| This study explored the relationship between youth ministry (YM) participation and faith maturity of second-generation Korean American adolescents (SGKAAs) in 7th-12th grade The purpose of the study was to identify the factors/characteristics of youth ministry that contribute to the development of mature faith.;A total of 742 SGKAAs in 7th-12th grade from 13 Korean American churches in California, representing five major denominations and one independent, completed self report Youth Ministry Participation Surveys containing a 38-item Faith Maturity Scale and closed-ended and open-ended questions. Questions regarding the level (i.e., frequency) of YM participation, participation in different types of YM programs, participants' perceived effectiveness of YM programs, participants' experience of faith-nurturing characteristics in YM, and influence of family, peers, and significant adults in YM/congregation were investigated.;Although the level of YM participation was significantly predictive of faith maturity (r = .38, r2= .14, p < .0002, Bonferroni-corrected per-comparison a), participants' perception of effectiveness of the programs was a better predictor of faith maturity (R = .51; R2 = .26, p < .0002). Faith-nurturing characteristics of YM was found to mediate the relationship between the level of YM participation and faith maturity and it was a stronger predictor of faith maturity (Beta = .44) than the frequency of YM participation (Beta .23).;From 71 faith-nurturing items entered for factor analysis, 17 components were extracted. Among family, peer, and significant adults components, Peer Religiousness was the strongest predictor for participants' frequency of YM participation and also for their faith maturity at p < .0002 . However, when all 17 components were entered for standard regression to predict faith maturity, Personal Spiritual Disciplines was the strongest predictor, followed by Significant Adults in YM/Congregation, Family Religious Activities, and Spiritual Gifts. Peer Religiousness dropped in its ranking and was significant at p = .002. Moreover, Essentials component which measured guidance, encouragement, healing and/or correction provided in YM/congregation was found to be the strongest predictor of Personal Spiritual Disciplines.;Responses from the open-ended questions further validated the major findings from the closed-ended questions and converged on one central theme, that is, a deep, loving, authentic relationship. Participants overwhelmingly attributed their faith development not to the programs but to people who offered such relationships and became to them what Christ is to us. Implications were presented for congregations, YM, parents, and youth. |
