The Role of Small Groups in Promoting Holistic Development of the Church of Uganda: A Case Study on the Diocese of Kampala.

Abstract

Small groups have historically been significant means through which the Church has nurtured spiritual growth, discipleship, fellowship, leadership development, and community outreach. In the Church of Uganda, however, many congregations continue to experience challenges in sustaining vibrant Christian fellowship, effective discipleship, and holistic ministry despite increasing church attendance. This study investigates the role of small groups in promoting the holistic development of the Church of Uganda, with particular reference to the Diocese of Kampala. The study aims to examine how small groups contribute to the spiritual, social, emotional and economic growth of church members and the wider church community. Specifically, it seeks to establish the contribution of small groups to discipleship and spiritual maturity, assess their role in fostering fellowship, pastoral care and economic enhancement, identify the challenges affecting their effectiveness, and propose strategies for strengthening small-group ministry within the Diocese of Kampala. The study will adopt a quantitative case study design. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and document analysis involving clergy, lay leaders, and members participating in small groups across selected parishes within the Diocese of Kampala. The collected data will be analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns, experiences, and perspectives regarding the contribution of small groups to church development. The study is anchored in the biblical understanding of the early Church as portrayed in Acts 2:42–47 and the theology of Christian fellowship (koinonia), discipleship, and vi servant leadership. It is anticipated that the findings will demonstrate that effective small groups significantly enhance spiritual formation, leadership development, pastoral care, evangelism, accountability, economic and community transformation, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the Church. The study will further identify institutional and contextual challenges that hinder the effectiveness of small- group ministries and recommend practical interventions for strengthening their implementation within the Diocese of Kampala and the wider Church of Uganda. The findings are expected to contribute to theological scholarship on discipleship and church growth while providing practical recommendations for church leaders, clergy, and ministry practitioners seeking to build vibrant, mission-oriented, and holistic Christian communities through small-group ministry.