This study investigated the information needs and seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia. The purpose of the study was to establish the information required by pastors to carry out their work, how they seek information and the problems they encounter in doing so. A mixed-method approach research was used to meet the objectives of the study. A stratified quota sample of 200 pastors was used based on Walpole’s formula for proportions. One hundred and thirty-eight (69%) participants responded to the questionnaire, while 16 pastors from different denominations in Windhoek, purposively selected as key informants, were interviewed. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) basic level descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data from the questionnaires, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from the interviews.
The findings of this research are that pastors need information for counselling, community development, administration, evangelism, preaching, teaching, public relations and leading a service. When pastors do not find information from formal sources (Bible concordances, Bible commentaries, Bible translations, etc.) in their personal libraries, they turn to informal sources of information (Holy Spirit and other experienced pastors). The respondents revealed that their information seeking behaviour is affected by the fact that existing information is either in languages they do not understand or is not relevant to their contexts. They also pointed out that they lack skills to search the Internet, and the majority have no money to buy computers or subscribe to the Internet.
Many organisations are involved in the provision of pastoral information services but they lack coordination to serve the pastors effectively. A framework for setting up pastoral information services has been proposed. The researcher recommends that the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), the Pastors’ Book Set (PBS) programme, theological colleges, and local churches work together to systematically provide pastors with the necessary resources. They should periodically assess the information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors. They need to jointly run workshops to make pastors aware of available sources of information, to encourage the sharing of information among pastors, and to equip pastors with computer and Internet skills. There is also need to repackage information into local languages and in formats that pa
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Orientation of the study
1.3 Statement of the problem
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Significance of the study
1.6 Limitation of the study
1.7 Literature review
1.8 Theoretical framework
1.9 Definition of terms and concepts
1.10 Research design and methodology
1.10.1 Research design
1.10.2 Population
1.10.3 Sample
1.10.4 Data collection methods
1.10.5 Validity and reliability
1.10.6 Procedure
1.10.7 Data analysis
1.11 Research ethics
1.12 Structure of the thesis
1.13 Summary
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Information needs and seeking behaviour of pastors
2.2.1 Information
2.2.2 Information need
2.2.3 Information seeking
2.2.4 Information behaviour
2.3 Information sources used and how they are used
2.4 Factors affecting pastors’ information seeking behaviour
2.5 Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness to meet their job demands
2.6 Pastoral information service
2.7 Information behaviour models
2.7.1 Ellis’ (1989) behavioural model of information seeking strategies
2.7.2 Kuhlthau’s (1991) model of the stages of information-seeking
2.7.3 Wilson’s (1996) model of information seeking behaviour
2.7.4 Dervin’s (2000) sense-making theory
2.8 Reasons for using Wilson’s model and Dervin’s theory
2.9 Summary
CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research design
3.3 Survey research
3.3.1 Strengths of survey research
3.3.2 Weaknesses of survey research
3.4 Interviews
3.5 Research population
3.5.1 Sampling procedures
3.5.2 Stratified sampling
3.5.3 Purposive sampling
3.6 Reliability and validity
3.7 Data collection instruments
3.7.1 Questionnaire as a data collection tool
3.7.2 Interview guide as a way of collecting data
3.8 The pilot study
3.9 Data collection process
3.9.1 Administering the questionnaires
3.9.2 Existing church documents and interviews with key informants
3.10 Data analysis
3.10.1 Analysis of quantitative data
3.10.2 Analysis of qualitative data
3.11 Ethical considerations
3.12 Evaluation of the research methodology
3.13 Summary
CHAPTER 4 : DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors
4.2.1 Information needs of pastors
4.2.2 Information seeking behaviour of pastors
4.2.3 Information sources used and how they are used
4.2.4 Factors affecting pastors’ information seeking behaviour
4.2.5 Accessibility of pastoral information
4.2.6 Perceptions of pastors about their preparedness in carrying out their pastoral duties
4.2.7 Pastors’ views on how to improve pastoral information services
4.3 Summary
CHAPTER 5 : DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors
5.2.1 Information needs
5.2.2 Information seeking behaviour of pastors
5.3 Information sources used and how they are used
5.4 Factors affecting pastors’ information seeking behaviour
5.5 Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness for carrying out their duties
5.6 Pastors’ views on how to improve pastoral information services
5.7 Summary
CHAPTER 6 : FRAMEWORK FOR SETTING UP PASTORAL INFORMATION SERVICES
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Basis for the proposed framework
6.3 Analysis of context
6.4 Analysis of prevailing circumstances
6.5 Analysis of information seeking behaviour
6.6 Analysis of information use
6.7 Summary
CHAPTER 7 : SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Summary of the findings
7.2.1 Information needs
7.2.2 Information seeking behaviour of pastors
7.2.3 Information sources used by pastors
7.2.4 Factors affecting pastors’ information seeking behaviour
7.2.5 Level of information accessibility
7.2.6 Perceptions of pastors about their preparedness in carrying out their duties
7.2.7 Suggestions by pastors on improving information service provision
7.2.8 Framework for setting up pastoral information services
7.3 Conclusions
7.3.1 Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors
7.3.2 Information sources used and how they are used
7.3.3 Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness for their duties
7.3.4 Factors affecting pastors’ information seeking behaviour
7.3.5 Pastors’ suggestions for improving pastoral information services
7.4 Recommendations
7.4.1 Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors
7.4.2 Barriers to information seeking
7.4.3 Perceptions of pastors
7.4.4 Framework for setting up pastoral information services
7.4.5 Recommendations for further research
7.5 Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this research is to establish the information needs and the information seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia. By identifying how pastors acquire necessary knowledge to perform their diverse ministry roles, the study aims to propose a framework for more effective pastoral information services, ultimately bridging the identified information gaps.
- Information needs assessment for various pastoral duties
- Information seeking patterns and preferred sources
- Barriers to effective information access (e.g., language, cost, digital literacy)
- Pastors' self-perception of preparedness for ministry
- Framework development for systematic pastoral information provision
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Introduction
Pastors are trained people who have devoted their lives to serving God by imparting biblical wisdom and guidance to society. Their responsibilities include administration, evangelism, preaching, directing prayers or services, community development, public relations, youth services, accounting, member care, teaching and counselling, including HIV and AIDS counselling (Warren, 1995, p. 49). They give people emotional support and comfort in times of sadness or joy. Individuals, families and nations rely on them in relation to a number of problems ranging from social to religious issues.
The Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in March 2007 called on religious leaders to consult on the issue of moral decay in Namibia, particularly the issue of HIV and AIDS (Isaacs, 2007). This shows the importance the Namibian government has placed on pastors. As pastors work with individuals, families, and nations, they definitely need information.
The word ‘pastor’ is a Latin word for herdsman (Harper, 2010). It is an official title for a priest or a preacher in a local church. Their qualifications and ordination vary from denomination to denomination. The biblical mandate for pastors is that they are to be above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not lovers of money, able to manage their own households well, not a new convert, but someone who enjoys a good reputation with those outside the church (1Tim 3:2-7).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the study, defining the role of pastors, the problem statement regarding information access, and the research objectives.
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews theoretical models of information behaviour, such as Wilson's and Dervin’s, to establish a framework for understanding how pastors seek and use information.
CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter outlines the mixed-method research approach, covering survey instruments, sampling procedures for 200 pastors, and qualitative interview techniques.
CHAPTER 4 : DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION: This chapter presents the quantitative and qualitative findings regarding pastors' information needs, their sources of information, and the challenges they face in their ministries.
CHAPTER 5 : DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS: This chapter interprets the collected data, comparing pastoral information behaviours to existing literature and evaluating the impact of work environment and roles.
CHAPTER 6 : FRAMEWORK FOR SETTING UP PASTORAL INFORMATION SERVICES: This chapter proposes a structured framework designed to improve the coordination and provision of information services to pastors in Namibia.
CHAPTER 7 : SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the research findings, offers conclusions on the study objectives, and provides recommendations for further research and practical implementation.
Keywords
Information needs, information seeking behaviour, pastors, Namibia, pastoral information services, Wilson's model, Dervin's sense-making theory, pastoral duties, information barriers, theological libraries, contextualisation, information literacy, sermon preparation, religious leadership, digital access
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this thesis?
The thesis investigates the information needs and the information seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia to understand how they acquire information to fulfill their professional and spiritual roles.
What are the central thematic areas?
The research focuses on the types of information required for ministry, the sources pastors turn to, barriers preventing information access, and how to improve future information services.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The main objective is to establish the current information seeking practices of Namibian pastors and to propose a sustainable framework for pastoral information services.
What research methodology was employed?
The researcher used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from questionnaires sent to 200 pastors with qualitative insights gathered through semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body examines existing literature, describes the research methodology, presents a detailed analysis of findings regarding information sources and needs, discusses these findings, and outlines a framework for future service implementation.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include information needs, information seeking behaviour, pastors, Namibia, pastoral information services, and information literacy.
What role does technology play for these pastors?
The findings indicate that while the Internet is recognized as a potential resource, most pastors face significant barriers such as lack of computer skills, high costs, and a lack of locally relevant content.
What are the primary conclusions regarding accessibility?
The study concludes that there is a significant information gap; while information exists, it is often not accessible or relevant due to language barriers, lack of financial resources, and the perceived "academic" nature of existing library collections compared to pastoral needs.
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- David Matsveru (Autor:in), 2013, Information needs and Information seeking behaviour of Namibian pastors, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/233272
