With dwindling youth engagement in church and other religious activities, this has become a growing concern as there is a need to come up with ways to attract young people to participate in worship.
Many Zimbabwean faith communities are turning to art and creative expression as a powerful revival strategy to entice them to participate in church and religious activities.
In a country where young people often seek relevance and inspiration in spaces that align with their interests like in music, churches have begun harnessing the energy of youth culture integrating music, dance, spoken word poetry, and drama into worship services to re-engage young congregants.
This approach not only transforms traditional worship but also creates a dynamic, interactive experience that resonates with younger generations, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and purpose within the church community.
By hosting talent shows and church drama groups, the church empowers young people to explore biblical themes through creative storytelling, encouraging them to use their talents for evangelism.
These dramatic presentations often take place during youth services, combining elements of entertainment with spiritual teaching, which has proven highly effective in retaining the interest of young attendees.
Most pentecostal churches have mastered the art of using music to attract young people to church, where they play modern musical
instruments in praise and worship sessions.
In fact, many young people have cited these creative outlets as pivotal in reigniting their faith and commitment to church life.
Traditional churches like the Catholic Church are also using different methods that incorporate music in praise and worship to ensure their young congregates remain in church.
For instance, the Charismatic Renewal emerged in Zimbabwe in the early 1980s, inspired by a global movement that sought to deepen personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, and it is attracting a lot of young people.
In Bulawayo, this revival has been bringing together diverse communities, transcending cultural and denominational barriers, says Fr Themba Chipembere, the spiritual director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Bulawayo diocese.
"The emphasis on spiritual gifts and personal testimony has resonated with many young people and also the elderly, leading to vibrant prayer meetings, retreats, and community gatherings," Fr Themba explains to Standard Style. "The Charismatic Renewal has been a source of life for many in our archdiocese, allowing individuals to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in profound ways."
He says the CCR has a deep spiritual foundation rooted in praise and worship through song, and the fusion of gospel with Catholic sacred music, which has served a greater purpose beyond just melodic inspiration.
“This music is not just about lifting spirits, it is about elevating
the soul and connecting the faithful with God. Gospel songs, which are vibrant and interdenominational, bring in an energy that invites the congregation to participate actively, while at the same time traditional Catholic hymns also add a deep, reflective tone that fosters meditation and prayer during praise and worship sessions," Fr. Chipembere says.
The combination of these elements creates an environment where worshippers feel a profound sense of God's presence.
In further elaborating on the significance of blending these musical traditions, Fr. Chipembere further explains: "Gospel songs often tap into personal testimonies of faith, making them relatable and energetic, which resonates widely across different Christian denominations."
He contrasts this with Catholic sacred music, which is steeped in the classical traditions of worship and offers a contemplative, almost transcendent experience.
Fr Themba says this unique fusion results in a balanced form of worship, where the energy of Gospel music is harmonised with the solemnity of Catholic hymns.
This blend, according to Fr. Chipembere symbolizes "unity in
diversity”, a concept that mirrors the CCR's mission of bringing people together through both contemporary and traditional expressions of faith.
Fr. Themba Chipembere also delves into the critical role whereby using gifts and talents plays a pivotal role in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR),
He highlights how this is central to the movement’s spiritual ethos.
According to Fr. Chipembere, the CCR is not just about personal revival, but about empowering believers; especially the youth to recognize and use their God-given abilities for the greater good of the Church and community.
"Every gift, whether it’s singing, leadership, healing, or prophecy, is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit," he said.
These talents, Fr. Chipembere noted, are closely aligned with the
gifts of the Holy Spirit that include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord as outlined in Catholic doctrine.
He emphasizes that these spiritual gifts aren't meant to be hidden or used solely for personal gain, but to serve others and glorify God.
"The Charismatic movement thrives when individuals discover and embrace their gifts, which allows the Holy Spirit to move powerfully through them," he says, adding that these gifts provide the foundation for vibrant worship and service within the CCR.
"When we use our talents in alignment with the Holy Spirit, we bring renewal — not just to ourselves, but to the whole community," he said.
Fr. Themba also pointed out that the CCR encourages an environment where people can openly use their gifts, whether through prayer, music, or acts of charity, echoing the movement’s focus on evangelism and community transformation.
By linking individual talents with the broader Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Themba says this is very integral in building a spiritually dynamic Church.
“When these gifts are nurtured and used properly,” he says, “they become a force for good, and they spread God’s love and bringi others closer to Him.”
This focus on gifts and talents, he says, is a core reason why the CCR continues to grow and inspire believers around the world, including young people.
The integration of art and creative expression in youth ministries across Zimbabwe has proven to be an effective strategy for revitalizing youth engagement in churches.
By blending contemporary forms of expression such as music, dance, spoken word, and drama with traditional elements of worship, these ministries are creating spaces where young people can connect their faith with their passions in a meaningful way.
This approach not only enriches their spiritual journey but also
strengthens the sense of community and belonging within the church.
As these programs continue to evolve, they offer a promising path for churches to bridge generational divides and inspire a new generation of committed and spiritually engaged youth.
nRaymond Millagre Langa is a musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. [email protected] or [email protected]
