TD-Department of Children & Youth Ministry (MST)
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Item Open Access An Evaluation of Youth Ministry in the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Nigeria: A Case for Professionalism(PAC University, 2024-08-14) Yusuf Obed LewiThis study indicates that youth ministry in ECWA is not regarded as a distinct field that needs trained and qualified workers. The study explored the following questions: (1) what is the nature and structure of youth ministry in ECWA Nigeria? (2) What is the perception of youth ministry in ECWA Nigeria? (3) How can the professionalisation of the youth ministry enhance its perception and practice in ECWA Nigeria? To answer these questions, the study adopted Richard Osmer's (2008) practical theology framework and employed qualitative research methods to investigate the experiences of youth pastors in ECWA through in-depth, semistructured individual interviews. Following the literature reviewed and the data gathered from the ECWA youth pastors interviewed, the study revealed that professionalisation is essential in improving the perception and practice of youth ministry in ECWA. In that regard, three implications were discussed: first, ECWA needs to establish standards, minimum qualifications, and requirements for individuals who want to work as youth pastors to bridge the gap between the youth ministry perception and practice; second, to improve the perception of youth ministry, ECWA should make it mandatory for people who want to serve in youth ministry to undergo formal theological training that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge; thirdly, to counter the negative perceptions surrounding youth ministry, ECWA should focus on raising awareness, education, and support for the significance of youth ministry through organised campaigns and communications. The study also offered seven recommendations with practical steps and strategic directions to translate the findings into action.Item Open Access THE ROLE OF CHURCH-SPONSORED SCHOOLS IN THE MORAL EDUCATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NAIROBI COUNTY(PAC University, 2023-07-25) KHAMATI, VALLERIE MUSANGAEducation is one of the basic human needs and among the key determinants of national development categorized as a human right. Many countries invest heavily in the education sector to nurture talent and to develop human capital. Despite the central role education plays in the development of children, the current moral decay in Kenyan high schools is a major concern for policymakers. Kenya, a country rich in cultural diversity and religious pluralism, has witnessed a steady growth in church-sponsored schools over the years. These schools, often associated with religious organizations, offer a distinct educational environment that incorporates religious teachings and values into the curriculum. By blending academic excellence with spiritual guidance, church-sponsored schools aim to nurture not only the intellectual capabilities of their students but also their moral compass. However, amidst the growing influence of secular education and evolving societal norms, it is imperative to critically assess the effectiveness of church-sponsored high schools in achieving their intended goals of moral education. This study therefore sought to determine the morality outputs of church sponsored high schools by assessing the effectiveness of moral education approaches implemented by educators in these schools. Specifically, the research focused on three objectives; To examine the extent of the church role in moral education in selected church-sponsored high schools in Nairobi County, to determine the effect of church rules, regulations and group values on moral education in selected church-sponsored high schools in Nairobi County; and to examine the effect of church social trends on moral education in selected church-sponsored high schools in Nairobi County. The study was premised on Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development, Thomistic Theory of Moral Development and the Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura. A descriptive research design was employed with study population drawn from the 43 county high schools, 28 sub-county high schools and 129 private high schools in Nairobi County. Study observations were obtained from the deputy principals and guidance and counselling heads. Findings led to the conclusion that church rules and regulations as well as church group values have positive and significant effects on students’ moral development. The study also concluded that church social trends do not significantly influence the moral education and development of students in the selected institutions. The study recommends that the church plays an active role in the formulation of school rules and guidelines as they play a key role in creating a culture conducive for moral education. The study further calls on the church-sponsored schools in collaboration with the church, to play a bigger role in social critique and to make use of digital channels to reach the high school students who have migrated from traditional sources of information to digital channels. The study recognizes the importance of mentors in students’ moral education and recommends that the schools include provisions for updating teachers on acceptable morals and standards aligned to church group values, church rules and regulations and church social trends.Item Open Access THE INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL FORMATION IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY: THE CASE OF RABAI CHURCHES(PACU, 2023-07-25) KURI, PURITYThe influence of Christian spiritual formation is significant for holistic child development and community sustainability. The objective of this study was to establish whether the church in Rabai Sub-County in Kilifi County, Kenya, has a role in the Christian spiritual formation of a child because it is imperative for behavioral challenges, developing values, parental/child Socialization, and academic success. The study used qualitative research design and methodology involved stratified and purposive sampling of 36 parents, child caregivers, and clergy professionals. Data were collected using structured interviews. The researcher observed ethical considerations in accordance with the university’s laid down ethical protocols. The data collected was analysed using thematic techniques. The qualitative analysis yielded that teaching spiritual disciplines to the child and leading radical unashamed Christian lives were theological approaches to promoting spiritual formation. The greatest hindrance was distractions, which manifested through technology, traditional and cultural practices, and parental over-permissiveness. However, it was clear from the findings that intentional spiritual molding is an influential way of promoting the spiritual formation of the children for development. Therefore, while spiritual formation was determined to be crucial for the development that can lead to community sustainability. Further research was required to determine the extent to which spiritual formation methods help the people of Rabai, have a sustainable community.