A practical theological study of multicultural youth work in Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Multicultural youth ministry is increasingly becoming an important reality concerning ministering to adolescents within a Christian community. A holistic focus was used to analyse the practices concerning ministering to diverse adolescents within a local youth ministry context. The study was exploratory in nature and made use of a qualitative case study approach using semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews via Skype. The data was analysed within a descriptive-interpretive framework using content analysis. Findings mainly related to five themes that emerged during the research, namely: multicultural understanding, purposeful program, relationship centeredness, transforming spirituality, and the youth leader’s realm. The data also reflected underlining contextual ministry realities namely, authenticity, inclusiveness, intentionality and limited diversity. This research provides meaningful insight within the practical theological realm as the current South African literature regarding multicultural youth ministry is limited. Similarly, this study is focused on the theological conversation within a culturally diverse youth ministry context.