| dc.description.abstract | Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city is currently experiencing unprecedented rates of
urban population growth. The population consists mainly of migrants from rural
areas majority being young adults between 18- 35 years. These young adults move
into the cities seeking education, employment opportunities, better living standards
and services. When some young adults complete college or university and are
unable to secure employment their hopes for a better life are crushed. Some of them
as a result of economic hardships and hopelessness are lured into vices such as
prostitution, drug abuse and crime. Alongside those challenges, the urban setting
creates and encourages anonymity and formal relationships, which leaves young
adults feeling lonely and isolated. Some young adults being away from their families
are in a constant search for a place to belong, a family setting and a place to call
home. These challenges have often left the young adults with a crisis of identity.
This research is a study of Mavuno church and its response to concerns of young
adults in Nairobi. Mavuno is a non-denominational movement new religious
Christian movement that has attracted large numbers of young adults. The study has
a sample of eighty-three respondents. Eighty of these respondents are young adults
in various groups at Mavuno and three pastors. The researcher employs
questionnaires, interviews and participant as the data collecting instruments. This
study offers an analysis Mavunos’ historical background, development and
administrative structure, teachings and practices. Consideration is given to
Mavunos’ responses to the socio-economic and identity crisis concerns of young
adults. Attractions to and challenges of Mavuno church are also identified.
Mavuno church is traced to Nairobi chapel. Mavunos’ responses to specific
concerns are the Marathon, sermons, and adoption of new activities, leadership
development opportunities and frontline initiatives. Major teachings identified are
personal responsibilities, sola scriptura, salvation, fearless influencers, the church in
Africa and blessed to be a blessing. Major practices discussed are use of the Bible,
baptism by immersion, Holy Communion, courtship and marriage, death and burial,
worship night and live streaming of services. The attractions of young adults to
Mavuno church identified are vibrant praise and worship, sermons, the marathon,
testimonies, greenhouse, Mavunos corporate model, social media, outreach activities
and interdenominational approach. Challenges identified are to do with social class,
transition in the Marathon experiences, Greenhouse, Mavunos corporate model, lack
of pastoral capacity and religious tourism.
The analysis will form the basis of recommendations to sociologists interested in the
effect of new religious movements on urban life, economists who interested in
studying the economic trends of the young adults in new religious movements,
youth focused non governmental organizations, governments departments and
churches with youth programs. The study will also highlight areas for further
research in Mavuno church. | en_US |
