YOUTH CHURCH PHENOMENON: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FLOURISHING OF YOUTH – CENTRIC CHURCHES IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the rising and fast spread of an age segregated church style known as Youth-Centric Churches or Youth Based Churches. It is intended to examine factors responsible for young people's preference for the church made up of only young people other than their parents' church. The study delved into social issues and worship style that are enabling the flourishing of the new youth-centric churches in Port Harcourt metropolis. Since the youth were raised in the older churches.  It became necessary to also examine what they desired to see in their parents’ churches that they have found in the new churches. The findings of the study were able to identify how the new youth-centric churches in Port Harcourt metropolis became soft grounds for young people who have left the older churches in their numbers. This work considered how this pattern of migration impacts on the body of Christ, especially the orthodox churches like the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Baptist church, the Methodist church and also the older Pentecostal churches like the Assemblies of God church, the Four Square Gospel Church, the Deeper Life Church, Church of God Mission and many others.  The work used Rational Choice Theory of Religion by Rodney Stark and William Bainbridge. It also used Similarity Attraction Theory by Ellen Bercheid and Elaine Hatfield to explain the underlying factors influencing the choice of young people's place of worship. To achieve the objectives of the study primary, secondary sources and self participation were employed. This was done through dispensing of Questionnaires, personal experience and literature reviews. Furthermore, the work proposes strategies and recommendations that will help the Youth-Centric churches remain relevant and appealing to the young people. Results revealed that the Youth-churches have succeeded in structuring the churches to meet the needs of young people that are lacking in the old generation churches. This study has also opened up further scholarly work.