Foundations for the Free Methodist Church of Kenya to Establish an Effective Ministry for the Youth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the need of establishing a youth ministry programme in the Free Methodist Church of Kenya. The Free Methodist Church does not have a youth ministry programme nor trained leaders to effectively meet the needs and expectations of young people. Hence the need to have good foundations for developing an effective youth ministry programme that can attract and sustain more young people in the church, meet their needs, and consequently lead to recommendations helpful to the whole church. To achieve this purpose, a survey questionnaire strengthened and improved by the use of focus groups and interviews was applied in this study. The population surveyed comprised all unmarried youth between the age of 15-29 years, all parents of these and all church leaders who manifested a particular interest in a youth ministry programme. Among other things the research indicated that: (1) slightly more men than women responded to the questionnaire; (2) the majority of the respondents were aged thirty and above and had only primary school education; (3) most respondents agreed that a youth ministry programme is needed to enhance Christian maturity for young people and has an important role to play in the Christian education of the youth; (4) most respondents agreed that youth leaders should be trained in a youth ministry programme by attending short courses or seminars; (5) the majority of respondents indicated that lack of vision, money, facilities and qualified leaders hindered the church from developing a youth ministry programme; (6) the majority of parents expressed concern about motivating and encouraging their children to attend church and learn the Word of God for their spiritual growth; and (7) the majority of church leaders indicated that the responsibility of the church is to prepare young people for the future. It is hoped that the results of this research would contribute in aiding the Kenya Free Methodist leaders to develop and maintain an effective youth ministry programme in the church.