Project – The Role of the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in Raising godly youth

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) has been instrumental in the spiritual development of youth in Nigeria, particularly in Abeokuta South, Ogun State. Founded in 1956 by Pastor Reuben Akinwalere George, GOFAMINT has consistently emphasized the importance of raising godly youths as part of its mission (GOFAMINT, 2023). Through various youth-targeted programs such as Sunday School, youth fellowships, and campus ministries, the church focuses on building moral character, instilling Christian values, and equipping youths with the spiritual tools necessary for navigating the complexities of life.

In Abeokuta South, GOFAMINT operates several branches that actively engage young people through structured discipleship programs, leadership training, and mentorship. The church’s youth fellowship provides a platform for personal development and spiritual growth, allowing young members to assume responsibilities in church activities and develop leadership skills. According to Adewuyi (2021), religious involvement among youth in Southwest Nigeria, especially through Pentecostal movements like GOFAMINT, has shown a positive correlation with decreased involvement in delinquency and increased moral consciousness.

A key initiative is the GOFAMINT Students’ Fellowship (GSF), which is present in several tertiary institutions including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The GSF fosters academic excellence alongside spiritual commitment by providing mentoring relationships, counseling services, and spiritual retreats (GSF National, 2022). These activities not only promote godliness but also help students make ethical decisions and develop a strong identity rooted in Christian beliefs, which is crucial during their formative years.

Another strategic effort by GOFAMINT involves the use of family-based discipleship models and small group fellowships. These smaller units encourage accountability and personal interaction, which have been found to enhance moral discipline and deepen faith commitment among youth (Ojo, 2018). The model is particularly effective in Abeokuta South where community and family values are deeply respected. Through home cells and peer-support networks, young people are guided in living out their faith in practical, everyday life.

Empirical studies support the view that the church’s emphasis on holiness and personal discipline is bearing fruit. A qualitative study by Ajiboye (2020) on Christian youth organizations in Ogun State noted that youths involved in GOFAMINT reported higher levels of moral awareness, better academic engagement, and a lower likelihood of engaging in social vices. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the church’s strategy in shaping not only spiritual lives but also contributing to broader societal development.

GOFAMINT plays a vital role in raising godly youth in Abeokuta South through a combination of structured discipleship, community engagement, academic support, and spiritual mentorship. Its holistic approach to youth development ensures that young people grow into responsible, morally sound adults who contribute positively to society. Continued support for such faith-based initiatives could further enhance the moral and ethical fabric of the youth population in Ogun State and beyond.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

In recent times, there has been growing concern over the moral and spiritual decline among Nigerian youths, particularly in urban centers like Abeokuta South in Ogun State. Issues such as cultism, drug abuse, sexual immorality, and internet fraud have become prevalent, indicating a significant gap in the transmission of ethical and godly values to the younger generation. Despite the presence of numerous religious organizations, including churches, the challenge of nurturing youth who uphold Christian virtues persists. This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of faith-based institutions in addressing these moral crises.

The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), as a prominent Pentecostal church in Nigeria, claims a strong commitment to youth development through spiritual nurturing and moral guidance. With a wide network of churches and youth-oriented programs, particularly in Abeokuta South, the church is strategically positioned to influence the youth population positively. However, there is limited empirical assessment of how impactful these efforts are in shaping the behavior, beliefs, and life choices of the youth involved in its ministries. The absence of comprehensive data leaves a gap in understanding the actual role GOFAMINT plays in raising godly youth.

Furthermore, while the church organizes youth fellowships, students’ fellowships, leadership training, and discipleship classes, it remains unclear how these programs translate into real-life moral conduct and societal impact. Are these spiritual interventions adequately meeting the emotional, social, and ethical needs of the youth? How effectively do they address the socio-cultural pressures that often lead young people astray? These are questions that have yet to be systematically explored, especially in the context of Abeokuta South.

Another dimension of the problem is the lack of coordination and follow-up in youth mentoring and discipleship. Many youths participate in church programs out of obligation or social expectation, yet there is often no intentional long-term guidance or structured accountability that helps them apply biblical teachings in daily life. This gap can lead to a superficial spiritual experience that fails to produce genuine transformation, thereby limiting the church’s influence in raising a truly godly generation.

Additionally, societal factors such as poverty, peer influence, weak parental involvement, and the rise of secular media challenge the church’s efforts. While GOFAMINT may provide spiritual content, these external influences often compete for the attention and loyalty of the youth. Without strategic and contextually relevant interventions, the church may struggle to remain effective in its mission, especially in urban environments where distractions are numerous and peer pressure is intense.

In summary, the problem lies not only in the increasing moral decay among youth in Abeokuta South but also in the unclear extent to which GOFAMINT’s spiritual programs are able to counteract this trend. There is a pressing need to critically evaluate the church’s role, strategies, and impact in raising youth who embody Christian values in both private and public life. This forms the basis for investigating the effectiveness of GOFAMINT in shaping the spiritual and moral trajectory of young people in this region.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Role of the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in Raising godly youth in Abeokuta South in Ogun State. The specific objectives are;

1. To examine the programs and initiatives implemented by the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l aimed at nurturing godly values and character in youth.
2. To assess the impact of the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l on the spiritual growth and development of young people within their community.
3. To explore the perceptions and experiences of youth who have been involved with the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in terms of their faith formation.
4. To identify any challenges faced by the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in effectively raising godly youth and propose potential solutions.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What programs and initiatives has the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l implemented to nurture godly values and character in youth?
2. How has the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l impacted the spiritual growth and development of young people within their community?
3. What are the perceptions and experiences of youth who have been involved with the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in terms of their faith formation?
4. What challenges does the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l face in effectively raising godly youth, and what potential solutions can be proposed?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Gospel Faith Mission Int’l has no impact on the spiritual growth and development of young people within their community

H1: Gospel Faith Mission Int’l has impact on the spiritual growth and development of young people within their community

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it seeks to evaluate the impact of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) on the spiritual and moral upbringing of youth in Abeokuta South, Ogun State. In an era where societal values are rapidly deteriorating, especially among the younger generation, this research provides an important insight into how faith-based organizations like GOFAMINT are contributing to reversing this trend. By focusing on the church’s role in raising godly youth, the study will highlight the value of religious institutions as moral pillars in modern society.

Furthermore, the study will benefit church leaders, youth pastors, and Christian educators within GOFAMINT and similar denominations by offering a clearer understanding of what strategies are working and what areas need improvement. By assessing existing youth programs such as the GOFAMINT Students’ Fellowship, Sunday School, and discipleship classes, the findings can help refine these programs for better effectiveness. This can lead to the creation of more intentional and impactful youth ministry initiatives tailored to the needs of young people in Abeokuta South.

For parents and guardians, the study provides an evidence-based assessment of the role the church plays in supplementing the spiritual and moral training of their children. It offers reassurance and guidance on how collaboration between home and church can lead to holistic youth development. This is especially crucial in a time where many parents rely heavily on religious institutions to provide moral direction for their children due to work-related commitments and other pressures.

This study will also be significant to policymakers and stakeholders in the education and youth development sectors. Understanding how GOFAMINT contributes to shaping morally responsible citizens can inform policies that integrate faith-based approaches into national youth development strategies. Recognizing the church as a viable partner in curbing youth restiveness, crime, and moral decay could lead to broader collaborations between government and religious bodies.

Academically, the research contributes to the body of knowledge in religious studies, youth ministry, and social development. It will serve as a reference for future studies examining the intersection of religion and youth development, especially within the context of African Pentecostalism. It also provides a foundation for comparative studies between different denominations and regions, helping to generalize findings or highlight contextual differences.

In conclusion, this study is vital not only for understanding the impact of GOFAMINT on youth in Abeokuta South but also for promoting effective strategies for raising a godly generation. By shedding light on the successes and challenges of church-based youth development, the research has the potential to spark transformative changes both within religious institutions and the wider society.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the Role of the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in Raising godly youth in Abeokuta South in Ogun State. The study is limited to Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in

in Abeokuta South in Ogun State

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Role: Arolerefers to the function, duty, or expected contribution of a person, group, or institution within a particular context or situation. In the context of this study, it refers to the specific contributions or responsibilities carried out by The Gospel Faith Mission International in the moral and spiritual development of youth.
2. Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT): TheGospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT)is a Pentecostal Christian denomination founded in Nigeria in 1956 by Pastor (Dr.) Reuben Akinwalere George. It is known for its evangelical focus, emphasis on holiness, Bible-based teachings, and commitment to the spiritual and moral growth of individuals, especially youth. The church operates both nationally and internationally, with a strong presence in many parts of Nigeria, including Abeokuta South in Ogun State.
3. Raising: Raisingrefers to the process of nurturing, guiding, developing, and supporting the growth of an individual—physically, emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually. In this context, it involves intentional efforts to develop youth into morally upright and spiritually mature individuals through teaching, mentoring, and discipleship.
4. Godly Youth: Godly youthrefers to young individuals who live according to Christian values, exhibiting traits such as integrity, humility, obedience to God’s word, respect for authority, and a commitment to righteous living. They are often distinguished by their faith in God, moral discipline, and positive influence in their communities.

Project – The Role of the Gospel Faith Mission Int’l in Raising godly youth