IMPACT OF YOUTH LIFE STYLE ON CHURCH GROWTH

Abstract:

The role of youth lifestyles in church growth remains a critical yet underexplored dimension in religious development. This study examines the intersection of youth behaviors, church doctrines, and cultural influences, and how these elements collectively shape church health and expansion. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews conducted at The Living Faith Church, the research identifies significant correlations between youth lifestyles and key factors influencing church growth, such as spirituality, evangelization, and organizational involvement. Findings reveal that cultural alignment, moral guidance, and targeted church programs significantly enhance youth participation and devotion. Furthermore, the study underscores the mutual responsibilities of the church and families in nurturing youth potential for long-term ecclesiastical benefits. The research contributes to understanding how strategic integration of youth activities into church frameworks can foster sustainable growth, making it a valuable resource for church leaders, policymakers, and religious educators. This work bridges gaps in existing literature by providing actionable insights and a roadmap for leveraging youth contributions to church vitality.

Keywords

Youth lifestyle, church growth, spirituality, evangelization, cultural alignment, moral guidance, ecclesiastical development

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Church Growth is a movement within evangelical Christianity which focuses on developing methods to grow churches based on business marketing strategies. It cannot be disputed that youths play a vital role in the life of a Church as they are the leaders of tomorrow and future of the church. The elderly stands out but youth’s contributions have been shinning and have always been flagbearers of every Church. For any tangible growth to take place in any Christiancommunity, the youth must be significant in that process of growth. This is the more reason whywise nations, countries, groups and organization focus more on the development of youths so that thefuture of such investments would never be improvised or blind. It is therefore of vital importance in the Catholic Church to prepare assiduously youths for the tasks they would naturally face inthe coming future. It is only when we have nourished our youths that they in-turn develop theChurch. The questions are “what amount of attention do we give the youths and what levelof devotion does the youths give to the church.

The youths of today have very high ideals, and to deny this would be grossly unfair. But we mustadmit that very often these ideals can sour, can be perverted and can be exploited. Often youngpeople ultimately relinquish their ideals if they suspect that the situation is hopeless; if theyconclude that nowhere can these ideals be fulfilled. Unfortunately, this is the usual progressionof events today. Disappointments lead to abysmal falls, often to depths lower than those theycondemned when their idealism was fresh. Where this does not happen, ideals are exploited byfalse prophets of good. The sectarians far from the fullness of truth are able to inspireyouth to make such amazing sacrifices Yet at the same time, the Orthodox Church, possessingthe fullness of Truth, has a real difficulty in keeping her youth(Abednego: 1989). It could be that in ignoring the high ideals and potential moral heroism of our youth we have failed to familiarizethem with our examples of such heroism, displayed by our own young, even the very young, who loved Christ and His Church in past ages. The youths are important fabrics in the society. Can there be any society without youth?Obviously no, that is why we must see to it that our youths find their rightful places in the church.

Church growth begins with church health and not the other way around. We see in nature that healthy things grow. This is by no means a new concept, but it’s still true. From this research, we will discover what a healthy church is like and how youth life style can boost church growth.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

One significant challenge is the difficulty in analyzing the connection between youth lifestyles and church development. Another issue lies in accurately measuring numerical growth. Various indicators, such as attendance and participation in church events, are available but are often subject to measurement inaccuracies and random fluctuations. This variability becomes especially problematic in smaller churches, where slight changes in attendance can result in disproportionately large shifts in reported growth metrics.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To explore the relationship between youth lifestyles and church development.
2. To address and transform negative cultural practices within certain church youth ministries.
3. To inspire and redefine the church’s vision for the future.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How much attention is given to the youth by the church?
2. To what extent are the youths devoted to the church?

1.5   Research hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant relationship between youth life style and church growth.

Hi: There is a significant relationship between youth life style and church growth.

1.6   Significance of the Study

This research aims to provide valuable insights for churches, ministries, and pastors by highlighting the crucial role of youths in the growth and sustainability of the church. Recognizing that youths are the leaders of tomorrow and the backbone of future church development, this study explores how youth lifestyles impact the vitality of church communities. Through this research, we aim to identify the characteristics of a thriving church and demonstrate how nurturing youth lifestyles can enhance church development.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This research focuses on examining the relationship between youth lifestyles and church development.

Limitations of the Study

1. Financial Constraints: Limited funding restricted the researcher’s ability to source comprehensive materials, access extensive literature, and conduct a wide range of data collection, including online resources, questionnaires, and interviews.
2. Time Constraints: Balancing this research with other academic responsibilities reduced the time available for a more in-depth exploration of the topic.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Church Growth: A movement within evangelical Christianity aimed at devising strategies to expand churches, often drawing on business marketing principles.
• Youth: Refers to the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, characterized by physical, emotional, and intellectual maturity.
• Lifestyle: A collective term for the way individuals live their lives, encompassing their actions, social interactions, choices, and use of resources.

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