Evaluating the Contribution of African New Pentecostal IndependentChurches on the Wellbeing of Church Members: Case of Zion TempleCelebration Center in Rwanda

Abstract

Zion Temple Celebration Center (ZTCC) as a Pentecostal independent church in Rwanda which originated from the shadow period of 1994 genocide has attracted a large number of members from other existing churches and other new converted members. In this essay's contribution responds to the following questions: (i).Does the motivation of ZTCC members to pay tithes and give offerings associated with the church teachings and programs? (ii).Do these teachings and programs empower church's members in improving their social and economic conditions? The research revealed that through biblical messages, ZTCC had built a foundation by which development process can be lay on within a community that was coming from a desperate situation to the level of embracing self-acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation. The methodology of clustering teaching programs in respect of subgroups (youth and young professionals, businessmen, couples, widows, etc.) that attend church services has converted the abstract of biblical messages into applicable and achievable principles in day to day life with aim to improve their living conditions and be more proactive. In fact, there are signs of evidences that show the contribution of ZTCC in life improvement of its members more building capacity at individual level than at community level as a whole. The trust and attachment to their church has made members to feel committed to sustain church's expenses by paying tithes and offerings. But also making the church a kind of training center where members and other people come to learn about skills and knowledge to deal with life issues and some of the solutions to apply increased the number of church members and make some of them loyal to the point they would consider the church as their own institution more than being plugged only to spirituality.