Strategies for retaining church youths for evangelism activities in Suneka District, South Kenya Conference

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate church youth retention strategies for evangelism activities in the Suneka District, South Kenya Conference. The main aim and the mission of the church is to spread the word of God to all nations, people in the whole world. However, this requires energetic young people. The study was informed by two theories: Community Youth Development Theory (CYDT) and Positive Youth Development Theory (PYDT). Being a qualitative study, it employed a descriptive research design. The study targeted 400 populations with a sample size of 196 respondents. Censors, simple random and purposive sampling were used in data collection. For the reliability of study instruments, a pilot study was conducted with the Catholic Church in Suneka, Kisii Diocese. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules, and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). Data was analysed thematically, and narrations on specific issues of the study are contained in the study objectives. The analysed data was presented using pie charts, bar charts, tables and verbatim. The study found that skill and talent development, with 81.3 per cent, and youth management of church social media platforms, with 72.9 per cent, are the most preferred strategies. The study concluded that retaining young people in the church is crucial for sustaining the evangelism mission. The study recommended prioritisation of youth-centred evangelism events such as concerts, community service, or social gatherings with a gospel focus. The SDA church should also engage in practical application of faith and minimise spiritualism; young people need opportunities for hands-on evangelism.