The Great Commission and Church Practice in Kenya: An Analysis of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Tumutumu Parish, Nyeri County
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Date
2025-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:16–20, calls Christians to
embrace the mission of making disciples in all nations through proclamation,
teaching, and nurture. Although this mandate has shaped the life of the church for
centuries, many congregations still struggle to translate it into concrete and
sustainable practice. This study set out to examine how the Presbyterian Church of
East Africa (PCEA), with special focus on Tumutumu Parish in Nyeri County, has
engaged with this biblical call within its theological tradition and ecclesiastical
context. Three objectives guided the research: to evaluate the role of baptism in
advancing the Great Commission, to assess the strategies employed to foster spiritual
growth among members, and to analyze the contribution of Christian education to
discipleship and evangelism. A mixed methods design was adopted, drawing on both
qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection tools included
questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews with diverse participants
such as clergy, evangelists, parish leaders, Christian education teachers, youth
representatives, and ordinary members. The study population was 882, from which
88 participants were sampled using stratified random sampling. Bosch‘s theory of
mission informed the conceptual framework. Qualitative data were examined
thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively with the aid of
statistical software. Findings revealed that while Tumutumu Parish actively practices
baptism, gaps remain in both preparation and follow-up. Many candidates were
inadequately instructed, and some parents did not faithfully uphold baptismal vows.
Limited catechetical time and over-reliance on evangelist as the primary instructors
further weakened the process. In terms of spiritual growth, members displayed
commitment, but the absence of well structured discipleship programs hindered
consistent formation. Christian education was also constrained by insufficient
resources, inadequate allocation of time, and a shortage of trained teachers, thereby
limiting the parish‘s ability to nurture mature and mission oriented believers. The
study concludes that PCEA Tumutumu Parish has made valuable contributions
toward fulfilling the Great Commission but still faces significant challenges. It
recommends strengthening baptismal preparation with comprehensive pre- and postbaptismal instruction, supported by lay participation in nurturing candidates. The
parish should also establish structured discipleship programs for all age groups,
incorporating mentoring and regular evaluation. Investment in the training of
Christian education teachers and the provision of adequate resources is essential to
improve teaching effectiveness. Finally, evangelism should be intentionally
embedded in all educational activities so that members are equipped with practical
skills and opportunities to share the gospel within and beyond the parish. By
addressing these gaps, PCEA Tumutumu Parish can reinforce its theological and
missional foundations, nurture holistic discipleship, and engage more effectively in
the realization of the Great Commission
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts, in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, November 2025
Supervisor:
1.Josephine Gitome
2.Julius Gathogo