PRE-WARNING SIGNS OF BACKSLIDING IN CHURCH MEMBERS: PATTERNS AND INTERPRETATIONS

This study aims to determine pre-warranty signs of backsliding exhibited by church members in Kisii, Kissi County. The phenomenon of backsliding and church non-attendance among men is one of the emerging tendencies in the postmodern religious worldviews. This research applied a quantitative method for data collection. The quantitative design utilized a questionnaire with structured closed-ended questions on a four-point Likert scale of measurement and collected respondents’ attitudes and opinions, which factored the backslidden members in this study. The design provided the blueprint for this research. Data was analyzed electronically using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive data analysis to capture the percentage. Based on the findings, the warning signs for backsliding that stood out include but are not limited to, the following categories: church-oriented, personal, sociological, or external reasons. Therefore, the study recommends that each church member be actively involved in weekly church activities so that the backsliders can be reclaimed, retained, and nurtured spiritually. The church should implement the following programs: small group ministry, prayer ministry, visitation program, and leadership training to curb this worrying trend of backsliding.