THE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EVANGELISM IN THE ANGLO CATHOLIC CHURCH (HIGH CHURCH ANGLICAN) A CASE OF NEWALA DIOCESE IN TANZANIA

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of evangelism in the Anglo-Catholic Church (High Church Anglican). The study was conducted in Newala Diocese in Tanzania as a key part to improve the performance of the work of evangelism in the Anglo-Catholic Church in the diocese and Tanzania in particular. The objectives of the study were to identify the current evangelism strategies employed in Newala Diocese, assess the influence of the strategies used for church growth, and evaluate the current opportunities and challenges in implementing evangelism within the Diocese. Different data collection methods and instruments were employed; these included questionnaires, interviews, and observation. The sampling procedures used were purposive sampling and simple random sampling. The sample comprised 75 respondents: 25 respondents were reverends, 20 respondents were evangelists, 15 respondents were catechists, and 6 respondents were teachers. 3 respondents were nurses, 3 respondents were businesspeople, and 3 respondents were farmers. The study was mainly qualitative, although quantitative data were also collected. The study used a case study design. The Findings revealed that the work of evangelism was not effectively practiced in the diocese; it remains the work of the evangelism coordinator with no priority in administration; as a result, the work of evangelism has slowly grown. The study revealed that there were many issues affecting the implementations; these are low understanding capacity of the clergy and laity on the significance of evangelism, many Christians thought that evangelism can destroy the church’s tradition, it lacks feedback, and there is inadequate resource, both financially and in human resources, and also the study revealed that there are strong traditional religious beliefs that hinder the work of evangelism.It also revealed that normalism strategies are highly practiced in conducting evangelism work in the diocese. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to the High Church Anglican Newala Diocese in particular that would improve the Evangelism work. It is recommended that the diocese set goals to measure evangelism progress and church growth; there should be goal congruence between the strategic plan and the result of evangelism in the church; there should be a clear coordination between the headquarter of the diocese and archdeaconaries and the parishes on the evangelism work; and the results of the work of evangelism should be communicated back to the Christians to determine the progress. Training of the clergy, evangelists, and revival groups to implement and maintain effective evangelism is paramount. There should be training at all levels within the diocese on matters concerning evangelism.