Ecclesial Community and Servant Models Towards Holistic Shepherding of the Youth in St Peter Claver’s Catholic Parish, Nairobi County

Abstract

The study examines the viability of using a twopronged approach of Avery Dulles’ “Church Community” and “Church Servant” models towards the transformation of youth in St Peter Claver’s Catholic Parish, Nairobi County through shepherding. The research is qualitative, and the population encompassed members of the parish. The sample was obtained representatively through purposive and random sampling techniques. The study utilized questionnaires, structured interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. Literature was reviewed on the nature of youth, some selected existing historical models, their strengths, weaknesses, and usage in evangelization, especially from the lenses of the inculturation-liberation approach. The study’s main finding is that intertwining the two significant ecclesial images of “church community” and “servant church” can go a long way in effectively shepherding and transforming the youth in St Peter Claver’s Catholic Parish and elsewhere.