YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN PARAMILITARY BODIES: A CASE STUDY OF THE ROYAL SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH IN NIGERIA, 2002-2021

Christ Apostolic Church is a foremost African Indigenous Church which has proliferated and shown phenomenal growth particularly in Nigeria. One of the factors responsible for the growth and expansion of the church in Nigeria was the activities of its youth organisations among which is the Royal Shepherds. This article focuses on the Royal Shepherds which is the paramilitary outfit of Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria. The research highlights the history of the organisation, its aims and objectives and its administration. It also features the programmes and activities of the organisation and gives detailed attention to the specific contributions of the organisation to the growth of Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria. Data were gathered through the use of structured oral interview, archival materials and bibliographical search. Useful suggestions were offered to improve the operations of the organisation.

YOUTH CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHURCH GROWTH: A CASE STUDY OF THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD SOCIETY (LOWS) OF CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH, NIGERIA, 1966 - 1992

Christ Apostolic Church was the foremost African Indigenous Church in Nigeria and its history dates back to 1918. The growth and expansion of the church in Nigeria was aided by the activities of its youth organisations, foremost among which was the Light of the World Society. This article examines the origin of the society, its objectives, administration and programmes. The article also highlights the various contributions of the society to the growth and expansion of the church via evangelism and church planting, promotion of Christian education and leadership development. The study adopted George Ehusani’s concept which states that the youths should not be seen as mere objects or targets of the Church’s programmes and projects, rather they should be seen as active agents of evangelization. Data were gathered through the use of structured oral interview, questionnaire, archival materials and bibliographical search. KEYWORDS: Christ Apostolic Church, Light of the World, Youths, Growth and Expansion

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (CACSA) TO THE GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH NIGERIA, 1971-2015

Christ Apostolic Church was the foremost African Indigenous Church in Nigeria and its history dates back to 1918. The growth and expansion of the church in Nigeria was aided by the activities of its youth organisations, prominent among which is the Christ Apostolic Church Students’ Association. This article examines the origin of the Association, its vision, administration and programmes. The article also highlights the various contributions of the society to the growth and expansion of the church via evangelism and church planting, music ministry, establishment of Campus Fellowship Centres, promotion of Christian/formal education, career development and leadership development. The study adopted Matthew Seebach’s theory which is based on active forms of participation of youths in which the involvement of young people results in an impact on a process, influences a decision, or produces an outcome. Data were gathered through the use of structured oral interview, questionnaire, archival materials and bibliographical search. KEYWORDS: Christ Apostolic Church, Association, Youths, Growth and Expansion.