A Contextual Missiological Study Of The Sheepfold Ministries In The Garissa And Tana River Districts Of Northeastern Kenya

Abstract

This research describes the mission work of The Sheepfold Ministries (TSM) in North eastern Kenya, revealing the extent to which nationals have participated in mission. The case study in this research provides the crucial link between mission theory and practice as espoused by TSM. It further describes the context in which this mission occurred, and how that has shaped and continues to influence mission thinking and practice today. The data collected during this study makes public the work by TSM, and therefore provides the initial documentation for public awareness and appreciation. In this way, the research gives voice to nationals and their mission work in bringing their unique perspective into the corpus of mission literature. The study further addresses the question about mission’s priority today, mission in a turbulent and tumultuous context, and exposes existent gaps that could improve how nationals take part in Christian mission. The study shows that TSM’s involvement was intentional, organized, springing from careful reflection and a response to faith in Christ and that the communities they serve receive their ministry. Thus, the work by TSM missionaries provides a contextual missiological understanding and praxis. This thesis delineates the missiological paradigm emergent from TSM and brings to light the peculiar stories of national missionaries and their work. It concludes by offering implications and making recommendations for mission, which should inspire more mission work by nationals to the unreached peoples.

This research describes the mission work of The Sheepfold Ministries (TSM) in North eastern Kenya, revealing the extent to which nationals have participated in mission. The case study in this research provides the crucial link between mission theory and practice as espoused by TSM. It further describes the context in which this mission occurred, and how that has shaped and continues to influence mission thinking and practice today. The data collected during this study makes public the work by TSM, and therefore provides the initial documentation for public awareness and appreciation. In this way, the research gives voice to nationals and their mission work in bringing their unique perspective into the corpus of mission literature. The study further addresses the question about mission’s priority today, mission in a turbulent and tumultuous context, and exposes existent gaps that could improve how nationals take part in Christian mission. The study shows that TSM’s involvement was intentional, organized, springing from careful reflection and a response to faith in Christ and that the communities they serve receive their ministry. Thus, the work by TSM missionaries provides a contextual missiological understanding and praxis. This thesis delineates the missiological paradigm emergent from TSM and brings to light the peculiar stories of national missionaries and their work. It concludes by offering implications and making recommendations for mission, which should inspire more mission work by nationals to the unreached peoples.