The scriptural and theological rationale for church-based programmes addressing maternal alcohol consumption in selected churches in Gatundu South Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Maternal alcohol consumption continues to pose significant social, spiritual, and developmental challenges to families and communities, with adverse consequences for the holistic development of teenagers. Churches have increasingly implemented biblically grounded programmes to address this problem, although evidence regarding their theological basis and effectiveness remains limited. This study examined the scriptural and theological rationale underpinning church-based interventions addressing maternal alcohol consumption and explored their implications for the holistic development of teenagers in selected churches in Gatundu South Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design using a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods approach. A total of 424 participants were involved, comprising 280 women leaders who completed structured questionnaires, 96 church leaders, 16 clergy, and 32 women engaged in maternal alcohol consumption who participated in interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically, and the findings were integrated during interpretation. The results indicated strong support for scripture-based interventions in addressing maternal alcohol consumption. Biblical counselling, mentorship, pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and socio-economic empowerment emerged as key strategies that promoted behavioural change and enhanced the moral, spiritual, and emotional development of teenagers. Churches that integrated biblical teaching with psychosocial counselling and economic empowerment programmes were perceived as more effective than those relying solely on spiritual interventions. However, inconsistent follow-up, stigma associated with alcohol consumption, and inadequate professional counselling skills among some church leaders limited the effectiveness of these initiatives. The study concluded that holistic, biblically informed interventions that combine spiritual formation with psychosocial and socio-economic support provide a more sustainable approach to addressing maternal alcohol consumption and promoting teenagers' holistic development. The study recommends strengthening pastoral counselling capacity, fostering inter-church collaboration, enhancing community partnerships, and institutionalising comprehensive church programmes that integrate theological teaching with professional psychosocial support.