Pre-warning signs of backsliding among male church members: Patterns and interpretations

Abstract

This study aims to determine the pre-warning signs exhibited among male church members in Masaba North Sub-county, Nyamira County. The research focused on identifying consistent patterns of backsliding and interpreting their underlying meanings. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a questionnaire with structured, closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale to collect respondents’ attitudes and opinions, taking into account the sample of backslidden men. Data were analyzed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive analysis to capture percentages. Based on the findings, the pre-warning signs of backsliding that stood out include, but are not limited to, the following categories: reduced participation in church programs, irregular attendance, lack of personal devotional practices, not being visited, and emotional disconnection from the church family; which can be clustered as church-oriented, personal, sociological, and external signs. Therefore, the study recommends that church pastors, elders, and church leaders monitor, personally engage, and actively involve all church members in weekly church activities: the Sabbath school program, divine worship, communion service, small group ministry, Bible study, prayer ministry, afternoon program, mid-week prayer, church leadership, visitation program, and returning of tithes and offerings to retain, and nurture members before they backslide.