RUSANGU UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGION

This paper was written in partial fulfillment of the course Research Projects II
(RELP 271)

Submitted by:
Kashimu David.

ID Number:
20180503

Major:
BA Theology.

Lecturer:
Professor Warren S. Simatele
Topic:
DECLINE IN THE AFTERNOON ATTENDANCE (FOR BIBLE STUDIES/PROGRAMS): A
CASE OF EAST PARK SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
INTRODUCTION

It has been noticed almost in every Adventist church of the numbers declining when it comes to

bible studies in the afternoon. During the Sabbath School, few will come and towards the main

service, numbers increase incredibly. But just after the morning service, very few people would

come for the afternoon programs. This has been the case at East Park SDA Church too. In the

research, we will be investigating this case in order to know the reason(s) why.

PROBLEM OF THE STUDY

Scriptures in Hebrews 10:25 commands believers to attend church as in order to be edified and

edify others. However, many members at East Park do not follow this biblical counsel. They,

sometimes, attend the divine service but often stay away from bible studies in the afternoon. This

trend appears to be growing such that it is threatening the very life/stability of the church. If this

problem is not solved soon enough, East Park church may lose its members or the church won’t

be growing spiritually.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The obvious questions one would ask are:

1. Why most believers at East Park absent themselves from bible studies and,

2. What can be done to motivate them to start attending bible studies in the afternoon.

If these are answered, then East Park church can be helped greatly.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The very essence of the study is to determine factors affecting members from attending bible

studies.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study is designed to investigate the curse at East Park SDA Church with its problems in lots

of members not attending in the afternoon programs.

METHODOLOGY

The study will collect data through a survey of selected believers in East Park church. We will

use questionnaires to collect data on the subject matter. Apart from questionnaires, we will also

conduct interviews with members. We will also interact with the local leaders and the district

pastor to also hear their views about the matter. Basing on these few criterion, we may be able to

draw a good conclusion in trying to solve the matter.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The online church article argues that people need to be motivated by the presenter in most cases.

To this reason, Mr. Serban argues that sometimes we give untrained or people who doesn’t know

how to prepare or teach good lesson to the people. (Serban, 2014). Due to this matter, members

begins to think as if they are wasting their precious time.

The Journal, Christianity Today, also adds that some people don’t just come due to their own un-

seriousness. (Wilkin, 2017). If it reaches to that, people should be aware and be revived on the

importance of studying scripture.

The ‘bible study topics’ church article also contributes that some members need to be boosted

from time to time. (2021). In this case, members needs much care from other members or at least

from leaders. Once visited and cared for, they remain committed to the fellowship and worship.
The ‘focus on the family’ (2021) article, also adds that the reason why some members don’t

attend afternoon programs is due to the fact that they are engaged with their own businesses.

Instead of wholly dedicating the day (sabbath) to God, they devise their own businesses on the

day of the Lord.

CONCLUSION

The flourishing of the church is in its members. And if the members stop to participate in the

programs designed for them, especially for their spiritual growth, members will end up been

spiritually malnourished thereby leaving the future church affected. It is therefore of great

importance to conduct this study.

REFERENCE

Biblestudytopics . (2021, 10 7). Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytopics.com

Focusonthefamily. (2021, 10 4). Retrieved from http://www.focusonthefamily.org

Serba, L. (2014). factors related to declining attendance at the adult sabbath school in NAD of
the SDA church. DC, Andrews University: Andrews University.

Wilkin, J. (2017, June 21). Christianity Today. Retrieved from http://www.christianity

today.com