption and acceptance within the Christian fold.
Indirect Incentives: In some cases, missionaries denied certain services as a way to indirectly influence individuals to convert, showcasing the benefits of embracing Christianity.
What factors have led to increase of Christian denominations in Kenya today (9 marks)
The increase in Christian denominations in Kenya today can be attributed to various factors that have shaped the religious landscape in the country. These factors have contributed to the proliferation of different denominations and the diversification of beliefs and practices within Christianity:
Desire for Autonomy: One significant factor leading to the rise of multiple Christian denominations is the desire of some groups to be free from missionary control. This autonomy has led to the establishment of independent churches and splinter groups.
Leadership Rivalry: The hunger for power and leadership positions within churches has caused divisions and the formation of new denominations as individuals seek to assert their authority and influence.
Doctrinal Differences: Variances in biblical interpretations and teachings have led to schisms within existing churches, prompting the formation of new denominations that align with specific doctrinal beliefs.
Resistance to Change: Older members of established churches may resist changes or reforms, leading to conflicts and eventually the emergence of new denominations that cater to different preferences and beliefs.
Lack of Good Role Models: The absence of good examples or role models within certain churches, coupled with issues of corruption and ethical misconduct, has driven some individuals to seek alternative spiritual environments.
Revival Movements: The rise of revival movements that emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit and spiritual experiences has attracted followers seeking a more dynamic and expressive form of worship.
Differences in Worship Practices: Disagreements over the mode of worship, rituals, and liturgical practices have led to the formation of new denominations that cater to specific worship styles and preferences.
Social Factors: Tribalism, clanism, nepotism, social class distinctions, and racism have influenced the fragmentation of churches along ethnic and social lines, contributing to the proliferation of denominations.
Spiritual Seeking: Individuals searching for spiritual satisfaction, personal growth, and deeper connections with their faith have sought out denominations that offer a more fulfilling spiritual experience.
Constitutional Guarantees: The freedom of worship guaranteed in the Kenyan constitution has allowed for the establishment of diverse religious groups and denominations, fostering a pluralistic religious landscape.
Materialistic Motivations: Some individuals may be drawn to certain denominations for material gains, financial prosperity, or personal benefits, reflecting a trend of greed, selfishness, and opportunism within religious contexts.
Give five reasons why Christians should live in a community (5 marks)
Living in a community holds significant importance for Christians as it provides a conducive environment for spiritual growth, mutual support, and service to others. Here are five reasons why Christians should live in a community:
Proclaiming Faith: Living in a community allows Christians to openly profess and proclaim their faith to one another and to the world, serving as a testimony to their beliefs and values.
Encouragement and Strength: Within a community, Christians can encourage and strengthen one another in their faith through prayer, worship, and fellowship. This mutual support helps believers navigate challenges and grow spiritually.
Unity and Brotherhood: By living in a community, Christians foster a sense of unity and brotherhood among themselves, establishing a bond of fellowship that separates them from non-believers and reflects the spirit of being a new people of God.
Emulating Christ: Just as Christ lived in community with his disciples, Christians are called to emulate this example by living in fellowship with fellow believers, sharing life experiences, and growing together in faith.
Service and Sharing: Living in a community enables Christians to share their material possessions, assist the needy, and collaborate in solving problems collectively. This spirit of generosity and communal support exemplifies the teachings of Christ regarding love and service to others.
Dedication to God’s Work: By dedicating themselves fully to God’s work within a community, Christians can engage in collective worship, prayer, and service, deepening their commitment to fulfilling God’s purposes together.
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