Youth Involvement in Church Activities and Social Behaviour in Lagos Mainland Churches

Youth engagement in church activities has long been regarded as a protective factor against antisocial behaviour, substance abuse, and moral delinquency among adolescents and young adults in Nigerian society. This study investigates the relationship between the frequency and depth of youth involvement in church activities and social behaviour outcomes among youth in Lagos Mainland churches in South West Nigeria. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, with structured questionnaires administered to 250 young people aged 15 to 30 attending youth programmes in ten churches across Lagos Mainland, representing Pentecostal, Catholic, and mainline Protestant denominations. Behavioural outcomes assessed included academic performance, peer relationships, substance use, and community service participation. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between deep church involvement (participation in leadership roles, Bible study groups, and mentorship programmes) and prosocial behaviour outcomes. Casual or obligatory attendance showed weaker behavioural effects. Youth mentorship programmes within churches are identified as the most impactful intervention. However, 38 percent of respondents report that their church youth programmes feel irrelevant to their contemporary social challenges. The study concludes that the depth and quality of youth church engagement, rather than mere attendance, is the key predictor of positive social outcomes. Churches in Lagos Mainland are urged to redesign youth programmes around contemporary youth challenges, vocational development, and meaningful leadership opportunities to maximise their social formation impact.

Keywords: youth church involvement, social behaviour, Lagos Mainland, youth ministry, Christian formation