A Proposal on Effects of Welfare Evangelism in the General Well Being of Church Members: a Case Study of Mfm International Headquarters.
Objective of the study
The following objectives will be ascertained
- To identify and examine the various challenges and obstacles faced by church members engaged in welfare evangelism.
- To assess the impact of welfare evangelism on the emotional and spiritual well-being of church members.
- To explore the role of welfare evangelism in community building and fostering a sense of belonging among church members.
Reviewed of related literature
Evangelism
Evangelism is a fundamental concept within Christianity that refers to the practice of sharing and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith with the intention of leading others to a personal relationship with God. This concept has been central to the mission of the Church throughout its history. Here are some key aspects of the concept of evangelism, supported by relevant citations:
- Proclamation of the Gospel: Evangelism involves the proclamation of the Gospel, which is the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This proclamation aims to communicate God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption to all people. As stated in the Bible, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15, NIV).
- Great Commission: The concept of evangelism is closely linked to the Great Commission, a commandment given by Jesus to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This commission is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (NIV).
- Personal Testimony: A vital aspect of evangelism is the sharing of personal testimonies, where individuals recount their own experiences of encountering God’s grace and transforming power in their lives. Personal testimonies serve as powerful tools for connecting with others, inspiring faith, and providing tangible examples of the impact of the Gospel.
- Contextualization: Effective evangelism often involves adapting the message and methods to the cultural, social, and intellectual context of the audience. Contextualization seeks to bridge the gap between the timeless truths of the Gospel and the specific needs and questions of the people being reached. This approach recognizes the diversity of cultures and backgrounds and seeks to communicate the Gospel in ways that are accessible and relevant.
- Relationship and Dialogue: Evangelism is not solely about proclaiming a message but also about building relationships and engaging in dialogue with others. Developing genuine connections, listening to others’ perspectives, and addressing their doubts and questions play crucial roles in effective evangelism. The Apostle Paul exemplified this approach when he said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22, NIV).
- Collaboration and Discipleship: Evangelism is not a solitary endeavor but often involves collaboration within the Christian community. Churches and believers work together to support and equip each other in the task of evangelism. Additionally, evangelism goes beyond the initial conversion, emphasizing the importance of discipleship, nurturing new believers, and helping them grow in their faith.
The various challenges and obstacles faced by church members engaged in welfare evangelism.
Church members engaged in welfare evangelism face various challenges and obstacles that can impact their efforts to serve and support individuals and communities in need. These challenges can arise from external factors, organizational dynamics, and individual limitations. Here are some common challenges and obstacles faced by church members engaged in welfare evangelism, supported by relevant citations:
- Limited Resources: Church members often face the challenge of limited financial and material resources to adequately meet the diverse and complex needs of those they seek to serve. This can include limitations in funding, supplies, and infrastructure for carrying out welfare activities (Smith & Snell, 2009).
- Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: Engaging in welfare evangelism can be emotionally demanding, and church members may experience burnout or compassion fatigue over time. Continuous exposure to suffering, trauma, and overwhelming needs can take a toll on their emotional well-being and motivation (Burt, 2019).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work. The choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to effects of welfare evangelism in the general wellbeing of church members: a case study of MFM international headquarters.
METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
The researcher will employ oral and direct interview in administering this research questions. Responses from the respondents were needed unlike questionnaires, which is less rewarding due to late receipt and loss of responses from respondents. The method of data analysis that will be used by the researcher is the simple percentage. More so, percentage and degrees of the responses will also be used in the analysis. Here, the ratio of those whose responses were not in the affirmative will be found and conclusions will be drawn there upon. Representations of the level of responses will be made in tabular form. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software will be used to test the hypotheses.
References
- Francis, L. J., & Robbins, M. (2015). Psychological type profile of churchgoers engaged in social action and community service in England: A research note. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 18(4), 303-308. doi:10.1080/13674676.2014.951937
- Smith, C., & Snell, R. (2009). Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults. Oxford University Press.
- Berryman, P. (2007). Acts of Faith: Churches and Welfare Provision in Australia. Journal of Social Policy, 36(4), 537-554. doi:10.1017/S0047279407001254. Bonsangue, M., & Young, A. (2007). Student and Faculty Perceptions of Social Responsibility Activities in a College of Business. Journal of Education for Business, 82(6), 315-323. doi:10.3200/JOEB.82.6.315-323.
- Burt, K. (2019). Caring for the Carers: A Study of the Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Care Workers in the Church. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 7(1), 85-97. doi:10.1558/hscc.36340.
- Francis, L. J., & Robbins, M. (2015). Psychological type profile of churchgoers engaged in social action and community service in England: A research note. Mental Health.
- Stott, J. R. W. (2006). Evangelism and the sovereignty of God. InterVarsity Press.
- Green, M. (2010). Evangelism in the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
- New International Version (NIV) Bible. Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com
- Berryman, P. (2007). Acts of Faith: Churches and Welfare Provision in Australia. Journal of Social Policy, 36(4), 537-554. doi:10.1017/S0047279407001254.
- Francis, L. J., & Robbins, M. (2015). Psychological type profile of churchgoers engaged in social action and community service in England: A research note. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 18(4), 303-308. doi:10.1080/13674676.2014.951937.
