The Effect of Ambition to Succeed, Achieve and Compete in Pastoral Ministry: Healthy or Hazardous to Discipleship in SDA Church North Rift Valley Field in Kenya

Abstract

The article sought to examine the impact of ambition in ministry when pastors embrace it in order to succeed, achieve and compete. Most of the gospel ministers’ aspirations to go higher and the desire to possess more can affect ministerial lines positively or negatively. This study uses fifteen pastors from three stations as participants. These stations include Kitale, Mt. Elgon and Kapenguria. The research documents three Field departmental directors (Ministerial, Youth, and Evangelism) selected as informants. The instruments used to collect data was questionnaires and interviews. The study used random sampling in selecting the participants. The study revealed that there are positive aspects of ambition that, properly placed, can help pastoral ministry and the advancement of God’s cause. The engagement resulted in having an educated ministry, not novices. The qualitative analysis was done through interviews with the three departmental personnel and a few pastors. The information from the informants showed that pastors need to embrace change as the world changes. Those interviewed indicated that ambitious pastors engaged themselves in activities that resulted in character assassination, misappropriation of church funds, and involvement in dubious means of acquiring wealth against the norms of pastoral ministry. The interviews were geared towards the pastors’ views, understanding and perceptions on why they need to succeed, achieve and compete in pastoral ministry.