Exploring the Reasons for Youth Migration from Anglican Churches to Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria

Abstract

Pentecostal churches have always been a severe problem for the mainline churches. As such, various studies have examined the attractiveness of Pentecostal Churches in terms of service, spirituality, and employment of modern technological gadgets. Pentecostal churches cause massive youth migration from mainline churches. This paper examines the immediate and remote causes of youth
migration from Anglican Churches to Pentecostal Churches. The paper employs both analytical and descriptive methods to reveal youth migration. It argues that factors such as lack of sense of belonging, inadequate youth involvement in church programs, lack of exciting programs for the youth, enticing music and dance, and Charismatic-Pentecostal flavour cause the youth migration from Anglican church to Pentecostal Churches. The paper recommends among others that the Anglican Church should set up a think tank committee saddled with the responsibility of coming up with a new system of Anglicanism and reforms that will adequately integrate the youth into the Anglican Church. The church should establish model parishes for the youths. Finally, each diocese in the communion should give more attention to youth fellowships/fora.