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Pastoral Care Strategy for Guiding Christians Experiencing Doctrinal Confusion

Esther Viyon Odunlami, PhD

Abstract

This paper explores a pastoral care strategy to guide young Christians who are experiencing confusion amid divergent doctrinal teachings based on the conviction that sound doctrine is vital for Christian maturity. The specific objectives of this paper are to determine how common exposure to divergent doctrinal teachings is among young Christians, examine how doctrinal confusion affects them, and propose pastoral care strategies to support young adult Christians facing such confusion. The study used a descriptive research method, and the population of the respondents comprises 120 young Christians aged 16-30 years, selected from churches around Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire containing variables on outlook on divergent doctrines and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that interdenominational teaching is the most prominent channel of doctrinal exposure, while digital media amplifies doctrinal plurality. Doctrinal confusion was also found to affect spiritual engagement and weaken confidence in pastoral leadership. The paper recommends that pastoral caregivers acknowledge doctrinal confusion, patiently clarify biblical teachings, provide young Christians with a sound hermeneutical foundation, develop their capacity for digital theological discernment, and promote relational and intergenerational discipleship and mentorship as means of strengthening their faith and spiritual stability.

Keywords

Pastoral CareSound DoctrineDivergent Doctrinal TeachingsDoctrinal ConfusionYoung ChristiansChristian Maturity Word Count: 198

References

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