A training program for effective discipleship of lay leaders in the greater Uppen Nile Field, South Sudan

Abstract

There were very few trained and qualified pastors in the Greater Upper Nile Field (GUNF) who could effectively minister to the spiritual and pastoral needs of church members. As a result, the burden of leadership and care fell on lay leaders who lacked formal training in both pastoral responsibilities and discipleship ministry. This lack of preparation led to several challenges within the churches, including the passive involvement of members in evangelism, inadequate nurturing of new believers, and weak organizational leadership in local congregations. Consequently, the overall spiritual growth, vitality, and outreach effectiveness of the churches suffered. In response to this need, this research project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate a training program specifically tailored to equip lay leaders for effective discipleship ministry. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Focus group interviews were conducted to assess the current situation and challenges faced by lay leaders, while questionnaires were used to evaluate the outcomes of the training program. The findings revealed that both lay leaders and church members in the Bentiu District of GUNF urgently needed structured training in discipleship to improve leadership capacity and enhance ministry effectiveness. The training program was carried out for 29 selected lay leaders representing 10 churches in the Bentiu District. The curriculum of the training emphasized that discipleship is not only biblical and church-sanctioned, but also transformational, rational, relational, and inherently missional. The program provided the participants with essential skills and knowledge to lead effective discipleship efforts within their local churches. Upon completion, several of the trained leaders were able to replicate the program in their respective congregations, leading to increased engagement in evangelism, improved spiritual growth, and broader participation of youth and women in church life. This study concludes that targeted training in discipleship has a significant positive impact on local church leadership and member engagement. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of expanding similar training efforts to other districts within the Greater Upper Nile Field. The findings underscore the strategic role that well-equipped lay leaders can play in advancing the mission of the church, particularly in regions where ordained pastors are scarce.