Navigating the Transition from Children Ministry to Youth Ministry in Full Gospel Churches of Kenya,Nairobi South District
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Date
2025-12-03
Authors
Beatrice N.Chuchu
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Publisher
PAC University
Abstract
This study investigates the critical yet often overlooked transition of youth from Children Ministry to Youth Ministry within Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK), Nairobi South District. During this pivotal developmental stage, many disengaged adolescents withdraw from church participation due to a lack of meaningful engagement and mentorship opportunities. To comprehensively analyze and enhance this transitional process, the research identifies key influencing factors, evaluates leadership roles, and establishes effective intervention strategies. Guided by Identity Development Theory, Social Development Theory, and Faith Development Theory, this investigation employed a convergent mixed methods approach, triangulating multiple stakeholder perspectives. Data collection included surveys with 71 youth members and 28 Children ministers, in-depth interviews with 15 pastors, and focus group discussions with 123 parents. Findings revealed a complex interplay of challenges: youth participants reported diminished self-esteem and insufficient involvement opportunities, while pastoral leaders identified resource constraints and disconnected leadership approaches. Current transitional practices, such as graduation ceremonies and occasional camps, were found to be largely ceremonial, lacking the substance needed for sustained engagement. Notably, relationship centered interventions, particularly mentorship programs and peer-led initiatives, demonstrated significant potential for bridging ministerial divisions and fostering a sense of belonging. While parents are recognized as crucial spiritual influencers, they primarily occupy logistical support roles with minimal training for guiding their children's faith development. Both pastoral leaders and parents emphasized the need for structured frameworks to strengthen church-family partnerships through resources like parent workshops and family-centered faith activities. The research also highlighted a lack of coordinated leadership, with ministry directors working independently rather than collaboratively to develop transition pathways. This study proposes a comprehensive intervention approach prioritizing mentorship networks, interactive youth-directed programming, and leadership development, positioning adolescents as active participants in their spiritual formation. Additionally, it advocates for systemic reforms, including standardized transition protocols, cross-ministry collaboration, and parent empowerment initiatives to address emotional, relational, and structural gaps within the current system. Ultimately, this research underscores that effective transitions require intentional collaboration among church leadership, parents, and youth, anchored in culturally relevant strategies that align spiritual formation with adolescents' evolving developmental needs. By fostering ownership, resilience, and intergenerational connections, FGCK can mitigate attrition and nurture a vibrant, sustainable youth ministry. The study offers valuable insights for church leaders, Children ministers, parents, and academic discourse on youth ministry, advocating for integrated, youth-centered models that bridge ministerial divisions and promote lifelong faith commitment.