Convergence, Not Accumulation: Digital Maturity and Organisational Resilience among SDA Self-Supporting Ministries in Kenya

Abstract

This study examines whether digital maturity strengthens organisational resilience among Seventh-day Adventist–affiliated self-supporting ministries in Kenya. Two propositions are tested: that Digital Intensity—governed data, simple automation/analytics, and reliable “green” infrastructure—relates positively to resilience, and that the convergence of Digital Intensity with Transformation Management Intensity—mission-linked strategy, baseline readiness, and human-centric adoption—explains resilience better than either stream alone. A quantitative, explanatory, cross-sectional survey of 141 ministries was analysed using hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling with robust estimation and bootstrapped confidence intervals. The measurement model met reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity standards with acceptable global fit. Structurally, Digital Intensity demonstrated a positive, statistically significant association with resilience, and the convergence construct provided the strongest pathway, explaining higher variance and remaining stable across sensitivity checks. The study concludes that resilience gains in resource-constrained ministries arise less from accumulating tools than from coupling governed information, lightweight automation, and dependable infrastructure with focused strategy, cyber hygiene, and adoption rituals. Findings inform shared services, lightweight standards, and micro-learning initiatives for African faith-based nonprofits.