Evaluating the Impact of Discipleship on Faith Retention in the Church of Uganda Diocese of East Ruwenzori

Abstract

This study examines the impact of discipleship on faith retention within the Church of Uganda, focusing specifically on the Diocese of East Ruwenzori. Discipleship which is understood as the intentional process of mentoring and guiding believers toward spiritual maturity plays a crucial role in sustaining long-term commitment to the Christian faith. Faith retention, in this context, refers to the continuous nurturing and deepening of individuals’ adherence to the core beliefs and practices of their faith tradition over time. The Diocese faces significant challenges, including faith abandonment, stagnation in spiritual growth, and declining engagement among longstanding members. This research evaluates existing discipleship practices, identifies key hurdles, and explores opportunities for improvement. It emphasizes the influence of Jesus Christ’s teachings and the role of the church community in promoting spiritual formation through a Christocentric model of discipleship. Data collected indicate that discipleship positively influences faith retention. However, several barriers such as lack of culturally relevant teaching materials, inadequate follow-up for new believers, limited training for discipleship leaders, and the neglect of practical tools hinder its effectiveness. The study offers recommendations like the appointing dedicated focal persons for discipleship programs, establish home cells and zonal fellowships, among others that aim to strengthen the Diocese’s discipleship framework, foster deeper spiritual growth, and also improve faith retention. Ultimately, the study contributes meaningful insights to the broader academic and ecclesial dialogue on discipleship within the Church of Uganda.