Towards a contextual approach of reaching the Ruguru people of Morogoro Tanzania: A biblical - cultural case study

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to analyze the reasons why the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Morogoro district have failed to convert and retain a significant proportion of the Ruguru people in the Adventist faith. The study applied a biblical contextual approach in understanding how dispensing the Adventist message in Ruguru society has led to the problem. The nature of the study, favored a qualitative approach based on the case study methodology. Data was mainly collected through in depth-interviews using semi-structured interview protocol; and focus group methods. The study involved people of both genders thirty men and twenty women. The findings of the research revealed that the SDA church in Morogoro, failed to convert and retain a significant proportion of the Ruguru because (i) The Adventist Mission approach failed to incorporate ngoma which is an integral part of Ruguru culture. (ii) The Adventist denunciation of the Ruguru view that dead people can communicate with the living, as contrary to the word of God. (iii) Prohibition of Ruguru initiations practices by the SDA church because they involve immoral instructions. (iv) Prohibition of the traditional medicine by the church. In conclusion, the study argues that in order for Ruguru people to be transformed by Adventist faith the above setbacks must be addressed through a proposed contextual biblical model. The model has put emphasis on the engagement of culture alternatively, accommodating or rejecting its varied aspects. This model will encourage Ruguru to accept Adventism faith as a relevant faith to them.