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.
