Engagement Practices in Addis Ababa and Their Effects in Building Healthy Marriages

by Yared Eshetu Fisseha
June 1st, 2012
The ministry problem discussed in this dissertation focuses on the growth of urbanization in the city of Addis Ababa and its influence in decreasing relational community among the new generation of evangelicals and the city dwellers in general. The deteriorating relational social life has caused the new generation to have problems knowing each other, fostering proper relationships, and building healthy marriages. The historical background and demographic statistics of the city and the research conducted through qualitative, quantitative, and appreciative inquiry methods indicate that a new kind of relational-based ministry is needed to bridge these gaps in relationships.
The scope of this research is limited only to the social and biblical aspect of the relationship problems. The findings are adequate to draw the conclusions, but further study is indicated as necessary for the future. The research was limited to the evangelical church, particularly on the FBIC in which the project will initially be carried out. Efforts have been made to include the wider audience of evangelicals as well us city dwellers.

The findings conclude that a new and relationally-based youth ministries program should be started. Through a biblical worldview, relationships, dating, and eventually healthy marriages that last a lifetime can be established; relationships that are based on healthier families, and may even result in the transformation of society from within.