No more boring fellowships: How Nakuru Gen Zs have transformed church worship

Seven years ago, Ron Moen, who came to faith in high school, faced the challenge of finding church activities that appealed to young people. But through friendships he established in pursuit of a spiritual life he discovered events that strengthened his faith.

"I struggled to find Christian activities that appealed to me as a young person at first, but eventually I made friends who introduced me to Bible studies and events like Raise Your Game, organised by Deliverance Church," he says.

Raise Your Game is a five-day conference that focuses on helping young people navigate academics, relationships, mental health and entrepreneurship.

For Moen the conference not only provided fellowship, but also valuable insights into entrepreneurship. He was particularly moved to see his peers express themselves openly and without fear.

"Studying the Bible together deepened my understanding because we were all speaking in a language we could relate to. People were able to freely discuss personal issues and receive help, especially since we were grouped by age," he explains.

Moen encourages churches to recognise the changing needs of today's youth and adapt their approach to engagement.

He advocates creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where young people feel comfortable seeking God. He also stresses the importance of involving young people in leading their own activities, with guidance from church elders. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.

Cynthia Wanene tells a similar story. She initially struggled to find Christian activities that appealed to her, but eventually became more involved through her friends.

She now actively participates in church events such as games, outings and camps, which she believes are key to drawing young people to Christ and strengthening their faith.

"Many Christian teens want to invite their friends to youth groups - not just to help them find Jesus, but to have fun together. I have seen this through the Every Day God Encounter (EDGE) event at my church," she says.

EDGE allows participants to express themselves creatively through dance, spoken word, music, DJ sets and podcasts.

She adds that these events have helped to dispel the misconception that Christianity is boring. "Through these events, I've made friends and built a strong network that has made my faith journey feel less lonely," says Cynthia.

In addition to traditional worship services, churches are increasingly offering special activities such as game nights, worship cafes, ball nights, meet-ups, mental health discussions, walks and retreats.

These initiatives are designed to build community and encourage spiritual growth among young believers.