Factors that hinder Pastors from engaging in integral Mission of the Church: a case of Kagera Diocese, the Anglican church of Tanzania

Abstract

The integral mission (IM) of the church has been of great concern to the church throughout history. It has been examined and researched as a way of effective response of church to the social problems that the church members face and equally the societal challenges at large. The negative perception of the integral mission (IM) among pastors has led to neglect of the holistic approach in ministry to the social issues and problems that affect the church members and community. This study therefore, sought to assess the factors that hinder pastors in engaging in integral mission of the church in the Diocese of Kagera, Tanzania. The study was guided by three objectives:- i) To assess the perception of integral mission among the pastors in the Diocese of Kagera, ii) To identify factors that hinder the pastors from engaging in integral mission of the church in the Diocese of Kagera, iii). To assess the willingness of the pastors in participating in the integral mission of the church in the Diocese of Kagera. Respondents of the study were the local pastors of Kagera. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample. The target population for this study was 450 pastors serving in the 120 churches in the Diocese of Kagera, while the accessible population was 120 pastors in charge of 31churches in the Diocese of Kagera. Data was collected by use of pastor’s perception questionnaire (PPQ). The study used content validity to measure the relevance of the research instrument. The data collected was analysed by use of descriptive statistic where frequency tables and percentages were used to analyse data. Using statistical analysis software (SPSS) version 23, the results of the data analysis were presented using tables, bar graphs, and percentages. The reliability of Pastor Perception Questionnaire (PPQ) was 0.85 by computation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α). The instrument was accepted at a reliability index greater than 0.70. The findings of the study may provide new knowledge on integral mission of the church among the pastors working in the Diocese of Kagera, Tanzania to deal with social problems that afflict the church. The findings and recommendations made by this study may also provide an informed basis for the pastors and church bodies in making relevant and favorable policies concerning the importance of Integral mission of the church. The findings of the study may also be beneficial to other researchers who intend to undertake an equivalent study which may use variables of concern to this study.