THE CONTRIBUTION OF RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT AND SPIRITUALITY FOR POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN THE CASE OF ZETSEAT APOSTOLIC REFORMATION CHURCH

Abstract

This paper attempted to attain the concept of religious involvement and spirituality for positive youth development in the case of Zetseat Apostolic Reformation Church kirkos kifle keema Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was, to explore the role of religious involvement and spirituality for youth‟s positive development, To investigate the experiences and perceptions of religiously involved and spiritual youths in Zetseat Apostolic Reformation Church, to explore what mechanisms are provided to aid in the positive transformation of youths within the church? The study was conducted using 18 respondents (15youths and 3 church leaders). Qualitative data was collected using interview and observation methods participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique and. The finding of the study indicates that most participants who are religiously involved and spiritual are doing most rituals which are considered as religious involvement and spirituality. Positive development in this study is seen from Lerner‟s framework of PYD which is the 5Cs/6Csmodel(character, confidence, competence, connection, caring, and contribution). The findings of the study also show youth-focused programs that are maintained in the church are related to the 5Cs/6Cs model in so many ways. And according to the findings from the study religious involvement and spirituality donate something good for positive youth development regarding the 5Cs/6Cs. Suggestions for further research and implications for religious youth development organizations are considered.