When Nicole Iradukunda, 24, a second-year theology student at Africa College of Theology in Kigali, first joined her Bible study group, she didn’t expect to find a warm and genuine atmosphere. But it was filled with laughter, honesty, and people who truly showed up for one another. “What struck me most was seeing people my age deeply in love with God. It wasn’t just about reading Scripture, we lived it. We celebrated birthdays, played fun games, and had real conversations about the challenges we faced,” she said. “Because we were all walking through similar seasons, everything felt more relatable, more encouraging, and more grounded. It reminded me that following Jesus doesn’t mean giving up joy but discovering it in new, fuller ways.” Iradukunda believes that a strong youth community can play a crucial role in one’s spiritual journey. It is something she experienced firsthand. Rather than relying solely on traditional sermons, some churches are finding new ways to reach young hearts through the music they love, honest conversations, creative spaces, and peer support. At the centre of it all is the idea that faith doesn’t have to feel outdated to be meaningful. ALSO READ: Religious extremism: When does faith turn into cult? “In my journey of salvation, what really stood out was finding a vibrant youth community made up of young believers. Many churches in Rwanda focus heavily on children, while youth ministries are often inactive or overlooked. But youth communities provide a space where peers truly connect,” said Iradukunda. ALSO READ: Church and ministry: What’s the difference? One key approach that impacted her journey was the creation of peer-led Bible study groups composed of people in the same age bracket, facing similar challenges. They meet weekly, offering each other spiritual and emotional support. “Sometimes one of us might be weak, but the others are strong enough to uplift and encourage. When you’re surrounded by peers walking the same path, it becomes easier to stay committed.” Reflecting on her early days in Christianity, she recalled thinking that activities like partying without drinking alcohol were acceptable. But being around peers who chose to avoid secular music and other behaviours made her reassess her own choices. “It challenged me, thinking that if my peers could make sacrifices that I couldn’t overcome, what was stopping me from becoming the best version of myself? That peer influence helped me grow stronger in my faith.” ALSO READ: Top seven religious tourism sites in Rwanda Iradukunda praised the church’s interactive events and youth-focused outreach programmes, which she says keep the spiritual spark alive for many young people. “Just because a particular vision worked for me doesn’t mean it will work for every young person. I encourage leaders to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, because sometimes we focus too much on fun and the spiritual part fades. Balance is key.” Alex Ndagijimana, the general secretary of the catholic episcopal youth ministry, said the Church is working to ensure young people feel accepted, guided, and spiritually supported through creating a more understanding and inclusive environment. “We motivate priests, parents, and anyone who interacts with youth to be loving and not overly judgmental. Judgment can drive the youth away from the Church. When they feel weak, they need advice not condemnation. They need to be taught, loved, and most importantly, prayed for,” Ndagijimana said. At New Life Bible Church, engaging young people in faith starts with contextualizing the gospel. While its message remains unchanged, the way it is delivered is tailored to suit the interests and preferences of the youth, according to Chrispine Katiyi Banda, a pastor at the church. “The gospel and its truth remain the same. But how you present it can be adapted to connect with those you're trying to reach, especially young people, who have distinct tastes in music, fashion, language, and environment,” he said. Rather than stripping away what young people enjoy, New Life Bible Church uses these elements to deliver its message in a more relatable way. From modern music and stage lighting to black-painted walls and youthful décor, the church atmosphere is intentionally designed to appeal to younger generations. “Most of the decorations are done by the youth themselves, which fosters a strong sense of ownership. They are not just involved they help shape decisions by proposing what they like,” he said. However, he cautioned, not all preferences should be accepted without reflection. “Much as you are contextualizing the gospel, you need to be careful. Not everything youth like is good. If they know you are open, you give them what they like, when you say, ‘This is not the way to go,’ they will listen, because they know you mean good.” Rather than enforcing strict rules, church seeks to build relationships rooted in understanding and respect while focusing on the heart of the gospel, he said. Sometimes churches place too much emphasis on outward things like how people dress, but those should be seen as results of a transformed heart, not the core message of the gospel itself, he explained. “When the focus is only on rules like ‘don’t do this, do that,’ it feels like a set of laws that are difficult to live by. Instead, churches should let the gospel work in people’s hearts and allow that transformation to shape their lives.” Beyond Sunday services, New Life Bible Church also builds community through structured groups known as Disciple Community Churches; home-based gatherings tailored to different life stages. “There are groups for youth, newly married couples, and general groups that cater to various life stages. The Teen Church also has its own groups, some of which are so welcoming that older members choose to stay even after aging out. These groups help young people stay engaged in Sunday services by fostering friendships and a strong sense of community,” he said. New Life Bible Church also offers inviting physical spaces, such as coffee areas and vibrant evening events, all of which contribute to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. “If you try to put a young person in a box, you will not manage that person.” Recognizing that spiritual needs evolve with age and context, the ministry has dedicated specific days and activities tailored to youth engagement. “We organize special days for youth, including visits to schools and communities where they are. Every second week of the month, we hold a youth prayer gathering to pray with and for them,” Ndagijimana said. To further deepen understanding of the faith, the ministry supports Bible church programmes in schools and leverages social media to reach young people on platforms they already use. “We have Bible study initiatives in different schools to help them explore beliefs in a safe and respectful way. We also use social media to spread awareness and understanding about Catholic teachings.” Through community outreach programmes and by meeting youth in their everyday environments, the Church hopes to foster a more connected and spiritually fulfilled generation, Ndagijimana said.
