How to communicate the gospel to the youth effectively - Research Proposal Example

HOW TO COMMUNICATE THE GOSPEL TO THE YOUTH EFFECTIVELY By Location How to Communicate the Gospel to the Youth Effectively Introduction Background to the Study The youth forms a critical group in the modern church and the contemporary society. Unlike in the past, the contemporary youth express their evident search for a purpose in life. With the increasing influence of the popular culture promoted by different media forms, the church has a critical responsibility in ensuring that the youth finds direction from God through the church1. Modem day preachers need to adopt strategies that are appealing to the youth. Young people have varying needs from other groups in the church. Many of the young people face identity crises during their teenage years and early adulthood. Therefore, preachers need to ensure that they preach the gospel to the youth effectively2. God’s word can shape the life of a human being and transform his or her perceptions. Therefore, modern youth can rely on the Gospel for a sense of direction and purpose in life. However, this is only possible if preachers can reach the youth effectively using the most appropriate approaches. Problem Statement Many authors have given attention to the emerging needs of the youth in the modern society. The youth has been a focus group in many studies. However, none of the studies have defined the most effective studies of communicating the gospel to the youth. It is of critical importance to understand the effective strategies for communicating the gospel to the youth so that it can begin to transform their lives during their younger years3. In accordance with biblical teachings, especially in the book of Proverbs, the youth have a better chance of participating fully in the service of God because they are full of energy. If this is to happen, preachers must give attention to the approaches they use when communicating the gospel to the youth4. Therefore, this study seeks to analyse the most effective approaches and strategies for communicating the gospel to the youth in the contemporary society5. Significance of the Research The fact that young people have been the target group in many studies reveals their importance in the church. The youth in the contemporary society faces different pressures and have varying spiritual and emotional needs6. Communicating the gospel to the contemporary youth should rely on approaches that are more appealing to the target group. Understanding the most effective strategies that can produce positive outcomes when preaching to the youth can help many preachers reach the hearts of many young people. Reaching the hearts of young people translates to a bright future for the church7. Statement of Research Objectives The objectives of this study will be: a) To analyse the spiritual needs of the youth in the contemporary society b) To determine the strategies used by modern preachers while communicating the gospel to the youth c) To determine the most effective strategies for communicating the gospel to the youth Research Question The primary research question in this study will be: How can preachers effectively communicate the gospel to the youth in the contemporary society? Literature Review Previous studies have highlighted that the youth form a critical part of the modern church. The fact that the youth form a remarkable percentage of the church reveals that the church must ensure that the youth understand and accept the gospel8. The youth in the contemporary society has grown up in a different society and culture that presents them with numerous pressures. It is extremely difficult for the youth to establish the right path and stay on the right track throughout their lives. Most importantly, the youth is prone to the identity crises that come with adolescence and young adulthood. The identity crises are also accompanied by numerous physical, emotional, mental, and psychological changes9. These changes can be overwhelming to many young people. Therefore, preachers need to ensure that they focus on helping the youth internalize the gospel so that they can handle these changes effectively10. Many young people have exhibited their concern of understanding the purpose of life. The right definition and understanding of the meaning and purpose of life can only be obtained from the church. Notably, the youth defines a vulnerable group that needs preachers to be sensitive to their needs and attitudes as well as perceptions11. The youth is likely to feel isolated and unaccepted in the church. With such a perception, it becomes difficult for them to accept the gospel. Church leaders have to take the responsibility of creating a favourable environment in the church for the youth12. Preachers must recognize the diverse needs of youth in the modern society. Such understanding will direct them to define effective preaching strategies that can prove appealing to the youth. Previous studies have highlighted that the relational method is one of the effective strategies that can help preachers communicate the gospel to the youth effectively. The relational method requires preachers to develop personal relationships with the youth and helping the receptive youth to have a positive impact on others in the society. The example of Jesus and His approach to preaching the gospel to the disciples can help the modern preachers to register positive outcomes with the youth. Notably, Jesus developed personal and deep relationships with each of His disciples. Through such relationships, Jesus was able to register positive results in teaching them the gospel. The most effective approaches to addressing the youth should be holistic and impacting different aspects of a young person’s life13. In addition, preachers should strive to promote practical reflection among the youth so that they can apply what they have learned. Methodology An ethnographic research will be carried out in an effort to address the research question mentioned above. As in other ethnographies, definition of research questions forms the first step. The ethnography will focus on the youth as the target subject in the study. The researcher prefers the use of an overt approach. Prior to beginning the collection of data, the researcher will need to gain access to youth ministries and youth sessions offered in the local church. Access to such sessions does not present many barriers because churches are open settings. The researcher will then focus on identifying the potential informants especially some young people and preacher who specialize with the youth. In this study, interviews will form the main data collection techniques. After successful data collection, data analysis and interpretation will follow, which will rely on thematic analysis and concept development. The data analysis will be followed by the compilation of the findings14. Implications and Limitations The ethnography will give attention to the youth, as a critical part of the contemporary church. Communicating the gospel to the youth requires different approaches from those used when addressing other target audiences. The study will help preachers understand the unique characteristics of the youth as well as their diverse needs and address the most effective strategies for communicating the gospel to the youth. The fact that many preachers have been struggling to address the youth with no success, this research will yield findings that can be of use to such preachers. Ethnographies use a qualitative approach and present high levels of subjectivity, which can serve as a source of bias. Bibliography Benson & Roehlkepartain, E 2008, Spiritual development: a missing priority in youth development, New Directions for Youth Development, 2008, 118, p. 13, MEDLINE with Full Text, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Green, M 2008, Putting spiritual development of young people on the map: An English perspective, New Directions for Youth Development, 2008, 118, p. 59, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Hall, AS 2012, Transformational Multicultural Spiritual Framework for Educating Youth: Spiritual Development for Children and Adolescents, Religion & Education, 39, 2, p. 159, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Jones, KS 2014, Churches struggle for relevance among young adults, Charlotte Post, 20 March, Supplemental Index, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Jones, T 2014, Transformational Multicultural Spiritual Framework for Educating Youth: Spiritual Development for Children and Adolescents, Religion & Education, 20 March. Jørgensen, K., & Engelsviken, T 2008, Mission to the world: Communicating the gospel in the 21st century : essays in honour of Knud Jørgensen, Oxford [England: Published by Regnum in cooperation with Egede Instituttet and Areopagos. Kim, EM 2010, Preaching in an age of globalization, Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press. King, M 2006, Presence-centered youth ministry: Guiding students into spiritual formation, Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Books. Lawrence, R 2007, Jesus-centered youth ministry, Loveland, CO: Group Pub. Pittman, K, Garza, P, Yohalem, N, & Artman, S 2008, Addressing spiritual development in youth development programs and practices: Opportunities and challenges, New Directions for Youth Development, 2008, 118, p. 29, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Ponds, Kp 2014, Spiritual Development with Youth, Reclaiming Children & Youth, 23, 1, pp. 58-61, Education Source, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Snailum, Bb 2012, Implementing intergenerational youth ministry within existing evangelical church congregations: what have we learned?, Christian Education Journal, 9, 1, pp. 165-181, Education Source, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 February 2015. Strommen, M. P., Jones, K. E., & Rahn, D 2001,Youth ministry that transforms: A comprehensive analysis of the hopes, frustrations, and effectiveness of todays youth workers, Grand Rapids, MI: Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Read More