Discipling Emerging Adults in Africa: An Andragogical Review
Kris Ewontomah 
Issue: Vol.6 No.5 Issue Article 19 pp. 630-641
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256519 | Published online 25th April, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This research aims to explore effective methods of disciplining emerging adults in Africa through an andragogical lens, emphasizing developmental appropriateness and cultural sensitivity. It recognizes the complex relationship between the Bible, traditional African values, and the changing socioeconomic environment. By promoting independence and responsibility, the study seeks to address discipleship guided by adult learning concepts. The study employed a qualitative methodology that involved conducting semi-structured interviews with educators, parents, and young adults from diverse African communities. A study of relevant literature clarified methods that uphold andragogical principles such as collaboration, reverence for the educational process, and encouragement of critical reflection. The discussions revealed a conflict between the new participatory biblical models that empower young adults and the old-fashioned hierarchy of discipleship. Suggestions include integrating participatory dialogue into disciplinary frameworks, emphasizing mentorship and guidance over authoritarian methods, and leveraging technology to establish inclusive learning environments for moral development. By situating discipleship within the broader context of andragogy, the study contributes to scholarship by offering culturally aware approaches that balance respect for African tradition with the evolving needs of emerging adults. It emphasizes how important it is to reconsider discipleship as a cooperative process that fosters lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. This work will be expanded in subsequent research on the integration of African values with modern methods of community development and discipleship education.
Keywords: Emerging, Disciple, Africa, Adult, Christian, Ministry Teaching, Adolescents, Workers.
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Rev. Dr. Kris Ewontomah is a Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary. He holds a PhD in Theology and the director for Field education. He is an ordained Methodist minister and Candidates secretary of the Methodist Church, Ghana.
Ewontomah, Kris. “Discipling Emerging Adults in Africa: An Andragogical Review,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.5 (2025): 630-641. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256519
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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