The history of the doctrine of seed planting in Christian Churches in Kenya

Abstract

The study seeks to document the historical development of the doctrine of seed planting and examine the pivotal role of pastors in promoting and institutionalising the practice within Christian churches in Kenya. Influenced by global prosperity gospel preachers, the doctrine has been shaped and disseminated by local church leaders who have positioned it as a pathway to spiritual and material blessings. The doctrine derived from biblical scriptures has been contested as to whether it is a legitimate development of Christian doctrine or it is a deviation from biblical principles of giving. In addition, scholarly research on how it evolved in the late 20^th century in the Kenyan religious landscape lacked clear documentation. Thus, the paper traced the development of the doctrine from its foreign theological origins to its localised expression, highlighting how pastors have used sermons, media, and church structures to cultivate a culture of sacrificial giving among congregants. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected from 10 church clergy, 10 church leaders, and 150 church members and analysed using narrative descriptions. Using Newman’s theory of developing Christian doctrines (1845), the study established that the doctrine reinterpreted historic Christian teaching on generosity, simplicity, and sacrifice in giving. It, therefore, recommended a historically grounded and ethically informed approach to Christian giving in the Kenyan context. The work contributed to the growing body of African theological scholarship by documenting a distinctly African experience of Christian doctrine. It enriches the discourse around how African Christianity continues to evolve and respond to emerging challenges.