Finding Home Between Two Worlds: Faith, Identity, and the Second-Generation Experience

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the journey through 2025. It’s a season that often leaves us feeling a little stretched, perhaps even a bit tired or anxious as we navigate the final countdown to the big day. Yet, in the midst of the bustle, there is a profound question surfacing: How does our heritage and our faith shape who we are, especially for those growing up between two distinct cultures?

The beauty of identity is often found in what is passed down our values, our language, and our belonging. For second-generation British Nigerians, this journey is a unique dance between African roots and European reality, creating a “hybrid” identity that is transforming the way faith is practiced in the UK today.

Insights from a Specialist: Dr Bisi Adenekan-Koevoets

To truly understand this landscape, we look to the work of Dr Bisi Adenekan-Koevoets, a British Academy postdoctoral researcher from the University of Roehampton. As a specialist in African Pentecostalism, identity, migration, and faith, Bissi brings a unique blend of academic rigour and deep compassion to the conversation.

Her journey into this research was sparked by a personal quest for a church home that bridged racial and denominational lines. In the process, she discovered a pressing concern among church leaders: while they were focused on “reverse mission” to reach non-Africans, their own children born in the diaspora were gradually drifting away. This led Bissi to dedicate her work to understanding the faith journeys of young adults aged 19 to 39, exploring how they navigate being both African and European in their spiritual expectations.

More Than Conquerors: A Year of Lessons

This year has been one of growth and stretching. From the cold starts of January through to the festive lights of December, many have faced moments where everything seemed to be falling apart. We have all had those “down to the last dime” moments where divine provision stepped in just in time.

Whether it is the gift of good health, a sound mind, or the simple grace of still standing after a stressful year, gratitude remains the anchor. It is this very gratitude that forms the foundation of faith for the next generation, even if their expression of that faith looks a little different from the traditions of their parents.

Faith Without the “Struggle”?

Research into the lives of young adults (aged 19-39) reveals a fascinating shift in how Christianity is practiced. For many who were raised in traditional “Jim Jim” churches, faith was often associated with a certain level of struggle, long hours in service, and rigid structures.

However, second-generation Christians are moving towards a more relaxed and practical spirituality.

• Practical Conversations: Instead of moving from “scripture to scripture,” young adults are engaging with a few verses and discussing how they apply directly to daily life and career.

• Lifestyle over Performance: For this generation, evangelism isn’t always about standing on a street corner. It is about building relationships and living a lifestyle that naturally reflects God’s love.

• Safe Spaces: The church remains a vital “safe space” where they can learn from older generations while honestly expressing their own feelings and setting healthy boundaries.

Bridging the Cultural Gap

One of the greatest challenges for families today is separating culture from spirituality. In many African households, respect is paramount, but in a British context, individualism and open dialogue are the norms. When a child says, “Don’t be silly,” it may sound un-African or disrespectful to a parent, but in their world, it is often just a casual interaction.

To bridge this gap, parents and church leaders are encouraged to:

1. Prioritise Relationship: Building a bond is more effective than forcing tradition.

2. Understand Socialisation: Children are socialised by parents first, but then by schools and universities. They are “ethnic hybrids” proudly African and confidently British.

3. Encourage Personal Experience: The goal is to give them the spiritual basics and then allow them the room to let God touch them personally.

Knowing Who and Whose You Are

Bisi’s message for young British Nigerians today is simple: You belong. You belong to a family and a culture that is proud and progressive. More importantly, your identity is rooted in knowing “whose” you are. Being a child of God doesn’t make you antisocial or boring; it gives you the base from which to spring into your purpose.

As we head into the final weeks of December, whether you are decorating your tree, planning a quiet dinner with friends, or preparing for “Prepare Him Room” (a seven-day Advent devotional running from the 15th to the 21st), take a moment to breathe. The lessons of 2025 have grown us, and the future of our community is bright so long as we keep building bridges of love and understanding.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this journey of faith and identity. How has your heritage shaped your walk with God this year? Please share your stories of gratitude or your questions about navigating culture and faith by reaching out to us at HeartSong Live Radio via email at info@heartsonglive.co.uk

“Adapted by Praise Afolabi based on an interview by Eloho Efemuai, host of Arise with Eloho.”