Examining the Effect of Fellowship Groups’ Interpersonal Relationships on Church Development in the African Gospel Church

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of interpersonal relationship on church development. The study was built on Lewin’s theory of change and Stakeholders theory by Freeman. Descriptive research design was used to determine the effects of variables. The target population was the fellowship, church leaders and members of fellowship groups in AGC churches Anaimoi sub-county, Kericho County, Kenya. Anaimoi is divided into 6 wards with each having an average of 10 AGC churches. The fellowship groups in 18 churches were used as a sample. Strata random sampling was used to select the respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. The study was analysed through descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS and presented in pie charts, tables and graphs. Interpretation was made based on research objective. A pilot study was carried out by choosing one small group fellowship to determine the reliability and validity of research instruments. Cronbach’s alpha technique was also used to test the reliability of the questionnaires’ items. Multiple regression models were used to test the relationships between the study variables. Results indicated that there was a positive relationship between Fellowship Groups’ Interpersonal Relationships and Church Development as the reported p value is higher than the critical value. Another aspect that was observed was that the fellowship groups had manageable number of members in the fellowship that blended easily and form trust among them. The working together as a team was greatly enhanced where a member of the fellowship groups was involved in the operations. The fellowship groups act as cornerstones of progressive management for the foreseeable future.