Perceptions of youth ministry in local congregation :a study of Karen Community Church

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate perceptions of youth ministry in a congregation that operates one. Karen Community Church was chosen because it was expected to have fresh and strong ideas of starting and running a youth ministry, for it had started its own youth ministry three years prior to the study. The study focused on four areas of the youth ministry namely: Rationale, goals, contents, and style. Information was gathered through questionnaires and observations. The results revealed that the congregation at the time of study did not have one perception of youth ministry. Different sections of the congregation held different opinions of youth ministry. The youths' perception of youth ministry showed some inclination towards putting emphasis on social interactions and relationship building. The church leaders on the other hand, seemed to portray an inclination towards evangelism and discipleship as their main interest in youth ministry. The parents' position was close to that of the church leaders. Consequently the researcher proposed that further research be done to find out the effects of divergent views in a single congregation on the ministries of the church.