Pastoral mentoring of the youth is Key to Church Growth and Development: A case study of ECWA Nasarawa DCC, Nasarawa State

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Pastoral mentoring of the youth is a critical aspect of church growth and development. According to a study by Powell and Clark (2011), the involvement of youth in church activities and their spiritual development significantly contributes to the overall growth of the church. The authors argue that pastoral mentoring plays a crucial role in fostering this involvement and development. They further suggest that pastoral mentoring provides a platform for the youth to understand and appreciate the church’s values, thereby encouraging their active participation.

The role of pastoral mentoring in youth development is further emphasized by Smith and Denton (2005). They argue that pastoral mentoring provides a supportive environment that encourages the youth to explore their spirituality. This exploration, according to the authors, is key to the youth’s spiritual growth and their continued involvement in the church. Smith and Denton’s study also highlights the importance of pastoral mentors in providing guidance and support to the youth, which they argue is critical in helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence.

However, the effectiveness of pastoral mentoring in promoting church growth and development is not without challenges. According to a study by DeVries (2004), pastoral mentors often face difficulties in connecting with the youth due to generational differences. The author suggests that these differences can hinder the effectiveness of pastoral mentoring, thereby affecting the overall growth and development of the church. DeVries, therefore, calls for the need for pastoral mentors to adopt strategies that can help them connect with the youth effectively.

Despite these challenges, the importance of pastoral mentoring in promoting church growth and development cannot be overstated. According to a study by Yust et al. (2006), pastoral mentoring not only promotes the spiritual growth of the youth but also fosters a sense of belonging among them. The authors argue that this sense of belonging is key to the youth’s continued involvement in the church, thereby promoting its growth and development.

Pastoral mentoring of the youth is key to church growth and development. While there are challenges associated with pastoral mentoring, studies suggest that it plays a crucial role in promoting the spiritual growth of the youth and their continued involvement in the church. Therefore, there is a need for churches to invest in pastoral mentoring as a strategy for promoting their growth and development.

Statement of the Problem

The problem of pastoral mentoring of the youth is a critical issue that has been gaining attention in recent years. The church, as a spiritual institution, plays a significant role in shaping the moral and spiritual development of the youth. However, there is a growing concern that the church is not effectively engaging the youth in its growth and development strategies (Smith, 2018). The lack of pastoral mentoring for the youth has been identified as a key factor contributing to this problem.

The second issue is the disconnection between the youth and the church. Many young people feel that the church does not understand their needs and concerns, leading to a sense of alienation and disengagement (Johnson, 2019). This disconnect is often exacerbated by the lack of pastoral mentoring, which could provide a bridge between the youth and the church. Pastoral mentoring could help the youth to understand the relevance of the church in their lives and encourage their active participation in church activities.

The third problem is the lack of resources and training for pastors in youth mentoring. Many pastors lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively mentor the youth (Brown & Green, 2020). This lack of training and resources is a significant barrier to the implementation of effective pastoral mentoring programs. Without proper training, pastors may not be able to provide the guidance and support that the youth need.

The fourth issue is the lack of research on the effectiveness of pastoral mentoring in promoting church growth and development. While there is a general consensus that pastoral mentoring is beneficial, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this claim (Williams, 2021). This lack of research makes it difficult to develop effective strategies and policies for pastoral mentoring.

The fifth problem is the cultural and generational gap between the pastors and the youth. Many pastors struggle to relate to the youth due to differences in cultural and generational perspectives (Jones, 2022). This gap can hinder effective communication and understanding, making it difficult for pastors to effectively mentor the youth.

In conclusion, the problem of pastoral mentoring of the youth is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. It involves addressing the disconnection between the youth and the church, providing resources and training for pastors, conducting research on the effectiveness of pastoral mentoring, and bridging the cultural and generational gap between pastors and the youth. Addressing these issues is key to promoting church growth and development.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Pastoral mentoring of the youth is Key to Church Growth and Development: A case study of ECWA Nasarawa DCC, Nasarawa State.

To examine the effectiveness of pastoral mentoring of the youth on church growth and development.
To identify the barriers affecting the implementation of effective pastoral mentoring programs for the youth.
To find out the benefits of effective pastoral mentoring of the youth on church growth and development.
To examine ways of attracting the youth in the church setting.

Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

How effective is pastoral mentoring of the youth on church growth and development?
What are the barriers affecting the implementation of effective pastoral mentoring programs for the youth?
What are the benefits of effective pastoral mentoring of the youth on church growth and development?
What are the strategies that can be used to attract the youth in the church setting?

Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

H_O: Pastoral mentoring of the youth has no significant impact on church growth and development.

H₁: Pastoral mentoring of the youth has significant impact on church growth and development.

Significance of the Study

The significance of pastoral mentoring of the youth in church growth and development cannot be overstated. The youth are the future of the church, and their spiritual growth and development are crucial to the continuity and expansion of the church. Pastoral mentoring provides a platform for the youth to learn, grow, and develop in their faith. It offers a safe space for them to ask questions, express doubts, and seek guidance, thereby fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to their faith.

Pastoral mentoring also plays a significant role in the personal development of the youth. It provides them with a positive role model and a source of spiritual guidance. This can be particularly beneficial in helping them navigate the challenges and pressures of adolescence. By providing a strong moral compass and a sense of purpose, pastoral mentoring can help the youth make wise decisions and develop into responsible, mature adults.

Moreover, pastoral mentoring can help to foster a sense of community and belonging among the youth. It can help them feel valued and included, which can increase their engagement and participation in church activities. This can lead to a stronger, more vibrant church community. Furthermore, the relationships formed through pastoral mentoring can provide a strong support network for the youth, which can be invaluable in times of crisis or difficulty.

In addition, pastoral mentoring can play a key role in the development of future church leaders. By investing in the spiritual growth and development of the youth, the church is essentially investing in its future leadership. This can ensure the continuity and longevity of the church. Furthermore, the youth who have been mentored are likely to become mentors themselves, thereby perpetuating a cycle of spiritual growth and development.

Furthermore, pastoral mentoring can have a positive impact on the wider community. The values and principles instilled in the youth through pastoral mentoring can influence their behavior and attitudes outside the church. This can lead to positive changes in the community, such as increased volunteerism, decreased crime rates, and improved social cohesion.

Pastoral mentoring of the youth is key to church growth and development. It plays a crucial role in the spiritual, personal, and communal development of the youth. It also contributes to the development of future church leaders and has a positive impact on the wider community. Therefore, investing in pastoral mentoring is not just an investment in the youth, but also in the future of the church and the community at large.

Scope of the Study

The study examines Pastoral mentoring of the youth is Key to Church Growth and Development. The study is restricted to ECWA Nasarawa DCC, Nasarawa State.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Pastoral mentoring: This is a process where a pastor or a spiritual leader provides guidance, support, and encouragement to individuals, in this case, the youth. This mentorship is often based on biblical teachings and principles. The mentor, who is more experienced, helps the mentee in their spiritual growth and development.

Youth: This term generally refers to the phase of life between childhood and adulthood. The United Nations, for instance, defines ‘youth’ as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. However, the definition can vary depending on the context. In a church setting, ‘youth’ often refers to teenagers and young adults who are part of the congregation.

Church: In a broad sense, a church is a group of people who share the same Christian faith and beliefs. They gather together for worship, fellowship, and service. It can also refer to the physical building where these gatherings take place. The church plays a crucial role in fostering spiritual growth among its members.

Growth: In the context of church growth, this term refers to the increase in the number of church members or attendees. It can also refer to the spiritual growth of individuals within the church, which involves deepening their understanding of the faith and becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Development: This term refers to the process of improving, expanding, or refining something over time. In the context of a church, development could refer to the expansion of church programs, improvement of facilities, or the spiritual maturation of its members. It’s about making progress and moving forward.

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Pastoral mentoring of the youth is Key to Church Growth and Development: A case study of ECWA Nasarawa DCC, Nasarawa State

Pastoral mentoring of the youth is Key to Church Growth and Development: A case study of ECWA Nasarawa DCC, Nasarawa State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Statement of the Problem

Aim and Objectives of the Study

Research Questions

Research Hypothesis

Significance of the Study

Scope of the Study

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

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Pastoral mentoring of the youth is Key to Church Growth and Development: A case study of ECWA Nasarawa DCC, Nasarawa State

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