Browsing by Author "Gakpetor, Sam"

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    An evaluation of the impact of disciple-making on work ethic of Ghanaian Christians : a case study of the Church of Pentecost Ghana
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12-15) Gakpetor, Sam; Nell, Ian; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the extent disciplemaking processes of Ghanaian churches have led to the transformation of the lives of their church members, reflecting on their positive work ethic in their workplaces, with specific reference to The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Ghana. Guided by the research question, To what extent has the CoP-Ghana’s disciplemaking ministry transformed the work ethic of her members in the marketplace?, the research sought to understand the paradox between the large number of Christians in Ghana and the perceived negative work ethic of the average Ghanaian worker. The study provided a biblical and contemporary understanding of disciplemaking, what it entails and how it takes place in the local church. The study deployed qualitative methods in the form of interviews and focus group discussions to ascertain the impact of disciplemaking in the churches on the work ethic of The Church of Pentecost members in Ghana. In this study, an understanding of the theology of work, work ethic and its dimensions, as well as the importance of work ethic construct for Africa, the challenges it portends and the factors that contribute to the challenges are analysed. The evaluation of data via the lens of available literature revealed the dichotomous perception that many Christians have an attitude to things considered sacred and those considered secular which is a cause of concern, and that there is a lack of intentionality of discipleship in the churches. It was further observed that some aspects of Ghanaian culture have adverse impact on Ghanaians’ attitude to work. The research prescribes that an antidote to this precarious situation is a wholesale sustained effective discipleship that the Church must embark upon, especially as currently being attempted by The Church of Pentecost. The researcher opines that to this end, the Workers Guilds in The Church of Pentecost provide avenue for intentional disciplemaking to make members of the church more relevant in the marketplace as they exhibit a positive work ethic.