The influence of music on the spiritual development of youth :a study of Nairobi Gospel Centre and Lifespring Chapel

Abstract

This study explored the influence of music on the spiritual development of the youth. Two churches in Nairobi, Lifespring Chapel and Nairobi Gospel Centre were selected. Data were collected through face to face semi-structured interviews with fourteen participants, and were recorded and transcribed. Observation was also done in a music concert in Lifespring chapel. The findings revealed that the influence of music on the youth is holistic, reflecting in three major developmental domains (emotional, mental and social). The study revealed that youth can either respond to music's influence Christianly or worldly. It is the Christian response that leads to spiritual development while worldly response leads to spiritual decline. A visual model of the interrelationships between the developmental domains was advanced and recommendations made to parents of youth, church leaders, the youth, media and music composers regarding the best ways to meet the needs of the youth through music as well as leading them to a closer relationship with God.