Researchers are intrigued by the Akokora Lese’s apathy towards Christian efforts to evangelize them. The mission of the Emmanuel Community started in 1942 (or even as early as 1939), but the spiritual and numerical growth among believers from the Lese in Evangelical churches is almost non-existent. The churches that were planted by the missionaries have almost disappeared: of 14 Evangelical Assemblies there are currently only 4 left in this region –all struggling for survival. Our hypothesis is that the Evangelical Assemblies among the Akokora Lese Karo people have been failing because of ineffective pastoral ministry –stifling their spiritual growth. This is also why some traditional practices and syncretism persist. This study endeavours to:1.understand the resistance to churches in the Akokora region2.analyse the situation to determine why it is happening 3.use biblical examples to determine what should be happening 4.develop a strategic plan to determine how to respond to this situation. The research was conducted by observing and interviewing church leaders and laity in the Akokora region. It was noted that there is a lack of spiritual guidance in the various Evangelical Assemblies of the Akokora region; there are no Bible teaching programmes; there is insufficient reflection on the spiritual needs of members and their spiritual growth. To overcome this, it is important to 4.develop effective bible-based, pastoral ministry5.promote the biblical and theological formation of God's servants in the region6.develop a program of discipleship and to plan programs of biblical teachings in these evangelical assemblies beginning with the re-evangelization of the people of Akokora.

Master of Theology (Mth) South African Theological Seminary 2016