The Great Commission Fulfilment as a Catalyst for Church Growth: A Case Study of the Busoga Context, Uganda

Abstract

This study set out to unveil the question of how the Great commission fulfilment as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, influences the Growth, renewal and establishment of Mainline protestant Churches in Busoga region-Uganda. The passage, often termed as the Great Commission, provides the theological foundation for evangelism and discipleship, yet many mainline Churches appear stagnant both spiritually and numerically. This research therefore sought to interrogate the extent to which the Great Commission is practically implemented within these congregations and how such implementation shapes Church Growth. The main objectives are; first, to evaluate how the practical implementation of missiological praxis influence Church Growth; second, to examine how Great Commission Knowledge among Church leaders and laity impacts Church Growth; and third, to assess the role of evangelical approaches in enhancing the growth and renewal of mainline protestant Churches in Busoga region. It sets on the premise that Church growth is not accidental but a direct result of obedience to Christ`s commission, whereby evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement generate both spiritual maturity and numerical expansion. In its theoretical framework, the study is guided by two key theories, the Church Growth theory, which contends the deliberate strategies of evangelism and discipleship foster renewal and expansion within congregations. The study further draws the Missio-Dei theory which emphasizes holistic growth, community transformation, and global mission engagement. The study utilizes a descriptive survey design in its bid to unveil the problem under consideration. The target population comprised 15 Church Clergy and 80 members of the laity drawn from 20 mainline congregations across Busoga region. Data were collected using questionnaires, pre-tested for validity and reliability, and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively through descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS version 24. In its findings, the study established that mainline churches in Busoga region are minimally engaged in the Great Commission fulfilment, a reality that has weaken both spiritual and numerical growth. Regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant relationship between Church Growth and both the implementation of missiological praxis and the level of Great Commission knowledge among Church leaders and members. However, evangelical approaches such as open-air crusade and media evangelism did not yield a statistically significant impact. The study concludes that biblical knowledge, empowering leaders and members through training, and strategically engaging in discipleship and outreach are critical to revitalizing mainline Churches in Busoga region.