Mentoring youth for spirituality: case study of Kigombe Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rwanda

Abstract

This qualitative action research examined the factors hindering youth spiritual involvement in the Kigombe Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Rwanda. Through interviews with thirty-five participants, including youth members and church leaders, ten major barriers were identified: deficiency of training, lack of effective programs, insufficient Adventist Youth Ministries materials, shortage of teachers, poor leadership, lack of monitoring and encouragement, generational conflict, peer pressure, and an inferiority complex. These challenges reflect both organizational and social issues that limit youth participation and spiritual growth within the church. To address these challenges, an eight-phased intervention program was implemented. The program included translating and adapting church curricula, training leaders and teachers, forming age-based youth classes, and promoting experiential learning through community service and spiritual emphasis programs. The intervention significantly enhanced youth engagement and leadership capacity, demonstrating that intentional mentorship and structured training are vital to revitalizing youth spirituality and strengthening the mission of the Kigombe SDA Church.