Christian Nominalism Within Church Membership, A Case Study of the Church in the Town of Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Abstract

This study into “Christian nominalism in church membership: A case study of the church in the town of Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo”is an attempt to describe one of the major problems in the growth of the Christian population in the Bunia churches in particular and the African church in general. The purpose of this study was to create awareness among church leaders of the challenges of nominal Christian faith in their respective church memberships, to examine the correlation between their awareness or lack of awareness of the problem of nominalism in their churches and the alleged nominal faith of their church members,and to suggest practical steps for pastors in Bunia to effectively address the challenges of Christian nominalism in order to bring transformation in the life and ministry of their respective local churches. The following are tentative conclusions drawn from the findings of the research into the understanding of Christian nominalism in church membership in Bunia churches:(1)Regarding Christian nominalism in Bunia church memberships, the majority of church leaders and members acknowledge the presence in their church memberships of people who appear to be or are regarded by others as true Christians but are not. The testimonies of former nominal church members imply that some church members and even church leaders have gone through the rite of water baptism and are “actively” involved in the church, but without genuine repentance and authentic faith in Jesus. vii(2)Christian nominalism is understood both as a condition of those who are not Christians at all and as a condition of those who are Christians but who have not grown spiritually. The study shows that the Bunia churches understand nominal Christians more as church members not growing spiritually than those who are not Christians at all. (3)The pastoral leadership may be to blame for, among other things, not preaching the biblical gospel clearly, not doing appropriate evangelism, not following up those who convert to Christ and not being role models in their lifestyle. The research findings of the understanding of Christian nominalism in Bunia church memberships have the following implications for the church and for the field of practical theology.(1)Much needs to be done for Bunia churches to enable them to start effectively confronting Christian nominalism and its challenges. Churches should ensure that evangelism is done not only outside the church but inside it as well. Doing biblical evangelism is one mark of a healthy local church. (2)Pastors need to exercise serious pastoral oversight of the flock to avoid filling the church with unconverted members. They will do this by feeding God’s people, being godly role models for them and watching over them.(3)This study of Christian nominalism can also offer an opportunity for further research on, among others, the impact of a denomination’s doctrines on members’ understanding of what it is to be a Christian, the issue of “quick methods” in winning people to Christ, the relationship between the size of a local church membership and Christian nominalism and the influence of secularism and religious pluralism on the development of Christian nominalism.