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Youth and Music

Ministry Leadership

By Bernard Kimani, PhD

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  1. Introduction
  2. Conclusion
  3. References
  4. Appendix A

Abstract

Music is a significant setting in which Christian young adults negotiate faith, identity, belonging, and moral responsibility. A June 2010 study explored attitudes toward Christian and secular music in Nairobi through a literature review and exploratory interviews with thirteen participants, comprising eight adults aged 20–30 and five aged 40 or above. The interviews examined listening preferences, definitions of Christian music, the significance of artists’ conduct, the use of secular tunes in worship, and participation in church and secular venues. Participants frequently distinguished music by its lyrical message, although views differed over genre, context, and the moral authority of performers. Their responses also exposed tensions between personal conviction, church expectations, and explicitly articulated biblical reasoning. The central argument is that musical discernment requires attention to message, purpose, context, character, and the formation of Christian community. The small convenience sample supports contextual insight rather than generalisation about Nairobi’s churches. Reflections developed in 2026 explore implications for theological education, intergenerational dialogue, pastoral leadership, and responsible artistic participation, distinct from the historical evidence.

Who this is for

Christian young adults weighing their music choices; Pastoral leaders facilitating dialogue across generations; Artists considering their part in Christian community

What this resource helps you explore

Know how to reach youth using music

Resource details

Format
Paper · PDF
Subject
Ministry Leadership
Learning level
Multi-level

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