The researcher and pastor of this church surmised that Young adult Tongans were increasingly feeling alienated from the congregation, and that their participation was diminishing, though their parents remained loyal. This was causing concern among members, who saw the next generation of Christian disciples in peril. Theologically, they were concerned about the possible spiritual alienation from God and the Christian tradition this represented. They worried about the spiritual and social implications of a new generation whose Christian identity and connection to Christian fellowship was being lost, and what more might be done to reach out to them with hospitality and spiritual challenge.

This project is an in-depth research-based study of the social, economic, cultural and religious reasons why Tongan and other young adults are losing interest in the Church. The hope of the congregation is that it serves as a preliminary to re-engaging them with a realistic plan of biblically-based inclusiveness and hospitality. The research entailed forming two focus groups of young persons to gather ideas and content for a questionnaire that was to be administered to around 350 young adults in the parish area by trained project staff.

Working closely with a Lay Advisory Committee, the questionnaires were filled out in face-to-face interviews in person or online. The data were collated and a narrative methodology was chosen as a means of presenting the findings. Narrative themes revealed, among other things, that young adults were feeling alienated because they had no voice or role in planning worship, study, and cultural activities; that they were aggrieved that there was no effort to provide an English language worship service; that they felt the older generations did not appreciate the tension they feel around the clash of their old culture and new one; that their hesitancy about church was partly driven by economic perceptions; gang influence; and that their preferred time schedule clashed with the congregation’s. Coconut theology, a contextually-based theology, was used to interpret the findings theologically.

The study provided a dramatic awakening among the leadership of the church. An English language service was established. Young adults were incorporated into key positions of leadership and influence. A significant outreach project was initiated and staffed by young adults. An increase in participation of young adults was realized. Other persons of Tongan heritage began to attend the English service. The congregation became more alive, aware of the future course of ministry and service to which God is leading them.