Exploring Determinants of Men’s Absenteeism from Church at Pcea Nyeri Presbytery, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Men’s participation in church has raised concerns about the sustainability of congregational engagement, spiritual leadership and community development efforts. In recent times, churches, researchers and religious analysts have recorded absenteeism and a declining trend in the attendance of men in the church both on Sundays and/or weekly church activities. Despite the central role men play in church leadership and family spiritual life, their diminishing presence in church activities remains poorly understood, especially in local Kenyan contexts such as Nyeri County. This study thus sought to examine the factors contributing to men’s absenteeism at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Nyeri County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to evaluate the contribution of church structure, evangelistic strategies, social-cultural practices and economic factors, to men’s absenteeism at the Nyeri Presbytery. Further, the study sought to explore the intervening influence of family commitments and personal beliefs on men’s absenteeism in church today. Understanding these determinants would enable church leaders formulate effective strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable church participation. The study was guided by classical secularization and the economic theory of religious belief. The study employed a descriptive research design, using stratified sampling to select 131 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Quantitative data analysis entailed descriptive (percentages and means) and inferential (regression) statistical methods with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences. The qualitative data was analyzed through themes and patterns. Presentation of analyzed data was through charts, tables and graphs alongside discussion to enable inference, conclusion and recommendations. The study findings indicate that among the key determinants, economic hardship and religious commitment had the most significant influence on absenteeism, with economic struggles discouraging men from active church involvement. Additionally, ineffective lay preaching and evangelistic approaches further contributed to disengagement. Thus, the study concluded that personal religious commitment, though an intervening factor, had the strongest and positive relationship with absenteeism of men in church. To address absenteeism, the church must restructure its evangelistic approach, incorporating more interactive and inclusive fellowship programs. Additionally, social-economic empowerment initiatives should be integrated into church activities to support men facing financial hardships.