The Role of Pastoral Care and Guidance in the Spiritual Development of Postmodern Youth in Nigeria

Adolescence remains a fascinating period of transition in the life cycle of humans; it provides for a period of expanded growth just after childhood. During adolescence, young people are opened to the possibility of identity formation, self-discovery, spiritual growth and emerging independence from adults. As young people mature from childhood to adulthood, they experience remarkable physical, behavioural, social and spiritual transformation. The spiritual development of adolescents usually occurs not separate from, but as part of the transformational process. Therefore, adolescence, as a critical period in the journey of life, brings forth an opportunity for timely intervention to prevent destructive life patterns, and to promote continuing healthy habits and spiritual values. Whether or not the adolescent emerges into adulthood as a healthy, self-reliant individual will depend on the opportunities available to develop positive attitudes and life skills during the formative years. The present postmodern culture presents challenges to the upbringing of adolescents in Nigeria. Globalization exposes young people to competing world views and the uncertainty of multiple options. In this thesis, we are confronted with the question; how iii should we make the pastoral care ministry more adolescent-oriented in a postmodern multicultural society? Presently, there is the need for youth ministers, parents, teachers and guides to understand the dynamics of postmodern conditions and to be open to provide support, care and leadership to a younger generation that is so torn apart. The Church, the family and society in general, on whom Nigerian adolescents depend, need to become more aware of the unique conditions of these young people in postmodern society; and be capable of implementing an effective model of pastoral care and guidance that nurtures their spiritual growth.Master of Theology (ThM