Nature and usage of the doctrine of seed planting in the modern church: A case of new Christian movements in Kenya

Abstract

This paper presents the usage of the seed planting (DSP) doctrine in the modern church, a case of new Christian movements (NCMs) in Kenya. The study sought to identify the meaning of DSP and to determine the nature and usage of the DSP in churches in Kenya. The study posits that the DSP has gained popularity in the NCMs in Kenya, and in the last two decades, other denominations have started adopting it. This is occasioned by the upsurge of preachers who present it as a unique way of giving that replaced tithing and as a special way to attract the blessings of God in the life of believers. Although the advocates of the DSP postulate religious reasons, this study has established that it is used as a strategy to raise money in the church. Its usage has blurred the image of the church from being an institution existing for the plight of the needy and the suffering to becoming a commercial institution. This study concludes that its usage in the church is inconsistent with the teachings in the Bible and, therefore, a false doctrine. Clergy, whether or not advocating for the doctrine of seed planting, ought to sensitise their believers on the true nature of God, a compassion-loving God who cannot be bribed, manipulated or hand-twisted by man. The study contributes significant knowledge in the area of church and society.