Forming a Vision Community That Fosters a Holistic Solution to Issues Faced by African American Youth
Herring, John O.
2018-05
2010-2019
The overall problem addressed in this dissertation was the increase of youth who are disconnected from the church. The Black church has historically valued fostering relationships and the part they play in developing the faith of the next generation and developing solutions to issues faced by African American youth. Many of the traditional youth leadership programs, though effective in the past, no longer address the issues of today's youth, the Post-Millennial generation. Fuller understanding of the reasons for the growing numbers of youth disconnected from church is required. This researcher determined that the Post-Millennials were the best ones to speak on the problems. This qualitative research project addressed the following research questions: (1) How does a Youth minister's leadership style impact Post-Millennial engagement in the Black Church? and (2) How will establishing a Post-Millennial advisory council impact church attendance and participation of the Post-Millennial generation in the Black church? Other sub questions answered by the participants were (a) What would Post-Millennials like their roles to be in the Black church? and (b) How will participants attract other attendees? The study engaged an ethnographic research design. The target participants completed surveys and participated in discussion groups in ways that helped the researcher to understand the goals, cultures, challenges, and commitments that emerged. As a participant observer of the discussion groups, the researcher vicariously experienced the culture, the hopes, and aspirations of the Post-Millennials. The data evolving from the study showed that they are presented and evaluated as foundational. Young people must participate as leaders in the church, not just as observers. Their recommendation was that they be invited to serve in these roles for spiritual growth, formation of holistic solutions to their issues, and on planning committees to attract other youth participation in church.
text
application/pdf
dissertation
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Interdenominational Theological Center
Wimberly, Anne E. S.
Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
Georgia--Atlanta
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/itc.td:2018_herring_john
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
