Redesigning church practices to reach and disciple non-church-affiliated emerging adults in Alberton, Johannesburg, South Africa, post-Covid19

Reaching and discipling non-church-affiliated emerging adults in a post-COVID-19 Alberton, Johannesburg, South Africa, requires a multifaceted approach. This article employs Osmer’s practical theological reflection approach to develop a strategy, using data collected from selected fifteen churches. Interviews with ministry leaders and a survey among emerging adults determine the potential to reach non-church-affiliated emerging adults.Sources were consulted to identify factors to increase this potential, namely: involvement, discipleship, relationship, sound doctrine, leadership, excellence, a missional focus, and an online presence. Scripture and theological tradition reveal an understanding of the universal church, missio Dei, decentralised leadership, and discipleship to develop a strategy for discipling emerging adults. The strategy proposes that the local church should seta standard of doctrine, excellence, and focus, while emerging adult leaders are trained to disciple others, thus increasing their involvement in church and influence among their peers. Further research remains to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy

Christian ministry · Ecclesiology · Emerging markets · Emerging technologies · Missiology · Christian Theology and Mission · Contemporary Christian Leadership and Education · Ego Development and Educational Practices