A (South) African voice on youth ministry research: Powerful or powerless?

Abstract

Research on youth ministry in Africa and specifically South Africa traces its origin to much research conducted in America and Europe. Many African scholars also draw on research and practices within these international spheres. Empirical research on youth ministry in Africa is however of great importance. For this purpose, comparative analysis research provides a research methodology in the social sciences that aims to make comparisons across different countries or cultures. A major problem in comparative research is that the data sets in different countries may not use the same categories, or define categories differently. This article makes use of a faith formation case study conducted in South Africa to highlight the value of this methodology when reflecting on international research from an African perspective. The main argument of this article is that international research on youth ministry is valuable in an African context but this research needs to be culturally contextualised through using comparative analysis as a research tool. This will reflect that there are many similarities between international youth ministry and the African context but there are also many cross-cultural disparities. After comparison, differences that are unique to the African context are noted. The article focuses on South Africa as a reflection of youth ministry within the broader African context.

Transforming Youth Ministry Higher Education in Kenya: A Practical Theological Approach

“…The church has not been left behind in terms of showing a concurrent and growing concern for youth ministry and youth work. The research output from some South African institutions affirms this necessary concern for the "professionalization" of youth ministry and ministers (Adams, 1993), [3,4,5]. For higher education to offer holistic training in this core area, it must engage robust theological education, spiritual formation as well as practical skills.…”

Everyday life, everyday connections? Theological reflections on the relevance of international youth studies research

“…While it takes the approach of Meredith McGuire as a starting point as she challenges dominant Western approaches to the study of religion, yet this contribution also aims to maintain theological perspective, as I seek to find connections. This question is addressed by starting from the premise that, at least in southern Africa, youth ministry research or in general, research on young people in religious contexts (in religious studies or religious education), needs to take account of the developments and contestations of the broader stream of youth studies research (Swartz 2004:75-91;Weber 2015). I share the view of amongst others, Sharlene Swartz and Shantelle Weber, that youth ministry research cannot be confined only to intra-congregational or parachurch practices, aiming at 'improving' ourselves and ministry practices-as church people.…”

The career youth pastor: A contemporary reflection

“…Thirdly, part of the dilemma is because of the paucity of literature in the area of youth ministry in the South African context (cf. Weber 2015). Finally, further research should investigate the implications of a lack of theological articulation in youth ministry and more specifically that of the career youth pastor.…”