Project – The Impact of Youth Participation in Christian Mission and Evangelism: A Case Study of The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Christian mission and evangelism constitute essential responsibilities of the Church, involving the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the making of disciples, and the demonstration of Christian values through service to humanity. The biblical command in Matthew 28:19–20 directs believers to make disciples of all nations, baptise them, and teach them to observe Christ’s commandments. Similarly, Acts 1:8 connects the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit with their responsibility to bear witness to Christ. These passages establish mission and evangelism as activities that extend beyond church attendance to active participation in communicating the Christian message. Bosch (1991), in his influential examination of Christian mission, explains that mission must be understood in relation to the Church’s witness, its historical circumstances, and its engagement with the world. Stott (1975) also emphasises the Church’s responsibility to communicate the gospel faithfully. Therefore, youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism is an important subject of investigation because young people can contribute to the Church’s outreach, discipleship, and continuing development.

Youth participation is particularly important because young people represent a generation capable of contributing fresh ideas, energy, creativity, and commitment to the mission of the Church. Their involvement may include personal witnessing, evangelistic campaigns, missionary outreach, youth fellowship activities, community service, digital evangelism, and the encouragement of their peers to participate in Christian activities. Young people can also help churches communicate the gospel through social and cultural settings that are familiar to their generation. In a study published in the Journal of Youth and Theology, the article “Building the Twenty-first Century Church: The Role of the Youth” examines youth contributions to evangelism, church planting, music ministry, campus fellowship, leadership development, and the use of social media, identifying youth participation as relevant to church continuity and development (2022). This perspective suggests that young people should not be viewed merely as recipients of church programmes but as potential participants in shaping the Church’s mission. Accordingly, examining their involvement in Christian mission and evangelism can help establish how youth participation contributes to the outreach and development of a local congregation.

The relationship between youth participation and church growth is also important. Church growth may involve numerical increase, the establishment of new congregations, the integration of converts, the retention of existing members, and the spiritual development of the Christian community. Youth participation may support these outcomes when young people engage in evangelistic activities, invite others to church programmes, participate in follow-up, and help new converts become established in the faith. McGavran (1990) explains that church growth requires attention to the processes through which people respond to the Christian message and become incorporated into Christian communities. Wagner (1984) similarly examines church growth in relation to the Church’s mission and the development of congregations. These perspectives indicate that evangelistic activity should not be assessed only by the number of campaigns conducted but also by the extent to which people reached through those activities become active participants in church life. Consequently, the impact of youth participation needs to be examined through relevant indicators of evangelistic engagement and congregational growth rather than assumed from the existence of youth programmes alone.

Furthermore, youth participation in Christian mission can contribute to the development of young people themselves. Through evangelism, young Christians may develop communication skills, leadership abilities, confidence in explaining their faith, teamwork, and a stronger understanding of Christian teachings. Participation in mission activities can also provide opportunities for mentoring, spiritual formation, service, and the practical application of biblical principles. The biblical instruction in 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages young believers to serve as examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This passage provides a theological basis for recognising young people as active contributors to Christian ministry. The study of youth and church development published in the Journal of Youth and Theology also highlights leadership development and meaningful participation as important aspects of youth involvement in the contemporary Church (2022). Thus, youth participation in mission and evangelism can be examined from two related perspectives: its contribution to the Church’s outreach and growth, and its potential to strengthen the spiritual and leadership development of the young people involved.

In Cameroon, Christian mission takes place within a diverse religious and cultural environment, making local church engagement important to the communication of the gospel. Churches operate among people with different languages, social backgrounds, educational experiences, economic circumstances, and religious affiliations. Effective evangelism therefore requires an understanding of the communities being reached and the approaches most appropriate to their circumstances. Bosch (1991) argues that Christian mission should be understood in relation to the historical and cultural contexts in which it is undertaken. Anderson (2004), in his examination of global Pentecostalism, also demonstrates the importance of understanding Christian movements through their distinctive forms of worship, religious experience, and community engagement. These perspectives provide a useful foundation for studying youth participation in Cameroon, where young Christians may contribute to evangelism through peer relationships, community outreach, church programmes, and other forms of Christian witness. However, the effectiveness of these activities depends on the circumstances of each congregation, the support available to young people, and the extent to which evangelistic efforts are connected with discipleship and sustained church participation.

The Apostolic Church Cameroon provides a relevant institutional context for examining youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism. The Church’s published National Youth Movement profile states that the movement began in Kumba in 1985 and has engaged young people through crusades, conferences, spiritual development, leadership training, and evangelistic activities. Its stated objectives include sharing the gospel, fostering spiritual growth, developing leadership, and encouraging community responsibility. These priorities demonstrate the importance the Church attaches to youth involvement in its mission and ministry (The Apostolic Church Cameroon, n.d.-a). The National Youth Movement’s activities provide a relevant background for examining how young people are encouraged to participate in Christian witness and how their involvement may be strengthened. Nevertheless, a stated institutional commitment to youth ministry does not by itself establish the extent to which individual congregations benefit from youth participation. It is therefore necessary to investigate the experiences, opportunities, challenges, and outcomes associated with youth involvement at the level of the specific church field selected for this study.

The specific focus of this study is The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala. According to the Church’s official institutional profile, Field 11 was created in 2015 to extend the Church’s activities in Douala and surrounding communities. The profile identifies evangelistic crusades, community engagement, educational initiatives, health outreach, and youth programmes among the activities associated with the field. It also reports a structure comprising seven groups, 33 districts, 66 assemblies, and 5,161 members, although these figures should be treated as institutional self-reported information rather than independently verified research findings (The Apostolic Church Cameroon, n.d.-b). This setting offers an opportunity to examine youth participation within an established church structure that engages in evangelistic and community-oriented activities. The study will investigate the ways young people participate in mission and evangelism, the relationship between their involvement and church growth, and the extent to which leadership support, training, resources, and follow-up arrangements influence their contributions.

Despite the recognised importance of youth involvement in Christian mission, participation alone does not guarantee effective evangelism or sustained church growth. Young people may encounter challenges relating to inadequate training, limited financial resources, competing educational and employment responsibilities, insufficient mentoring, or restricted opportunities to participate in church decision-making. Furthermore, evangelistic activities may achieve initial contact with potential converts without ensuring consistent follow-up, discipleship, and integration into the congregation. The article on youth involvement in the twenty-first-century Church identifies evangelism, leadership development, innovation, and meaningful participation as relevant to church development, while also underscoring the broader role of youth activities in congregational continuity (2022). These considerations indicate the need to examine not only whether young people participate in mission and evangelism but also the conditions that enable their participation to produce meaningful outcomes. Against this background, the present study examines the impact of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala, with attention to evangelistic activities, church growth, discipleship and follow-up, and the challenges affecting youth involvement.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism is important to the fulfilment of the Church’s responsibility to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Young people can contribute through personal witnessing, evangelistic campaigns, community outreach, youth fellowship programmes, and other forms of Christian service. However, the existence of youth ministries and the organisation of evangelistic activities do not necessarily demonstrate that these activities are producing sustained church growth. McGavran (1990) emphasises the importance of understanding the processes through which people become members of Christian communities, while Bosch (1991) highlights the need to understand mission within its social and historical context. The problem, therefore, concerns the extent to which young people’s participation in Christian mission and evangelism translates into meaningful outcomes, including the attraction of new converts, increased congregational participation, and the continued development of the Church. In The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala, this relationship requires systematic examination rather than reliance solely on general assumptions about the importance of youth ministry.

A second problem concerns the sustainability of evangelistic outcomes. Evangelism may introduce individuals to the Christian message, but the long-term contribution of these activities depends partly on the availability of follow-up, discipleship, pastoral guidance, and opportunities for new converts to participate in church life. Without adequate support, individuals reached through evangelistic campaigns may not develop a sustained relationship with the congregation. McGavran (1990) explains the importance of understanding how people enter and become integrated into Christian communities, while Wagner (1984) discusses church growth in relation to the wider mission and development of congregations. These perspectives raise an important question for the present study: whether youth evangelistic activities at Field 11 are adequately connected to processes that encourage the retention and spiritual development of those reached. This issue is important because the effectiveness of youth participation should be considered in terms of both evangelistic outreach and the continuing incorporation of new believers into the Church.

Another problem relates to the challenges that may limit the effective participation of young people in Christian mission and evangelism. Although youth may possess enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to serve, their involvement may be affected by limited training, insufficient financial and logistical support, competing educational or employment commitments, inadequate mentoring, and limited opportunities to take responsibility for ministry activities. The article Building the Twenty-first Century Church: The Role of the Youth identifies youth participation in evangelism, leadership development, innovation, and other church activities as relevant to congregational development (2022). The Apostolic Church Cameroon’s National Youth Movement also identifies evangelism, spiritual growth, leadership development, and community responsibility as important youth-ministry priorities (The Apostolic Church Cameroon, n.d.-a). However, these general priorities do not establish which challenges are most significant for young people in Field 11 or how those challenges affect their participation. Investigating these issues is necessary to identify practical measures that could improve youth involvement and strengthen the effectiveness of mission activities.

The central problem addressed by this study is the limited context-specific understanding of the impact of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism on church growth at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala. Although the Church’s institutional profile reports evangelistic and youth-oriented activities within Field 11, the existence of these programmes does not independently demonstrate the extent to which youth involvement contributes to membership growth, retention, or sustained congregational participation (The Apostolic Church Cameroon, n.d.-b). Furthermore, findings from other churches cannot automatically be applied to this particular setting because congregations may differ in leadership, resources, membership characteristics, and ministry arrangements. The study therefore seeks to examine the relationship between youth participation and church growth, assess the contribution of follow-up and discipleship, and identify the challenges affecting effective youth involvement. The findings are expected to provide a context-specific basis for improving youth ministry planning and strengthening the Church’s mission and evangelistic activities.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the forms and extent of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelistic activities at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala.

2. Assess the relationship between youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism and church growth at Field 11.

3. Examine the contribution of discipleship, follow-up, and membership-retention practices to the effectiveness of youth evangelism at Field 11.

4. Identify the major challenges affecting youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism and recommend strategies for improving their effectiveness.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What are the forms and extent of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelistic activities at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala?

2. What relationship exists between youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism and church growth at Field 11?

3. How do discipleship, follow-up, and membership-retention practices contribute to the effectiveness of youth evangelism at Field 11?

4. What major challenges affect youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism, and what strategies could improve their effectiveness?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will guide the study and will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance.

H₀: There is no statistically significant relationship between youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism and church growth at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is expected to be significant to church leaders, youth leaders, young Christians, church members, theological institutions, and future researchers.

Church leaders: The findings may help the leadership of The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, evaluate the effectiveness of existing youth mission and evangelistic activities. The study may also assist leaders in identifying areas where training, mentoring, funding, and organisational support are needed. McGavran (1990) highlights the importance of understanding the processes through which people become incorporated into Christian communities, making the evaluation of evangelistic outcomes relevant to church development.

Youth leaders: The findings may provide youth leaders with a clearer understanding of the factors that encourage or limit participation in Christian mission. They may use the findings to improve evangelistic planning, organise training, strengthen teamwork, and establish more effective follow-up arrangements for new converts.

Young Christians: The study may encourage young people to recognise their potential contribution to the Church’s mission and develop greater commitment to witnessing, discipleship, community engagement, and Christian service. It may also draw attention to the importance of mentoring and practical support in enabling youth to participate meaningfully in ministry.

The Apostolic Church Cameroon: The study may provide useful information for evaluating the contribution of youth activities to church growth and development. Its findings may support the improvement of youth programmes, evangelistic strategies, and arrangements for integrating new converts into the congregation.

Theological institutions and Christian ministry practitioners: The research may contribute to discussions on youth ministry, evangelism, discipleship, and church growth. It may also serve as a useful resource for theological education and ministerial training.

Future researchers: The study may provide a foundation for further research on youth participation in Christian mission in Cameroon and other African contexts. Future researchers may investigate youth-led church planting, digital evangelism, mentoring, or the long-term retention of converts reached through youth activities.

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.7.1 Geographical Scope

The study will be geographically limited to The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala, in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The Church’s institutional profile identifies Field 11 as a church structure serving Bonapriso and other surrounding communities (The Apostolic Church Cameroon, n.d.-b). However, the investigation will focus specifically on the selected case-study setting.

1.7.2 Content Scope

The study will examine the impact of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism. Its major areas of focus will include the forms and extent of youth participation, the relationship between youth involvement and church growth, the contribution of discipleship and follow-up to evangelistic effectiveness, and the challenges affecting youth participation.

Church growth will be considered in terms of relevant indicators, including membership development, participation in congregational activities, integration of new converts, and retention. The study will also consider the role of leadership support, training, resources, and mentoring in facilitating youth involvement. These dimensions reflect the broader understanding that effective mission involves both communicating the Christian message and supporting the development of Christian communities (Bosch, 1991; McGavran, 1990).

1.7.3 Population Scope

The study will involve selected youth fellowship members, youth leaders, pastors, church administrators, and other members who possess relevant information about youth mission activities and church growth at Field 11. Where permission is granted and records are available, relevant church documents on evangelistic programmes, attendance, membership, and follow-up activities may also be examined.

1.7.4 Time Scope

The study will cover a period determined by the research design, the availability of reliable information, and the approval of the research supervisor. The selected period should permit the researcher to examine youth participation and relevant church-growth indicators without assuming unverified historical outcomes.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may encounter limitations relating to the availability of accurate church records. Information concerning evangelistic activities, new converts, attendance, and membership changes may not have been documented consistently. The researcher will therefore seek permission to consult available records and compare documentary information with respondents’ accounts where appropriate.

Another possible limitation is response bias. Some respondents may overstate the success of youth evangelism because of their commitment to the Church, while others may have incomplete knowledge of activities conducted by different youth groups. The researcher will address this concern through clear questions, appropriate sampling procedures, confidentiality, and the use of information from different respondent categories.

The geographical scope may also limit the generalisability of the findings. Since the study focuses on Field 11, its results may not fully represent other fields of The Apostolic Church Cameroon or other Christian denominations. Nevertheless, a focused case study may provide useful insights into youth participation and evangelistic practice within the selected setting.

Finally, establishing a direct causal relationship between youth participation and church growth may be difficult because church development can be influenced by several factors, including pastoral leadership, preaching, family involvement, migration, community relationships, and other ministry activities. Consequently, the study will distinguish between an observed statistical relationship and evidence of direct causation.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Youth: Young people recognised as members or participants of the youth ministry of The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11. The specific age range will be determined in accordance with the Church’s youth classification and the approved research design.

Christian mission: The responsibility of the Church and its members to communicate the Christian faith, make disciples, and demonstrate Christian values through spiritual ministry and service to others (Bosch, 1991).

Evangelism: The proclamation and communication of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the intention of introducing people to the Christian faith and encouraging them to respond to the Christian message (Stott, 1975).

Youth participation: The active involvement of young people in church activities, including evangelism, missionary outreach, discipleship, community engagement, and other ministry responsibilities.

Youth evangelism: The involvement of young Christians in communicating the gospel through personal witnessing, organised outreach, evangelistic campaigns, peer engagement, and related activities.

Church growth: The development of a congregation in terms of membership, new converts, retention, participation, and the strengthening of congregational life (McGavran, 1990).

Discipleship: The continuing process through which Christians learn biblical teachings, develop Christian character, strengthen their faith, and participate in the mission of the Church.

Follow-up: Activities undertaken after evangelistic contact or conversion to maintain communication with interested individuals and new believers, provide spiritual guidance, and encourage participation in church fellowship.

Membership retention: The continued involvement of church members in congregational activities over a defined period.

The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11: The specific church field in Bonapriso, Douala, selected for this investigation of youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism.

1.10 Organisation of the Study

The research will be organised into five chapters.

Chapter One: Introduction presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, aim and objectives, research questions, hypothesis, significance, scope, limitations, and operational definitions.

Chapter Two: Literature Review examines the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literature on youth participation, Christian mission, evangelism, and church growth.

Chapter Three: Research Methodology describes the research design, population, sampling procedures, data-collection instruments, validity and reliability, methods of data analysis, and ethical considerations.

Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analysis presents and analyses the information collected from respondents and relevant church records, tests the research hypothesis, and discusses the findings in relation to the research objectives and existing literature.

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations summarises the findings, draws conclusions, and recommends strategies for strengthening youth participation in Christian mission and evangelism at The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11, Bonapriso, Douala

Project – The Impact of Youth Participation in Christian Mission and Evangelism: A Case Study of The Apostolic Church Cameroon, Field 11.