CYBERSPACE MINISTRY: CHALLENGES FACED BY CLERGY IN KENYA DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC
CYBERSPACE MINISTRY: CHALLENGES FACED BY CLERGY IN KENYA DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC
Ruth W. Muriithi - Murang’a University of Technology, Kenya
Victor E. K. Muriithi - East Surrey College, United Kingdom
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to identify challenges posed by cyberspace ministry to clergy in Kenya. The study also aimed at making recommendations on how to overcome the challenges identified so as to improve the experience of clergy’s discharge of cyberspace ministry. Practice of organised religion has been greatly impacted on, and probably permanently modified, by COVID19 pandemic. Almost all churches in urban areas turned to online and digital platforms to run their ministry and mission. Some examples of these include online worship services, virtual holy communion and bible study sessions. Some churches especially those in urban settings adapted in a dynamic way and were able to create bespoke online activities for different demographics e.g. fun and interactive online service for children and teenagers. A qualitative methodology and interpretive paradigm were adopted. Self-administered questionnaires were disseminated to participants online and digitally through emails, social media and text messaging services. Findings showed that 70% of churches and ministries ventured into cyberspace ministry after the onset of the pandemic. The rate of uptake from urban clergy before and after the onset of the pandemic was double that of rural clergy. Challenges faced by the clergy were mainly indicative of operational unpreparedness and lack of technological capacity. Less than a third said they faced theological issues which is indicative of lack week operational capacity and poor cyberspace infrastructure. This study recommends that both clergy and laity need to embrace the new ‘normal’ by embracing cyberspace ministry. There has to be deliberate strategic planning on how to overcome the challenges posed by the new ‘normal’. This study is important because it shows that more research needs to done to help identify innovative ways of overcoming challenges of cyberspace ministry, improve the experience of cyberspace ministry for both the clergy and the laity and to help religious organisations and governments formulate cyberspace ministry policies and strategies.
