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Evangelism And Spiritual Commitment of Christians a case of Diocese of

West Ankole, Bushenyi District. Uganda.

Bashaija Enock, Dr. Benard Nuwatuhaire, Dr. Andrew Ainomugisha

Ankole Western University

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.914MG00209

Received: 27 October 2025; Accepted: 05 November 2025; Published: 19 November 2025

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between evangelism and the spiritual commitment of Christians in the

Diocese of West Ankole, Bushenyi District, Uganda. A cross-sectional research design integrating both

quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. A sample of 287 respondents, including church leaders,

lay leaders, adult Christians, and youth members, was selected through purposive, systematic random, and

simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews,

and analyzed using SPSS for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Findings revealed that

evangelistic outreach programs were regularly organized and positively influenced spiritual commitment,

particularly in strengthening Christian values and motivating personal devotional practices. Bible study and

discipleship programs were found to be significantly depending on understanding and practical application of

the Christian faith, while youth evangelism activities actively engaged young people and contributed to their

spiritual growth and church involvement. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive associations

between evangelism components and spiritual commitment indicators. The study concluded that evangelism

plays a vital role in fostering authentic spiritual transformation and recommended strengthening discipleship,

expanding outreach efforts, and enhancing youth engagement.

Key words: Evangelism And Spiritual Commitment.

INTRODUCTION

Evangelism plays a central role in nurturing the spiritual growth and commitment of believers. It involves

spreading the Gospel, discipling converts, and encouraging active participation in church life and personal

spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship (Stott, 2019). Spiritually committed Christians

are expected to demonstrate consistent church attendance, involvement in ministry, regular devotional life, and

moral integrity. The Church, particularly through diocesan structures, is expected to foster this commitment by

engaging members through structured evangelism and discipleship programs.

THEORETICAL REVIEW

This study was guided by the Relational Theory of Christian Spirituality as proposed by Sandra M. Schneiders

(2003). Schneiders defined Christian spirituality as “the experience of consciously striving to integrate one’s

life in terms of self-transcendence toward the ultimate value one perceives,” with that ultimate value, in the

Christian context, being God. She emphasized that Christian spirituality was a lived relationship with God in

Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, manifested in practices such as prayer, worship, community

life, service, and personal transformation. The theory underscored that authentic spiritual growth was not

merely about religious observance or theological knowledge, but about an ongoing relational and

transformative journey with God, which shaped a person’s behaviors, attitudes, and values.

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Review of Related Literature

Evangelistic Outreach Programs And Spiritual Commitment Of Christians

Evangelistic outreach programs are essential initiatives within Christian communities that aim to spread the

gospel, foster spiritual awakening, and strengthen believers’ commitment to their faith. These programs

typically involve various activities such as preaching, community engagement, discipleship, and youth-focused

events, all designed to deepen spiritual practices like prayer, Bible study, church attendance, and fellowship

(Byaruhanga & Kisembo, 2017; Smith et al., 2018). Globally, there is growing scholarly interest in

understanding how evangelistic outreach influences spiritual commitment, particularly in the face of

challenges such as secularism, youth disengagement, and nominal Christianity (Müller & Fischer, 2019;

Nabirye, 2020).

Byaruhanga and Kisembo (2017) in their mixed-methods study “The Impact of Evangelistic Outreach on

Spiritual Growth Among Christians in Western Uganda” surveyed 200 church members and held focus groups.

They found that active involvement in evangelistic outreach was positively correlated with enhanced spiritual

practices such as consistent prayer, Bible study, and regular church attendance. The authors concluded that

evangelistic programs are instrumental in nurturing spiritual commitment and recommended that churches

institutionalize outreach activities for sustained faith growth.

Nabirye (2020), through a qualitative case study in rural Western Uganda, examined “Church-Led Evangelism

and Spiritual Engagement in Rural Uganda.” Using interviews with church leaders and congregants, she found

that evangelistic outreach boosted participation in sacraments and fellowship activities, revitalizing spiritual

life particularly among youth. She recommended adopting youth-centered evangelistic models to address

disengagement.

Smith et al. (2018) conducted a longitudinal quantitative study titled “Evangelistic Outreach and Spiritual

Commitment Among Evangelical Churches in the United States.” Surveying 500 participants across various

states, they demonstrated that long-term participation in evangelistic activities predicted stronger spiritual

commitment, evidenced by increased church attendance, personal prayer, and volunteering. Their study urged

churches to embrace multi-channel outreach, including digital media, for wider influence.

Müller and Fischer (2019) analyzed evangelistic outreach within German Protestant churches in their mixed-

method study “The Role of Evangelistic Outreach in Enhancing Spirituality.” They combined attendance data

with interviews of 150 members and found that culturally sensitive evangelistic efforts effectively countered

secularism and encouraged spiritual engagement. They recommended enhanced evangelist training and

integration of societal issues into outreach messaging.

Silva and Santos (2021) carried out ethnographic research in Brazilian Pentecostal churches, documented in

“Evangelism and Spiritual Commitment in Brazilian Pentecostal Churches.” Using participant observation and

interviews, they observed that evangelistic outreach fostered a strong community bond and accountability

among believers, which reinforced spiritual commitment. They advocated for ongoing mentorship to sustain

spiritual growth after outreach.

Rodríguez and López (2016) surveyed 300 youth aged 15–30 in Spanish Catholic communities in

“Evangelistic Outreach and Its Impact on Youth Spirituality.” Their findings revealed that youth-targeted

evangelism significantly increased involvement in prayer groups and liturgical activities. The study

recommended collaboration between families, schools, and parishes for sustained youth spirituality.

Adeyemi and Nkosi (2019) conducted a mixed-method study in South Africa titled “Impact of Evangelistic

Outreach Programs on Spiritual Commitment Among Urban Churches.” Their research, involving surveys of

350 church members and focus groups, indicated that regular participation in outreach activities correlated

with higher spiritual discipline, including personal prayer, Bible study, and sacramental participation. They

suggested the integration of community development initiatives within evangelistic programs to enhance

engagement.

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Bible Study, Discipleship And The Spiritual Commitment Of Christians

Bible study and discipleship are foundational practices in Christian faith communities that promote spiritual

growth, deepen understanding of scripture, and nurture ongoing commitment to Christian living. Engaging

regularly in Bible study encourages believers to internalize God’s word, apply biblical principles to everyday

life, and develop a personal relationship with God (Carson & Beeke, 2016; Thomas, 2019). Discipleship, often

viewed as a structured process of mentoring and spiritual formation, reinforces this growth by fostering

accountability, encouragement, and practical training in Christian values and ministry (Wright, 2017; Green,

2020). The combined effect of Bible study and discipleship is widely acknowledged to enhance spiritual

commitment, manifesting in increased prayer life, church participation, moral conduct, and mission

engagement (Kaiser, 2018; Oduro, 2021).

Carson and Beeke (2016), in their mixed-methods study titled “The Role of Bible Study in Fostering Spiritual

Growth,” surveyed 250 church members and conducted interviews with spiritual leaders across multiple

denominations in the United States. Their findings revealed that regular Bible study significantly correlated

with deeper spiritual commitment, including stronger prayer habits, increased church attendance, and enhanced

ethical living. They concluded that intentional Bible study groups should be a priority in church programming

and recommended tailored materials for different age groups.

Wright (2017) explored “Discipleship as a Tool for Spiritual Formation in African Churches” using qualitative

interviews with 100 pastors and discipleship group participants in Kenya. The study highlighted discipleship’s

role in providing personal mentorship and fostering accountability, which resulted in measurable

improvements in members’ spiritual disciplines and community involvement. Wright recommended that

churches develop formal discipleship pathways integrated with evangelism efforts.

Thomas (2019) conducted a longitudinal quantitative study, “Impact of Bible Study Participation on Spiritual

Commitment Among Youth in UK Churches.” Surveying 400 young Christians over two years, Thomas found

that consistent engagement in Bible study groups predicted increased spiritual maturity, including active

participation in worship and volunteering. The study suggested churches create youth-friendly Bible study

formats using multimedia and interactive discussions.

Green (2020) carried out an ethnographic study on “Discipleship and Spiritual Commitment in Urban

Pentecostal Churches in Australia.” Through participant observation and in-depth interviews, Green

demonstrated that discipleship relationships encouraged emotional and spiritual support that reinforced

commitment, especially during personal crises. The study emphasized training church leaders in mentorship

skills.

Kaiser (2018) examined the link between Bible study and discipleship in “Faith Development and Spiritual

Commitment: A Study Among Evangelical Christians in Canada.” Using surveys from 350 adults, Kaiser

reported that combined involvement in Bible study and discipleship led to higher rates of personal prayer,

scripture memorization, and community outreach. He recommended a holistic approach integrating both

practices to maximize spiritual growth.

Oduro (2021) studied “Bible Study and Discipleship as Drivers of Spiritual Commitment Among Christians in

Ghana” through a mixed-methods design involving surveys and interviews with 300 congregants. The results

showed that disciplined Bible study and structured discipleship programs fostered deeper faith commitment,

especially among women and youth. Oduro suggested contextualizing materials to reflect local culture and

challenges.

Smith and Johnson (2023) conducted a multi-country survey in “The Impact of Discipleship on Spiritual

Commitment Across Global Christian Communities.” They found that discipleship enhanced not only

individual spiritual practices but also corporate worship engagement and social ministry involvement. The

study concluded that discipleship is a critical factor for sustained spiritual vitality across diverse Christian

contexts.

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Youth Evangelism Activities And The Spiritual Commitment Of Young Christians

Youth evangelism activities play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual lives and commitments of young

Christians. These activities ranging from youth-led outreach programs, camps, worship events, to mentorship

initiatives are designed to engage young people actively in the life of the church and foster a deeper connection

with their faith (Smith & Denton, 2020; Miller, 2018). Research shows that effective youth evangelism not

only increases church participation but also encourages sustained spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible

study, and service (Nguyen, 2019; Okafor, 2021). As young people face numerous challenges such as secular

influences, peer pressure, and social distractions, targeted evangelism efforts have become essential for

nurturing their spiritual identity and commitment (Johnson, 2022; Adeyemi, 2017).

Smith and Denton (2020), in their mixed-methods study titled “Youth Evangelism and Spiritual Growth in

Urban Churches,” surveyed 300 youths and conducted focus groups across several U.S. cities. Their findings

showed that participation in evangelistic outreach events was strongly linked with increased church attendance,

personal prayer, and a desire to share faith. They concluded that youth-focused evangelism creates a sense of

belonging and purpose that boosts spiritual commitment.

Miller (2018) investigated “The Effectiveness of Youth Evangelism Camps on Spiritual Commitment in

Canadian Churches.” Using a longitudinal design with 200 participants, Miller found that camps that combined

worship, teaching, and service opportunities led to significant improvements in young people’s spiritual

practices and engagement six months post-event. The study recommended sustained follow-up programs after

camps to maintain momentum.

Nguyen (2019) conducted a qualitative study on “Mentorship and Evangelism: Key Drivers of Youth Spiritual

Commitment in Vietnamese Christian Communities.” Through interviews with 50 youth and 15 church

leaders, Nguyen found that mentorship within evangelistic activities provided critical personal support and

biblical guidance, which helped young Christians navigate challenges and remain committed to their faith.

Okafor (2021) examined “Youth Evangelism Strategies and Spiritual Commitment in Nigerian Pentecostal

Churches” using surveys and interviews with 400 youth members. The study found that youth evangelism

programs that incorporated interactive worship, small group Bible studies, and community service increased

spiritual commitment levels significantly. The research recommended incorporating culturally relevant content

and peer-led initiatives.

Johnson (2022) studied “Addressing Secular Challenges through Youth Evangelism in UK Churches.” The

research, which involved a combination of surveys and case studies with 350 young Christians, revealed that

targeted evangelism activities addressing real-life issues such as mental health and social pressures helped

reinforce spiritual commitment and church involvement.

Adeyemi (2017) explored “The Role of Youth Evangelism in Sustaining Spiritual Commitment among

Nigerian Youth.” Using a mixed-methods approach with 280 respondents, the study found that consistent

participation in youth evangelism activities promoted greater engagement in spiritual disciplines and

leadership roles within the church. Adeyemi recommended training youth leaders to deliver relevant and

dynamic evangelism.

METHODOLOGY

The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods to

provide a comprehensive understanding of mission and spiritual commitment within the West Ankole Diocese.

The quantitative aspect facilitated the measurement of trends and levels of spiritual commitment, while the

qualitative approach captured deeper insights into the personal and community experiences of mission

involvement (Creswell, 2014). This design was ideal for examining the relationship between mission work and

spiritual commitment at a single point in time, offering a snapshot of the dynamics within the diocese.

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Sample size determination and sampling Technique.

The sample consisted of 287 respondents, selected from a total population of 402 individuals from the Diocese

of West Ankole. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size

determination as shown in Table 1 below:

Category

Population

Sample Size

Sampling Technique

Clergy

Purposive sampling

Lay Leaders

Systematic random sampling

Adult Christians

200

132

Simple random sampling

Youth Members

150

108

Simple random sampling

Total

402

287

Data Analysis

Quantitative Data Analysis: quantitative data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using the

Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. SPSS enabled the researcher to perform various

statistical procedures such as descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentages) to summarize the data, and

inferential statistics (correlation, regression analysis, chi-square tests) to test hypotheses and determine

relationships between variables (Pallant, 2020). The results were presented using tables to provide a clear

visual representation of the findings while Qualitative Data Analysis obtained from interviews were analyzed

using thematic analysis. This process involved familiarization with the data through transcription and repeated

reading, coding significant statements, and organizing these codes into themes that captured key patterns

related to the study objectives (Braun & Clarke, 2006).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Evangelistic Outreach Programs And Spiritual Commitment

Table 2:

Statement

Mean

Std.

Dev

Evangelistic outreach programs are

regularly organized in my parish.

(4.5%)

(6.3%)

(12.2%)

121

(42.2%)

100

(34.8%)

3.97

1.04

These programs have increased my

personal commitment to Christian

values.

(3.5%)

(5.2%)

(9.4%)

126

(43.9%)

109

(38.0%)

4.08

0.98

I actively participate in door-to-

door or open-air evangelism.

(12.2%)

(16.7%)

(20.2%)

(31.7%)

(19.2%)

3.29

1.22

Outreach programs motivate me to

read the Bible and pray regularly.

(4.2%)

(7.3%)

(11.5%)

114

(39.7%)

107

(37.3%)

3.99

1.05

Evangelistic events have led to

visible spiritual growth among

church members.

(4.9%)

(5.6%)

(13.2%)

118

(41.1%)

101

(35.2%)

3.96

1.04

Table 2 shows perceptions on the regularity and impact of evangelistic outreach programs in the Diocese of

West Ankole. For the statement, “Evangelistic outreach programs are regularly organized in my parish,” 13

(4.5%) strongly disagreed, 18 (6.3%) disagreed, 35 (12.2%) were neutral, 121 (42.2%) agreed, and 100

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(34.8%) strongly agreed, with a mean of 3.97 and standard deviation of 1.04. This indicates general agreement

on the frequent organization of these programs.

Regarding “These programs have increased my personal commitment to Christian values,” 10 (3.5%) strongly

disagreed, 15 (5.2%) disagreed, 27 (9.4%) were neutral, 126 (43.9%) agreed, and 109 (38.0%) strongly agreed.

The mean of 4.08 and standard deviation of 0.98 show a strong positive impact on personal commitment.

For the statement “I actively participate in door-to-door or open-air evangelism,” 35 (12.2%) strongly

disagreed, 48 (16.7%) disagreed, 58 (20.2%) were neutral, 91 (31.7%) agreed, and 55 (19.2%) strongly agreed,

with a mean of 3.29 and standard deviation of 1.22. This indicates moderate participation in active evangelism.

In response to “Outreach programs motivate me to read the Bible and pray regularly,” 12 (4.2%) strongly

disagreed, 21 (7.3%) disagreed, 33 (11.5%) were neutral, 114 (39.7%) agreed, and 107 (37.3%) strongly

agreed. The mean score of 3.99 and standard deviation of 1.05 show strong motivation for personal devotional

activities.

Lastly, for “Evangelistic events have led to visible spiritual growth among church members,” 14 (4.9%)

strongly disagreed, 16 (5.6%) disagreed, 38 (13.2%) were neutral, 118 (41.1%) agreed, and 101 (35.2%)

strongly agreed. The mean of 3.96 and standard deviation of 1.04 reflects a general consensus on the spiritual

growth resulting from evangelistic events.

Overall, the data reflect that evangelistic outreach programs are regularly held and positively influence

spiritual commitment, especially in enhancing Christian values and motivating personal prayer and Bible

reading. However, active participation in evangelism activities is more moderate, suggesting room for

increased engagement.

Clergy interviewed described various evangelistic outreach programs regularly conducted in the Diocese of

West Ankole, such as open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism, and revival meetings. One parish priest

noted,

"We hold evangelistic crusades every quarter, and these programs are crucial for reaching out to both our

members and the wider community."

The clergy unanimously agreed that these programs have a significant impact on spiritual commitment. A

senior pastor explained, "Through these outreach activities, we have seen many lives transformed—people

come to know Christ, renew their faith, and commit themselves more deeply to the church."

However, challenges like limited resources and logistical hurdles were commonly mentioned. One church

leader remarked,

"Funding and transport remain major challenges; sometimes we cannot reach all areas as frequently as we

desire."

Suggestions from clergy included increasing training for evangelists and better community involvement to

boost program effectiveness. A priest emphasized,"If we equip our evangelists better and involve local leaders,

the impact would be much greater."

Bible Study and Discipleship

Table 4.3:

Statement

Mean

Std.

Dev

I attend regular Bible study sessions

119

3.86

1.07

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organized by the church.

(5.9%)

(8.0%)

(12.5%)

(41.5%)

(32.1%)

Discipleship classes have deepened

my understanding of the Christian

faith.

(3.8%)

(6.6%)

(11.8%)

125

(43.6%)

(34.1%)

3.98

1.00

Bible study helps me to apply

Christian teachings in my daily life.

(3.1%)

(4.9%)

(9.1%)

130

(45.3%)

108

(37.6%)

4.09

0.96

My spiritual commitment has

improved through group Bible

discussions.

(4.5%)

(5.6%)

(10.1%)

126

(43.9%)

103

(35.9%)

4.01

1.01

I have a mentor or spiritual leader

who guides my discipleship journey.

(6.3%)

(7.0%)

(14.3%)

112

(39.0%)

(33.4%)

3.86

1.10

Table 3 above presents responses regarding the influence of Bible study and discipleship on spiritual

commitment in the Diocese of West Ankole. For the statement, “I attend regular Bible study sessions

organized by the church,” 17 (5.9%) strongly disagreed, 23 (8.0%) disagreed, 36 (12.5%) were neutral, 119

(41.5%) agreed, and 92 (32.1%) strongly agreed. The mean of 3.86 and standard deviation of 1.07 indicate

general agreement on regular attendance.

Regarding “Discipleship classes have deepened my understanding of the Christian faith,” 11 (3.8%) strongly

disagreed, 19 (6.6%) disagreed, 34 (11.8%) were neutral, 125 (43.6%) agreed, and 98 (34.1%) strongly agreed.

The mean score of 3.98 and standard deviation of 1.00 reflect a positive impact of discipleship classes on faith

understanding.

For “Bible study helps me to apply Christian teachings in my daily life,” 9 (3.1%) strongly disagreed, 14

(4.9%) disagreed, 26 (9.1%) were neutral, 130 (45.3%) agreed, and 108 (37.6%) strongly agreed. The mean of

4.09 and standard deviation of 0.96 suggest a strong agreement on the practical benefits of Bible study.

In response to “My spiritual commitment has improved through group Bible discussions,” 13 (4.5%) strongly

disagreed, 16 (5.6%) disagreed, 29 (10.1%) were neutral, 126 (43.9%) agreed, and 103 (35.9%) strongly

agreed. The mean score of 4.01 and standard deviation of 1.01 indicate a positive effect of group discussions

on spiritual growth.

Lastly, for “I have a mentor or spiritual leader who guides my discipleship journey,” 18 (6.3%) strongly

disagreed, 20 (7.0%) disagreed, 41 (14.3%) were neutral, 112 (39.0%) agreed, and 96 (33.4%) strongly agreed.

The mean of 3.86 and standard deviation of 1.10 reflect moderate agreement on mentorship availability.

Overall, the findings suggest that Bible study and discipleship activities are well attended and significantly

contribute to deepening understanding, application of Christian teachings, and improvement in spiritual

commitment, with mentorship playing a supportive role.

Clergy highlighted the critical role of Bible study and discipleship programs in nurturing spiritual growth. A

diocesan catechist shared,"Our Bible study groups provide a solid foundation for understanding scripture,

which is essential for living a committed Christian life."

Participation was described as generally consistent but sometimes affected by members’ busy schedules. A

youth pastor reflected,"Many attend regularly, but we must work harder to keep those who drop out because of

work or family obligations."

Mentorship and spiritual counseling were seen as vital components. One priest explained,

"Discipleship is more than teaching; it is walking with someone in their faith journey through mentorship and

counseling."

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Challenges raised included a shortage of trained facilitators and materials. A clergy member suggested,

"We need to train more leaders and introduce interactive methods to keep the sessions engaging and

impactful."

Youth Evangelism Activities and Spiritual Commitment

Table 4.

Statement

Mean

Std.

Dev

Youth in the Diocese are actively

involved in evangelistic missions.

(5.2%)

(7.0%)

(12.5%)

123

(42.9%)

(32.4%)

3.90

1.07

Youth evangelism activities

strengthen the faith of young

Christians.

(4.2%)

(4.5%)

(9.4%)

132

(46.0%)

103

(35.9%)

4.05

0.97

I have personally grown spiritually

through participating in youth

evangelism.

(5.9%)

(8.0%)

(12.2%)

115

(40.1%)

(33.8%)

3.88

1.10

Youth evangelism provides a

platform for spiritual mentorship and

growth.

(3.5%)

(6.3%)

(11.5%)

129

(44.9%)

(33.8%)

4.00

0.99

The Diocese provides adequate

support and training for youth

evangelism.

(6.6%)

(8.7%)

(13.9%)

114

(39.7%)

(31.0%)

3.80

1.13

Table 4. presents respondents’ views on the role of youth evangelism activities in enhancing spiritual

commitment within the Diocese of West Ankole. For the statement, “Youth in the Diocese are actively

involved in evangelistic missions,” 15 (5.2%) strongly disagreed, 20 (7.0%) disagreed, 36 (12.5%) were

neutral, 123 (42.9%) agreed, and 93 (32.4%) strongly agreed. The mean of 3.90 and standard deviation of 1.07

indicate general agreement on active youth involvement.

Regarding “Youth evangelism activities strengthen the faith of young Christians,” 12 (4.2%) strongly

disagreed, 13 (4.5%) disagreed, 27 (9.4%) were neutral, 132 (46.0%) agreed, and 103 (35.9%) strongly agreed.

The mean score of 4.05 and standard deviation of 0.97 reflect a strong positive perception of youth

evangelism’s role in faith strengthening.

For “I have personally grown spiritually through participating in youth evangelism,” 17 (5.9%) strongly

disagreed, 23 (8.0%) disagreed, 35 (12.2%) were neutral, 115 (40.1%) agreed, and 97 (33.8%) strongly agreed.

The mean of 3.88 and standard deviation of 1.10 suggest that many perceive personal spiritual growth from

youth evangelism participation.

In response to “Youth evangelism provides a platform for spiritual mentorship and growth,” 10 (3.5%)

strongly disagreed, 18 (6.3%) disagreed, 33 (11.5%) were neutral, 129 (44.9%) agreed, and 97 (33.8%)

strongly agreed. The mean score of 4.00 and standard deviation of 0.99 demonstrate that youth evangelism is

viewed as a valuable avenue for mentorship.

Lastly, for “The Diocese provides adequate support and training for youth evangelism,” 19 (6.6%) strongly

disagreed, 25 (8.7%) disagreed, 40 (13.9%) were neutral, 114 (39.7%) agreed, and 89 (31.0%) strongly agreed.

The mean of 3.80 and standard deviation of 1.13 indicate moderate agreement regarding the Diocese’s support.

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Overall, the results suggest that youth evangelism activities are perceived as active and effective in

strengthening faith and spiritual growth among young Christians, with good mentorship opportunities,

although some respondents feel the need for increased support and training from the Diocese.

Youth evangelism was widely recognized as essential for fostering spiritual commitment among young

Christians. A youth leader stated,"Youth camps and music ministries attract many young people and create an

environment where they can grow in faith."

Clergy noted active participation but also acknowledged obstacles such as peer pressure and lack of

mentorship. A diocesan pastor commented,"Our young people are eager, but they need stronger guidance and

support from mature leaders."

Several clergy called for innovative strategies, including the use of technology. One priest remarked,

"We should embrace digital platforms and social media to engage youth more effectively."

Investment in leadership training and pastoral care tailored to youth was strongly recommended to sustain their

involvement.

Spiritual Commitment Of Christians

Table 5

Statement

Mean

Std.

Dev

I attend church services regularly.

(2.8%)

(4.9%)

(8.0%)

117

(40.8%)

125

(43.6%)

4.18

0.93

I have a consistent personal prayer

and devotional life.

(3.5%)

(3.8%)

(9.4%)

119

(41.5%)

120

(41.8%)

4.14

0.95

I actively participate in sacraments

(e.g., Holy Communion, baptism).

(4.2%)

(6.3%)

(11.5%)

113

(39.4%)

111

(38.7%)

4.02

1.02

I regularly attend Christian

fellowship or cell group meetings.

(4.9%)

(7.3%)

(12.5%)

112

(39.0%)

104

(36.2%)

3.94

1.06

My relationship with God is growing

stronger through church activities.

(2.8%)

(4.5%)

(7.7%)

124

(43.2%)

120

(41.8%)

4.16

0.91

Table 4.5 illustrates respondents’ levels of agreement with statements measuring their overall spiritual

commitment in the Diocese of West Ankole. For the statement, “I attend church services regularly,” 8 (2.8%)

strongly disagreed, 14 (4.9%) disagreed, 23 (8.0%) were neutral, 117 (40.8%) agreed, and 125 (43.6%)

strongly agreed. The mean score of 4.18 with a standard deviation of 0.93 indicates a high level of regular

church attendance.

Regarding “I have a consistent personal prayer and devotional life,” 10 (3.5%) strongly disagreed, 11 (3.8%)

disagreed, 27 (9.4%) were neutral, 119 (41.5%) agreed, and 120 (41.8%) strongly agreed. This reflects a strong

commitment to personal devotional practices, supported by a mean of 4.14 and a standard deviation of 0.95.

For the statement “I actively participate in sacraments (e.g., Holy Communion, baptism),” 12 (4.2%) strongly

disagreed, 18 (6.3%) disagreed, 33 (11.5%) were neutral, 113 (39.4%) agreed, and 111 (38.7%) strongly

agreed. The mean of 4.02 and standard deviation of 1.02 suggest a positive level of participation in church

sacraments.

In response to “I regularly attend Christian fellowship or cell group meetings,” 14 (4.9%) strongly disagreed,

21 (7.3%) disagreed, 36 (12.5%) were neutral, 112 (39.0%) agreed, and 104 (36.2%) strongly agreed. The

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mean score of 3.94 and standard deviation of 1.06 indicate moderate to high involvement in fellowship

activities.

Lastly, for “My relationship with God is growing stronger through church activities,” 8 (2.8%) strongly

disagreed, 13 (4.5%) disagreed, 22 (7.7%) were neutral, 124 (43.2%) agreed, and 120 (41.8%) strongly agreed.

The mean of 4.16 with a standard deviation of 0.91 shows strong agreement on spiritual growth through

church engagement.

In summary, the data reveal that the respondents generally demonstrate high spiritual commitment, marked by

regular church attendance, consistent prayer life, active participation in sacraments, involvement in fellowship

groups, and a growing personal relationship with God through church activities.

Clergy identified clear indicators of spiritual commitment, including regular attendance, participation in

sacraments, and a vibrant prayer life. A pastor observed,"A truly committed Christian is someone who not only

attends church but also lives their faith daily through prayer, fellowship, and service."

The church’s role in nurturing this commitment was emphasized through sacraments, fellowship groups, and

prayer ministries. One priest noted,"We strive to create spaces where believers can grow—through the

sacraments, small groups, and pastoral care."

Differences in commitment levels were acknowledged. A senior clergy member reflected,

"New converts are enthusiastic, but we must invest in discipleship to sustain that zeal over time."

Recommendations from clergy focused on expanding mentorship, increasing pastoral counseling, and fostering

inclusive participation to deepen spiritual commitment across all demographics.

Correlation Between Evangelism Components And Spiritual Commitment Indicators

This section presents the results of the correlation analysis conducted to examine the relationships between the

key components of evangelism—Evangelistic Outreach Programs, Bible Study and Discipleship, and Youth

Evangelism Activities—and the various indicators of Spiritual Commitment, including Regular Church

Attendance, Personal Prayer and Devotional Life, and Participation in Sacraments and Fellowship.

Table .6: Correlation between Evangelism Components and Spiritual Commitment Indicators (N = 287)

Variable

Church Attendance

Prayer & Devotion

Sacraments & Fellowship

Evangelistic Outreach Programs

• Pearson Correlation

.612 **

.647 **

.594 **

• Sig. (2-tailed)

.000

• N

287

Bible Study & Discipleship

• Pearson Correlation

.673 **

.715 **

.687 **

• Sig. (2-tailed)

.000

• N

287

Youth Evangelism Activities

• Pearson Correlation

.608 **

.689 **

.661 **

• Sig. (2-tailed)

.000

• N

287

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Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

Table 4.6 presents the Pearson correlation coefficients examining the relationships between evangelism

components and spiritual commitment indicators among 287 respondents in the Diocese of West Ankole. All

correlations are positive and statistically significant at the 0.01 level (p = .000), indicating strong evidence of

association.

Evangelistic Outreach Programs show moderate to strong positive correlations with all three spiritual

commitment indicators: church attendance (.612), personal prayer and devotional life (.647), and participation

in sacraments and fellowship activities (.594). This suggests that active participation in outreach programs is

associated with higher levels of spiritual engagement and church involvement.

Bible Study and Discipleship exhibit the strongest correlations among the evangelism components, with

coefficients of .673 for church attendance, .715 for prayer and devotion, and .687 for sacraments and

fellowship. These results highlight that Bible study and discipleship are particularly influential in enhancing

various dimensions of spiritual commitment, underscoring their central role in faith development.

Youth Evangelism Activities also correlate positively with spiritual commitment measures, showing

coefficients of .608 with church attendance, .689 with prayer and devotional life, and .661 with participation in

sacraments and fellowship. This indicates that youth-centered evangelism initiatives contribute significantly to

fostering spiritual growth and active church participation among young Christians.

In summary, the findings demonstrate that evangelistic outreach programs, Bible study and discipleship, and

youth evangelism activities are all positively linked to enhanced spiritual commitment within the Diocese of

West Ankole, reinforcing the importance of these components in church ministry.

Regression Analysis

This section presents the results of the multiple regression analysis conducted to determine the predictive effect

of the independent variables — Evangelistic Outreach Programs, Bible Study and Discipleship, and Youth

Evangelism Activities — on the dependent variable, Spiritual Commitment of Christians in the Diocese of

West Ankole.

Model Summary

This section presents the overall goodness-of-fit statistics for the multiple regression model used to examine

how well the independent variables—Evangelistic Outreach Programs, Bible Study and Discipleship, and

Youth Evangelism Activities—predict the dependent variable, Spiritual Commitment.

Table 7 Model Summary

Model

R Square

Adjusted R Square

Std. Error of the Estimate

.812

0.659

0.654

0.312

The multiple correlation coefficient, R (0.812), indicates a strong relationship between the predictors—

evangelistic outreach, Bible study, and youth evangelism—and spiritual commitment. The R Square value of

0.659 shows that approximately 65.9% of the variance in spiritual commitment is explained by the combined

influence of these predictors. The Adjusted R Square of 0.654, which adjusts for the number of predictors in

the model, confirms the model’s good fit. Additionally, the standard error of 0.312 reflects the average

distance that the observed values fall from the regression line, indicating the typical prediction error in the

model..

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Anova

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results which test the overall statistical significance of the multiple regression

model. The ANOVA examines whether the independent variables—Evangelistic Outreach Programs, Bible

Study and Discipleship, and Youth Evangelism Activities—collectively provide a reliable prediction of the

dependent variable, Spiritual Commitment.

Table 8: Anova

Model

Sum of Squares

Mean Square

Sig.

Regression

41.82

13.94

143.15

.000

Residual

21.58

283

0.076

Total

63.40

286

The ANOVA test shows the overall significance of the regression model (F(3,283) = 143.15, p < 0.001),

indicating that the predictors reliably predict spiritual commitment.

Coefficients

This section presents the coefficients of the regression model, which indicate the individual contribution of

each independent variable—Evangelistic Outreach Programs, Bible Study and Discipleship, and Youth

Evangelism Activities—to the prediction of the dependent variable, Spiritual Commitment.

Table 9: Coefficients

Predictor

Unstandardized

Coefficients (B)

Std.

Error

Standardized

Coefficients (Beta)

Sig.

(Constant)

0.482

0.118

4.08

0.000

Evangelistic Outreach

Programs

0.342

0.042

0.328

8.14

0.000

Bible Study &

Discipleship

0.429

0.038

0.418

11.29

0.000

Youth Evangelism

Activities

0.276

0.045

0.262

6.13

0.000

Bible Study and Discipleship had the strongest predictive power on spiritual commitment (β = 0.418, p <

0.001). Evangelistic Outreach Programs also significantly predicted spiritual commitment (β = 0.328, p <

0.001), while Youth Evangelism Activities showed a significant but comparatively smaller effect (β = 0.262, p

< 0.001).The regression results indicate that all three evangelism components positively and significantly

influence spiritual commitment among Christians in the Diocese of West Ankole. Bible study and discipleship

emerge as the strongest predictor, highlighting the importance of structured spiritual learning and mentoring in

enhancing commitment. Evangelistic outreach and youth evangelism also play critical roles, though to a

slightly lesser extent. Together, these variables explain nearly 66% of the variation in spiritual commitment,

suggesting that programs promoting evangelism and discipleship are crucial for fostering spiritual growth

within the Diocese.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that evangelism plays a crucial role in promoting and sustaining spiritual commitment

among Christians in the Diocese of West Ankole. Bible Study and Discipleship emerged as the most

influential aspect of evangelism, reinforcing the need for continuous spiritual education, mentorship, and

structured Christian learning environments. Evangelistic Outreach Programs were also vital, as they helped

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bring the gospel to new believers while revitalizing the faith of existing members. Youth Evangelism

Activities contributed significantly, though to a slightly lesser extent, emphasizing the importance of targeting

young Christians through dynamic and engaging ministry programs. Collectively, the evangelism components

studied accounted for nearly two-thirds of the variation in spiritual commitment, highlighting their integral role

in the spiritual life of believers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The study recommended that the Diocese should strengthen Bible Study and Discipleship Programs. Emphasis

should be placed on investing in structured discipleship programs such as Bible study groups, mentorship

initiatives, and theological training. These avenues have demonstrated the most substantial influence on

spiritual growth and commitment, highlighting the importance of fostering a deeper understanding of scripture

and nurturing personal faith journeys.

The study recommended that church leaders and ministry departments expand Evangelistic Outreach

Initiatives. Regular evangelistic missions, open-air crusades, and door-to-door outreach should be organized to

effectively reach both committed believers and non-believers. These efforts can help revitalize spiritual

commitment and increase church participation.

The study recommended that more attention be given to enhancing Youth Evangelism Efforts. Youth-centered

evangelistic activities—including youth camps, talent shows, and digital evangelism—should be promoted to

foster a sense of inclusion, spiritual ownership, and engagement among young Christians. These initiatives are

key to ensuring the sustainability of faith across generations.

The study recommended that the Diocese integrate Spiritual Commitment Monitoring Tools. Implementing

surveys, feedback mechanisms, and regular pastoral follow-up will help track the spiritual progress of

congregants and assess the impact of evangelistic programs. Continuous evaluation will support data-driven

improvements in ministry activities.

The study recommended that church leaders be trained in Evangelism Strategies. Clergy, lay leaders, and

evangelism coordinators should receive ongoing training in effective and doctrinally sound evangelistic

methods. Such capacity building will enhance the quality, reach, and impact of evangelistic efforts throughout

the Diocese.

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