Effectiveness of church programmes in instilling morality among the youth in Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Chuka Presbytery, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of programmes initiated by PCEA to solve moral decadence among the youth. The study utilised a descriptive research design using a survey method. The study was carried out in Chuka Presbytery, located in the Eastern region in Tharaka Nithi County, comprising six parishes. A population of 3286 church members was targeted by the survey. A sample of 6 church ministers, 175 adult church members and 153 youth was obtained for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and FGDs. With the exception of sports evangelism, mission and evangelism, all other Chuka Presbytery youth programmes for instilling morality were found to be ineffective. In order to enhance the effectiveness of church-based youth programmes, strategies such as preparation of high quality and experiential instructional content and delivering them using innovative pedagogies, establishing programmes that foster positive experiences and forging synergies with other churches in the implementation of church-based youth moral programmes were proposed. Other strategies include early moral socialisation and training, engagement of specialists in strategic communication as well as youth engagement in designing, implementing and evaluating programmes and follow-up are also vital trajectories.