This study seeks to answer the research question, To what extent and in what
ways has the practice of Christian worship and the training of Maasai Christian
worship leaders in the Presbyterian Church ofEast Africa (PCEA) taken into
account the distinctives of Maasai culture? In order to answer this question, both
library investigation of Maasai culture and Presbyterian history among them and
field work research in the PCEA Olchoronyori, Injashat, and Ewuaso mission areas
were undertaken.The study provides a background history of the PCEA from its Scottish
Presbyterian roots beginning at Kibwezi in 1891 through African denominational
autonomy in 1956 and continued 20th century Presbyterian outreach efforts among
the Maasai. Of special emphasis is the work of the historic Kikuyu mission station
and its influence on Maasai people. This study also details Maasai culture in both
historic and contemporary contexts as it relates to the topic of Christian worship and
worship leader training. Extensive use ofhistoric mission photography as well as
current images provide primary source material.In addition, a field study was undertaken involving worship observations in
thirty-five PCEA congregations in Kenya. At each church, administration of a
survey instrument to ascertain attitudes toward worship practice took place. In many
ofthe PCEA Maasai congregations in the study area, one finds western liturgy,
hymnody, and formal clergy and worship leader practices. Photography from each
site and interviews with the PCEA evangelist assigned to these churches assist in
providing a convergence of resources showing the extent of western Presbyterian
influence on Maasai Christian worship and the opportunities for and levels of
Maasai worship leader training. At the conclusion ofthe field work endeavor, a
focus group debriefing facilitated the clarifying of current issues in Maasai worship
and worship leader development.By tracing the Presbyterian Church's work with the Maasai people and
analyzing the gathered data pertaining to the study area, this thesis shows that
Presbyterian work among the Maasai in the areas of worship and worship leader
training has not adequately taken into account the cultural distinctives ofthe Maasai
people. Furthermore, this inadequacy has led to friction, alienation, and the
possibility of schism. As a reaction, some Maasai churches in the study area are
now beginning to assert more demonstratively their unique cultural heritage by
incorporating elements of Maasai expression into service of Christian worship. The
study concludes that indigenous cultural models are providing new insight into
Christian worship leader training and new emphasis for claiming cultural
distinctives in Maasai Christian worship
