This research explores how I-Kiribati Christians in Aotearoa New Zealand adapt to change through migration and how their lived experiences can inform Christian discipleship.
Using a qualitative, interpretivist methodology, the study gathers migration and faith stories through Te Maroro, a culturally grounded Kiribati storytelling approach.
These stories will be integrated with theology and discipleship literature to develop and evaluate a practical framework for adaptive discipleship.
Key insights:
The core findings will:
• Place I-Kiribati voices at the centre of migration and discipleship research.
• Explore adaptation as a source of resilience, faith and spiritual growth rather than simply a response to crisis.
• Develop and test a culturally grounded framework for adaptive discipleship with I-Kiribati Christian participants.
• Contribute new knowledge at the intersection of Pacific migration, practical theology and Christian discipleship.
Impact and outcomes:
This research seeks to strengthen the understanding of migration, Christian discipleship, and Pacific theology by highlighting the lived experiences of I-Kiribati Christians in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings will contribute to both academic scholarship and ministry practice by offering insights into how faith can influence adaptive growth during seasons of significant change.
A key outcome of the project will be the development of a practical framework for adaptive discipleship that can support churches and ministry leaders as they disciple people experiencing change. While grounded in the experiences of the I-Kiribati community, the framework is intended to have broader application for other migrant and faith communities. The findings will also be shared with participating Kiribati churches and communities in New Zealand, ensuring the research gives back to those whose stories have shaped the project.
Intended research outputs:
• Doctor of Philosophy thesis.
• Peer-reviewed journal articles in practical theology, migration and discipleship.
• Conference presentations.
• Community presentations to participating Kiribati churches.
• Practical adaptive discipleship framework and ministry resources.
Fields of Research Codes:
5005: Theology
5004: Religious Studies
4406: Human Geography (Migration)
Status:
Current (2025–2028)
Sustainable Development Goals:
