ShahidiHub International Journal of Theology & Religious Studies

Factors Influencing Christians’ Change of Church Affiliation: A Case Study of Christians at Redeemed Gospel Churches in Embakasi, Nairobi

Angelina Nyumu — 2026-02-16

The phenomenon of church mobility among church congregants has become increasingly common within urban Pentecostal churches. Church mobility has increased significantly across African urban Pentecostal contexts, yet limited empirical work explores its underlying drivers within single-denomination settings. This study investigated the personal, spiritual, and socio-economic factors that inform church affiliation among the Redeemed Gospel Churches (RGCs) in the Embakasi region of Nairobi. A qualitative research methodology was employed using a case study design. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The target population included the clergy, church leadership (chairlady and chairman), and church members who had changed their church affiliation within 2 years before the study. The sample comprised 48 participants drawn from the 6 Redeemed Gospel Churches branches selected, including 30 congregants, 12 council leaders, and 6 pastors, selected through purposive sampling to provide rich and relevant insights. The Push–Pull Theory of Religious Mobility provided the analytical framework for interpreting patterns of movement. Findings reveal that members change church affiliation due to leadership conflicts, governance weaknesses, spiritual dissatisfaction, doctrinal ambiguity, poor pastoral care, socio-economic pressures, and geographical convenience. Young adults were the most mobile demographic, often seeking authenticity, relational connection, and deeper discipleship experiences. The study concludes that strengthening transparent leadership, enhancing doctrinal clarity, and establishing structured spiritual formation programs are essential for reducing unnecessary church mobility. These findings contribute to pastoral theology, ecclesiology, and organizational studies by illuminating membership dynamics in Nairobi’s urban Pentecostal landscape.

Necessity for Theological Training of Pentecostal Church Pastors for Ministry Effectiveness in Luwero District, Uganda

Agaba Desmond — 2026-02-18

This study examined how formal theological training can be promoted within Pentecostal churches to enhance ministry effectiveness in Katikamu Sub-County, Luwero District, Uganda. This research examined the challenges Pentecostal churches face when their ministers are not equipped theologically, the impact of theological training on Pentecostal churches, and strategies to promote theological training among Pentecostal church leaders in this context. The study seeks to address prevailing challenges, including limited access, affordability, and perceived relevance of theological education. A case study design was employed, involving 56 respondents who participated in interviews and focus group discussions across five Pentecostal churches. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling and based on their leadership roles, length of church involvement, and direct engagement in discipleship and leadership formation. Findings revealed that inadequate theological training has contributed to challenges such as false teaching, syncretism, incompetence, and a weakened capacity for church growth. Possible strategies for promoting theological training include establishing local Bible training centers, scholarship programs, mobile training programs, conferences and seminars on translating theological materials into Luganda, and using media platforms to spread sound biblical teachings. The study concludes that contextualized, affordable, and accessible theological education is essential for equipping Pentecostal ministers. It recommends intentional collaboration between theological institutions, churches, and Christian organizations to make training locally relevant and sustainable. Further research is recommended to assess the appreciation and impact of theological training in both rural and urban Pentecostal contexts.

Effects of Leadership Conflict within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church in Nyaramba District: Causes, Impact, and Resolution Strategies

Abel Moriasi Mogita — 2026-02-20

The Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) church in Nyaramba District, Nyamira County, Kenya, has experienced significant leadership conflict stemming from disputed election results in 2019, which led to legal battles, deep congregational divisions, and a sharp decline in church attendance. This study investigated the underlying causes of leadership conflict, its impact on church members, organizational structures, administrative systems, and daily operations. It also proposes effective strategies for future conflict management. The research was significant because leadership conflict fundamentally undermines the church’s core purpose of promoting peace and unity among believers and within the community, thereby hindering sustainable growth and evangelistic mission. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys administered to 45 church members with qualitative in-depth interviews with 5 church leaders and key stakeholders. The scope of this paper is limited to the PAG church assemblies within Nyaramba District. The findings reveal that the primary causes of conflict were leadership-related disputes following contested elections, which led to factionalism, severely strained pastor-congregation relationships, allegations of financial mismanagement, decreased attendance (reduced frequency), and stalled construction projects. The study provides practical recommendations, including transparent election processes, formal conflict-resolution mechanisms, financial transparency measures, inclusive leadership practices, pastoral transfer policies, and constitutional review.

Biblical Theology of Blood: Its Meaning and Significance

Ataho Lauben — 2026-03-10

This paper explores the biblical theology of blood and its significance in the salvation history. Tracing it from Genesis, blood plays a significant role in redemption and the judgment of humankind. The concept of blood is central in bridging the New and Old covenants in Christian theology. Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross is viewed as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant promises, and his blood shed on the cross is regarded as the seal of the New Covenant between God and humanity, signifying forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. This idea is also embodied in the Last Supper, where Jesus speaks of the wine as “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt 26:28, ESV). The blood of Jesus purchased believers and reconciled them to God and to one another. Thus, understanding Christ’s perfect sacrifice within biblical theology serves as a foundation for building deep faith in Christ and for witness.

A Comparative Analysis of Pauline and Johannine Theology on the Holy Spirit and Sanctification

Joel Kipkoech Too — 2026-03-26

This paper compares Pauline and Johannine perspectives on sanctification, revealing a Spirit-mediated process that is ethical, relational, communal, and eschatological. Paul emphasizes moral transformation through union with Christ and participation in His death and resurrection, while John highlights relational abiding as the foundation of obedience, love, and communal fidelity. Though distinct in emphasis, both traditions converge in affirming the indispensability of the Spirit, who sustains holiness, empowers ethical integrity, fosters communal unity, and guarantees eschatological fulfillment. Together, they provide a holistic pneumatology of sanctification that informs theology, pastoral practice, and Christian formation, presenting holiness as a comprehensive transformation of life and community directed toward God's ultimate redemptive purposes.