ROLE OF DISCIPLESHIP IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION OF CHRISTIAN YOUTHS: A CASE STUDY OF FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH, VICTORIA GARDEN CITY DISTRICT, AJAH, LAGOS STATE
Keywords:
Discipleship, spiritual formation, Christian youths, Foursquare Gospel Church,, Lagos StateAbstract
This study examined the role of discipleship in the spiritual formation of Christian youths, with specific focus on Foursquare Gospel Church, Victoria Garden City District, Ajah, Lagos State. Although discipleship remains central to Christian teaching and practice, its influence on the spiritual development of contemporary youths has not received sufficient scholarly attention, particularly within Nigerian Pentecostal churches. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of 51 respondents, comprising pastors, deacons/elders, church workers, and members, participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed that discipleship significantly contributes to youth spiritual formation. Specifically, 90% of respondents indicated that they had personally experienced spiritual growth through discipleship, while 93% affirmed that discipleship plays a crucial role in shaping Christian character and spiritual maturity. Also, 94% agreed that discipleship provides practical guidance for moral and ethical challenges, and 93% acknowledged its relevance to holistic development, including spiritual, emotional, and social growth. However, the study identified challenges such as cultural influences, technology distractions, busy lifestyles, inadequate mentorship, and resistance to accountability. Opportunities for strengthening youth discipleship included relational mentoring, relevant biblical teaching, digital discipleship platforms, and youth leadership development. The study concluded that intentional and structured discipleship practices are essential for nurturing mature Christian youths. However, the findings are limited by the study’s descriptive design and reliance on frequency counts and percentages without inferential statistical analysis. The study recommended comprehensive discipleship programs, mentor training, digital engagement, stronger fellowship structures, and youth leadership empowerment.References
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