The Contribution of Information and Communication Technology in Enhancing Worship Services a case of Ryakasinga Archdeaconry, West Ankole Diocese Bushenyi District Uganda

This study examined the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing worship services within Ryakasinga Archdeaconry, West Ankole Diocese, Uganda. It focused on the use of social media platforms, online streaming and broadcasting, and digital communication tools in improving worship attendance, engagement, spiritual growth, and community outreach. A descriptive cross-sectional design employing mixed method was used on a sample size of 187. Quantitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide.. The findings revealed that ICT significantly contributed to better communication, increased participation, and enriched worship experiences. Online streaming was identified as the strongest predictor of positive worship outcomes, followed by social media use and digital communication tools. Challenges such as technical limitations and digital literacy gaps were also noted. The study concluded that ICT is a critical enabler for modern worship, fostering inclusivity and spiritual connection. The study Recommended expanding ICT infrastructure, training church personnel, and integrating hybrid worship models to maximize reach and engagement.

Information and Communication Technology and Worship Services

1. Campbell, H. (2019). Understanding the digital church: A study of church leaders' perspectives on digital media and ministry. Journal of Communication and Religion, 42(2), 13-27. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Cheong, P. H. (2019). Digital religion: Understanding religious practices in digital age. Journal of Contemporary Religion, 34(2), 241-256. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Huang, S. (2020). The impact of digital technology on church growth. Journal of Ministry, Marketing & Management, 4(1), 1-12. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Kabasele, P. (2020). The role of information communication technology in church growth. Journal of Theology and Technology, 3(1), 1-10. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Kaggwa, M. (2020). Social media usage among Ugandan churches. Journal of Communication and Media Studies, 5(2), 1-12. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Moyo, O. (2022). African churches in the digital age: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of African Studies and Development, 7(1), 1-10. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Mwesigye, T. (2021). ICT adoption in Ugandan churches: A case study. Journal of Information Technology and Economic Development, 2(1), 1-12. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Oloruntoba, O. (2020). Virtual worship spaces in African churches. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 38(2), 159-173. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Togare, M. (2023). Emerging ICT trends in worship services. Journal of Religion and Digital Media, 1(1), 1-15. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Afolayan, F., &Alimi, B. (2019). Qualitative Study of the Use of Social Media by Church Personnel for Religious Activities in Ibadan, Nigeria. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Agboola, A., Johnson, T., & Musa, A. (2020). Assessing the Impact of Technology on Church Services and Youth Engagement. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Walker, D. (2021). The Pandemic Nearly Shuttered My Church. Technology Saved It. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Kıcı, R., & Bulut, S. (2020). Holy Tweets: Exploring the Sharing of Quran on Twitter. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Chigona, A., Mudavanhu, Y., & Davids, Z. (2016). The Church Online: The Impact of Online Social Networks on Church Congregations. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Campbell, H., &Tsuria, R. (2015). Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in New Media Worlds. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Cheong, P. H., Huang, S., & Poon, J. P. (2016). Digital Mediation of Religious Services in Multicultural Communities. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Barna Group. (2020). State of the Church: COVID-19 and Church Attendance Trends. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Ndagijimana, J. (2021). The Effectiveness of Virtual Church Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rwanda. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Anning-Dorson, T., & Agyei, A. (2022). Digital Worship and Religious Engagement in Ghanaian Churches. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Baker, C., & Wright, M. (2017). Digital Communication Tools in Religious Settings: A Study of Church Websites and Social Media. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Koh, C., & Kim, H. (2018). Social Media as a Tool for Religious Communication: A Case Study of Korean Churches. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Hutchings, T., & Sharma, A. (2019). Communication and Engagement through Digital Platforms: A Comparative Study of Traditional and Online Church Services [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Rajab, K., & Mustapha, A. (2020). Enhancing Worship Experience through Mobile Apps: The Case of Nigerian Churches. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Martínez, L., & Fernández, M. (2021). Digital Tools and Faith Engagement in Spain: A Study of Online Worship Communication. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Premarital Counselling and Family Stability among Christians in Bweranyangi Deanery West Ankole Diocese Uganda
• Assessing the Effectiveness of the Church of Uganda in Fighting Drug Abuse and Crime Rate in Uganda
• Evangelism And Spiritual Commitment of Christians a case of Diocese of West Ankole, Bushenyi District. Uganda.
• Homologous Structures: A Reappraisal of Evolutionary Interpretation
• The Impact of Leadership Dynamics on the Growth and Development of Home Cells: A Study of Perez Chapel International