Influence of Church Political Activities on Congregation Socioeconomic Development: A Case of P.C.E.A. Molo Parish, Nakuru county-Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of church political activities on congregation development at PCEA Molo Parish in Molo Sub-County, Nakuru County in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive design. The population of the study was 1093 individuals comprising of 690 communicants, 390 church groups' leaders, and 13 congregation chairpersons. From this population, 285 respondents comprising of 180 communicants, 102 group leaders, and 3 congregation chairperson were selected using the systematic sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect data from communicants and group leaders while interviews schedules were used to collect data from congregation chairpersons. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics and presented in the form of graphs and table. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and results reported in quotes and narratives. Findings revealed that the PCEA Molo Parish actively engages in an assortment of political activities including advocating for issues, which are relevant to members, educating members on political issues, promoting peace and reconciliation, shaping policies and laws, and development of values essential to political progress. The overall political activities score was 4.92 out of a possible highest score of 7. The Pearson correlation test indicated that there is a statistically significant positive association between church political activities and congregation socioeconomic development (r= .418, p=.014). The study recommended that the parish consider encouraging members of its congregation to increase their participation in politics and governance issues.