Interdenominational Mobility Of The Faithful Among Churches In Nairobi

Abstract

The major focus of this study was an investigation on factors influencing interdenominational mobility of the faithful. It also sought to expose the nature of change of religion in the area and was guided by five hypotheses. The study specifically sought to explore the relationship between social and economic factors and change in Christian religious groups. The social and economic variables under investigation were change in education, residence, marital status, occupation and level of income. Nairobi Province was purposefully chosen because it is the largest town and the capital city of Kenya, which is heterogeneous in all aspects of life. The enumeration areas were randomly selected out of the eight divisions by use of multistage proportionate sampling. The sample that was used by the researcher was 457 respondents who had changed denominations. These respondents were drawn from three generations aged between 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54. Seven respondents interviewed for case studies were purposively selected out of the 457 and aged between the above three generations. They represented the mainstream churches, Africa independent church and evangelistic churches. The key instrument of data collection was the interview schedule, however for case studies, unstructured interviews were also administered to specific respondents. It was found that 51% of respondents were from the low-income group, which had predisposed the faithful to interdenominational mobility in search of economic, spiritual and social cushioning. It also revealed that majority of the respondents had primary education and that explains their low economic status. Female respondents XI out numbered the males for they constituted 62.66% while the males 37.34%. This explains why women are generally more in Christian religious groups than males, and therefore more women changing Christian religious groups than men. Apart from change in occupation, change in marital status, education, income levels and residence were variables, which were tested and found to have significant and positive relationship to change in Christian religious groups. Case studies revealed that the faithful changed denomination for social, economic and spiritual reasons. The research offered several recommendations, which are hoped if adhered to, would minimize inter denominational mobility. Recommendation addressed social, economic and spiritual issues. Finally, the researcher recommends further similar studies concentrating on spiritual, economic and social factors to be carried out in other parts of the country for previous studies have dealt with the general survey of the churches in Nairobi.