Church Growth and Youth Retention in West African Diaspora Churches
This research proposal examines the problem of youth retention in The Apostolic Church of the West African diaspora in the United States, arguing that the absence of effective pastoring is a primary driver of young adults disengaging from the church. Drawing on theological foundations, including scriptural references and the works of scholars such as Andrew Root, Kenda Creasy Dean, and Joseph Kett, the paper outlines a qualitative research design using surveys administered to both pastors and congregants across Washington, D.C.-area congregations. The proposal details research questions, project goals, a biblical and theological basis, a proposed study outline, and a tentative action plan and schedule aimed at identifying gaps and informing transformational church leadership.
- Problem Statement and Purpose: Youth retention crisis in West African diaspora churches
- Research Questions and Background: Four guiding questions and empirical background on youth
- Context of Ministry and Project Goals: Author's ministry experience and defined project goals
- Biblical and Theological Foundations: Scriptural basis and key theological scholars cited
- Research Methods and Assessment: Qualitative survey design and three-part assessment plan
- Proposed Outline and Action Plan: Full project structure and October–November 2022 schedule
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What makes this paper effective
- The proposal grounds its practical ministry concern in both biblical evidence (Timothy 4:12, Matthew 18:2–4) and peer-reviewed scholarship, giving the argument dual theological and academic legitimacy.
- The author's personal ministry experience as a District Youth Leader is integrated transparently, strengthening the rationale for the study without compromising scholarly objectivity.
- The triangulation method is clearly justified, showing methodological awareness appropriate for a graduate-level ministry research project.
Key academic technique demonstrated
This paper demonstrates effective use of a mixed-evidence rationale: the author synthesizes empirical research on African American youth well-being, theological scholarship on youth ministry, and direct field experience to build a compelling case for a qualitative study. Situating the research problem within a specific demographic and geographic context (West African diaspora churches in Washington, D.C.) sharpens the study's focus and increases its practical relevance.
Structure breakdown
The proposal follows a conventional ministry research proposal format: problem statement → purpose → research questions → background → ministry context → goals → methodology → theological basis → leadership contribution → assessment → proposed outline → action plan/schedule → bibliography. This sequence moves logically from problem identification through to planned execution, making it easy to evaluate both the scholarly and practical dimensions of the project.
Problem Statement and Purpose
It has been observed that effective pastoring is often absent in The Apostolic Church of the West African diaspora in the United States. Without proper leadership — specifically, the absence of good pastoring — young people do not find a meaningful connection with the church and are consequently difficult to retain. The membership of young adults has been declining, hurting both the church community and its ministers.
The purpose of this research is to create awareness about effective pastoring and its importance for retaining young church members, specifically within The Apostolic Church of the West African diaspora. The study also aims to encourage ministers to adopt good pastoring practices that infuse motivation in youth during congregations. An additional purpose is to test the assumption of whether good pastoring is genuinely missing in the selected church and among its ministers.
Research Questions and Background
Keeping the project aims in mind, the following research questions were developed:
i. What would good or effective pastoring look like in West African churches that largely involve West African pastors and congregants?
ii. What would young people of West African descent look for in the church?
iii. Is there a disconnection between what young people are searching for and what they actually receive in these churches? If so, what is the nature of that disconnection?
iv. Are the initial assumptions correct, and what could be done with the results?
Research has suggested that spiritual connections for youth are significantly beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety and are helpful for leading a healthier life (Goeke-Morey et al., 2014). More than 60,000 young people were baptized in Southern Baptist churches across America in 2004; however, afterward, the number of youth attending congregations was quite low (Alexander, 2017). The question of how to increase youth attendance — despite investments of several dollars in youth programs — has remained unanswered. Whether the decline is attributable to busy lives after college admission, declining motivation, or shifting interests, the debate continues (Alexander, 2017).
Youth demonstrate higher intensity in religious association and could be more effective workers for the cause of faith (Alexander, 2017). Passing church leadership to young, energetic individuals is one of the most frequently discussed priorities among church leaders, meaning that future sustainability depends heavily on retaining youth interest. While previous churches worldwide have used various coping mechanisms, this research focuses specifically on West African diaspora individuals residing in the United States. This focus is grounded in findings showing that African American young adults' psychological well-being is closely tied to their religious involvement, which they use as a coping strategy. Because the church's role as a healing institution is central to much of the relevant literature, African American individuals — and particularly the West African diaspora — are the primary focus of this study of the retention problem in churches.
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