A study of the perception of teenagers and parents on parental contribution to teenagers' spiritual formation in Deliverance Church Ngong

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the spiritual development of teens in Deliverance Church Ngong. The overall aim was to explore and develop a theory of the teens' and parents' perception of the critical influences and contribution of parents on the spiritual formation of the teens. Data was collected through face to face semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, ten teens and five parents, and was recorded and transcribed. Observation was also done in participants' homes and in the church. The findings revealed that all stakeholders (parents and teens) felt that parents were helpful and supportive to teens' spirituality. Parents' perception of godly socialization (passing of godly values to teens by the parents) was dependent on two factors: first, how knowledgeable (informed) they were to their divine educational mandate toward their teens and second, how convinced they were on this mandate. The two factors determined how they acted (responded) and described the quality of their relationship. Also teens' perception of the same phenomenon (parental support towards teens' spirituality) was based on the extent their parents had influenced the entire (ALL) developmental domain from their tender age, and that helped them develop self-identity. The success of godly socialization was greatly affected by the state of home environment and the surrounding community. Teens' willingness to obey was considered. Parents who were well informed of their divine mandate and were fully convinced of the mandate described the quality of relationship as delightful and rewarding. On the other hand parents who were not informed of their parental mandate and not convicted of the same, described the quality of relationship as difficult and frustrating. Parents who only emphasized spiritual disciplines as the measure of spiritual development were perceived as 'nagging and too much' by the teens. On the other hand, parents who considered holistic development as a yard stick of socialization were considered as having a good relationship. Parents' perception of their spiritual support was primarily based on how they had given themselves toward their teens rather than what became of the teens. From the findings, recommendations were suggested to parents regarding the best ways to meet the needs of their teens through parental preparedness for teens' changes. At the same time parents evaluated their parenting strategies to fulfill their God given mandate.