Strategic Responses of Christian Churches in Kenya to Changes in the External Environment: a Case of Evangelical Churches in Nairobi

Abstract

This study sought to find out the Strategic responses adopted by Christian churches in Kenya to changes in the external environment. The need for this study arose from the fact that the church is a very important institution to society and often it is expected to be at the forefront in dealing not only with spiritual issues but also in giving direction with regard to various other issues that are of concern to society. The manner in which the church responds to environmental changes is therefore of great interest to society. This studywas guided by the following two objectives: First, to determine the changes in the external environment which have affected the evangelical churches in Kenya. Secondly, to find out how the evangelical churches have responded to the environmental changes. Primary data was collected using structure and open ended questionnaire for a census of thirty two churches. Data was thereafter analysed using descriptive statistics through the use of mean scores, percentages_ and content analysis. The analysis revealed that changes in the external environment have affected the church both positiv1-l):.an~ nega~ively. It also showed that though the churches have responded in varying degrees to environmental changes, there is need for them to respond more ~ffectively. Some of the ways in which the church has responded is through the introduction of income generating activities, strategic planning, social projects, training and development of staff and to a limited extent, through the use of information and communication technology. To respond more appropriately the churches will need to understand the environment they are operating in, appreciate how the environmental changes are affecting them and come.up with strategies that will enable them to respond appropriately to these changes.