Equipping Christian Teenagers of Bhisho Community Church to Be Effective Witnesses and Disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bhisho Community in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

This study focused on the involvement of Christian teenagers at Bhisho Community Church in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, in witnessing to their peers. The research problem focused on how the aforementioned church could enable its teenagers to be effective witnesses and disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bhisho community in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. In delineating and limiting the study, only Christian teenagers at Bhisho Community Church in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, were targeted. This enabled the researcher to interview only those teenagers who confirmed that they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Further, a literature review was conducted to explore research already done on teenage witnessing and discipleship. Since the focus of the research was on a real-life problem within the church, it was key that an empirical study be applied to solve this real-life problem. Consequently, questions were drawn up, and in-depth interviews conducted. The researcher drew a sample of eight teenagers (four males and four females) from a target population of seventy-two teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years in the church. Data collected entailed the perceptions of the Christian teenagers of Bhisho Community Church regarding church teen activities, help by the church, witnessing, knowing Jesus, and the next step that one must take after having been introduced to Jesus. This has been an endeavor to identify areas in which the teenagers could be assisted. The research revealed that the church has done well in providing the teenagers with the help to tell their friends about Jesus Christ. Conversely, the church has displayed some weaknesses in that it did not supplement its teachings with practical witnessing opportunities. The recommendations state that the church should allow the Christian teenagers to craft a vision of their own that will focus on witnessing to Bhisho community’s youth. Further, focused teachings on witnessing and discipleship, and monthly outreaches should be part of the teenagers’ program in the church.