Project – The Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth: A Case Study of The Lord’s Pentecostal International in the Ho Municipality of The Volta Region, Ghana.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Discipleship is foundational to the Christian faith and plays a significant role in the growth and development of the Church. According to Coleman (2011), discipleship is not just a program but a lifestyle that reflects the model Christ provided when He called and trained His followers. He emphasizes that the process of mentoring believers to spiritual maturity equips them to reach others, creating a cycle of multiplication that results in church growth. Therefore, effective discipleship nurtures spiritual depth, strengthens individual commitment, and leads to a vibrant church community.

The correlation between discipleship and church growth has been explored by several scholars, with many affirming that churches emphasizing intentional discipleship practices experience sustainable growth. Barna (2001) posits that churches focusing on spiritual formation through discipleship produce committed members who are more likely to participate in evangelism and ministry activities. This, in turn, leads to both numerical and qualitative growth. Discipleship promotes accountability, fosters spiritual transformation, and cultivates leadership within the congregation, all of which contribute to church expansion.

Furthermore, discipleship offers a strategy for retention in the church. Rainer and Geiger (2011) highlight that many churches struggle not because they fail to attract people, but because they fail to retain them. When new converts are not discipled, they are more likely to drift away. A strong discipleship program ensures that members are not only taught biblical principles but also integrated into the life of the church. This integration strengthens the sense of belonging and commitment, which are critical for long-term church growth.

In addition, discipleship contributes to leadership development within the church. Ogden (2007) notes that discipleship is a leadership pipeline, training individuals in spiritual disciplines and preparing them for ministry roles. As disciples grow, they often become leaders themselves, contributing to church health and ensuring continuity of vision and mission. Churches that invest in developing leaders through discipleship are often better positioned for strategic growth and adaptability in changing cultural contexts.

Cultural relevance is another dimension in the discourse on discipleship and church growth. As Guder (2000) explains, discipleship must be contextualized to meet the cultural and spiritual needs of different communities. In African contexts, for example, discipleship that integrates community-based values and relational mentoring often yields more lasting impact. Churches that align their discipleship models with their cultural context tend to foster deeper engagement and more effective ministry, which in turn drives growth.

The impact of discipleship on church growth is both profound and multifaceted. It affects numerical increase, spiritual maturity, leadership development, and member retention. As highlighted by scholars such as Coleman, Barna, and Ogden, effective discipleship practices rooted in biblical principles and adapted to cultural realities significantly enhance the vitality and expansion of the church. Future church strategies for growth must therefore prioritize discipleship as a central element in mission and ministry.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Despite the increasing number of churches in Ghana, especially within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, many churches experience stagnation or decline in both membership and spiritual vitality. This paradox raises critical questions about the sustainability of church growth and the effectiveness of the methods being used to nurture and retain members. In particular, The Lord’s Pentecostal International Church in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, though active in various spiritual and outreach programs, continues to face challenges related to member retention, spiritual maturity, and leadership development. These concerns call for a deeper examination of the role of discipleship in church growth.

Many churches, including The Lord’s Pentecostal International, have tended to prioritize evangelistic crusades, miracles, and large gatherings as indicators of church success, often overlooking the importance of structured discipleship. While such events may attract crowds and lead to short-term increases in church attendance, they may not result in lasting spiritual growth or commitment among members. This superficial approach can lead to high rates of backsliding and spiritual immaturity, which ultimately hinder long-term church growth. Therefore, there is a need to assess whether the current strategies in place effectively nurture believers into mature, committed disciples.

The concept of discipleship involves a deliberate and ongoing process of teaching, mentoring, and modeling the Christian life. However, in many local churches, including the case under study, discipleship is either poorly structured or given secondary importance. New converts are often left to navigate their faith journey with minimal guidance, leading to spiritual shallowness. Without a solid discipleship foundation, members may struggle to understand and apply biblical principles, develop a personal relationship with God, or assume leadership responsibilities within the church. This gap significantly impacts the church’s ability to grow both spiritually and numerically.

Furthermore, church growth is not limited to numerical increase; it includes the development of spiritual leaders, the establishment of a strong faith community, and the transformation of lives through the application of Christian principles. The absence of effective discipleship programs in The Lord’s Pentecostal International may contribute to a lack of leadership succession, reduced participation in church activities, and diminished impact on the wider community. A failure to cultivate committed and spiritually mature members undermines the church’s mission and vision.

There is also limited empirical data within the Ghanaian context, particularly in the Ho Municipality, regarding how discipleship influences church growth. While global studies affirm the relationship between discipleship and church development, localized studies are necessary to understand the unique cultural, social, and spiritual dynamics at play. This gap in contextual research makes it difficult for churches in the region to develop strategies that are both biblically sound and culturally relevant.

In light of these concerns, this study seeks to investigate the impact of discipleship on church growth with a specific focus on The Lord’s Pentecostal International in the Ho Municipality. By examining how discipleship is practiced, its influence on member retention, leadership development, and spiritual maturity, this research aims to provide insights and recommendations that will support sustainable church growth. The findings will be valuable not only to the case study church but also to other churches in similar contexts seeking to enhance their growth through effective discipleship.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth: A Case Study of The Lord’s Pentecostal International in the Ho Municipality of The Volta Region, Ghana. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the current discipleship practices in The Lord’s Pentecostal International Church in the Ho Municipality.
2. To assess the relationship between discipleship and spiritual growth among church members.
3. To evaluate how discipleship influences member retention and participation in church activities.
4. To investigate the role of discipleship in developing leadership within the church.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the current discipleship practices in The Lord’s Pentecostal International Church in the Ho Municipality?
2. How does discipleship relate to the spiritual growth of church members?
3. In what ways does discipleship influence member retention and participation in church activities?
4. What role does discipleship play in the development of leadership within the church?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Discipleship has no significant impact on the spiritual growth among church members.

H1: Discipleship has significant impact on the spiritual growth among church members.

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study on The Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth: A Case Study of The Lord’s Pentecostal International in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana is significant because it addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of church development—discipleship. In many churches, emphasis is placed on increasing membership through evangelism and special events, yet little attention is given to the long-term nurturing and development of new converts. This study highlights the importance of spiritual growth and maturity as essential components of sustainable church growth.

For church leaders and pastors, the findings from this study will offer practical insights into how discipleship can be more intentionally implemented to support church growth. By examining the current practices and identifying strengths and gaps, leaders can develop or revise discipleship programs to be more effective. It will help them understand that church growth goes beyond numbers and includes the spiritual health and commitment of members.

The study will also benefit members of The Lord’s Pentecostal International Church by raising awareness of the role they play in their own spiritual development and in the growth of the church community. When members are well-discipled, they are more likely to become actively involved in ministry, assume leadership roles, and contribute positively to the life of the church. The study may inspire both new and longstanding members to commit to ongoing spiritual formation.

Additionally, the research contributes to academic literature in the areas of practical theology, church growth, and Christian education, particularly within the Ghanaian context. While there are many global studies on discipleship, few focus on specific churches in Ghana, and even fewer consider the unique cultural and spiritual dynamics in the Volta Region. This study fills a gap by providing contextual insights that can inform further research and practical applications in similar settings.

Policy makers and denominational leaders may also benefit from the study, as it provides evidence-based recommendations for enhancing discipleship efforts across churches. With a better understanding of how discipleship influences growth, leaders at regional and national levels can support churches through training, resources, and policies that promote intentional disciple-making as part of their growth strategies.

Lastly, the study may serve as a model for other churches and Christian organizations that seek to strengthen their discipleship frameworks. The lessons learned from The Lord’s Pentecostal International Church can be adapted and applied in other congregations facing similar challenges. In essence, the study promotes a holistic view of church growth that includes spiritual maturity, leadership development, and sustainable membership engagement.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth: A Case Study of The Lord’s Pentecostal International in the Ho Municipality of The Volta Region, Ghana.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Impact: Impactrefers to the effect or influence that one thing has on another. In the context of this study, it refers to the measurable or observable outcomes that discipleship has on the growth and development of the church.
2. Discipleship: Discipleshipis the process of teaching, training, mentoring, and guiding individuals to become committed followers of Jesus Christ. It involves spiritual growth, character development, and active participation in the life and mission of the church.
3. Church Growth: Church Growthrefers to the increase in the number of members, the deepening of spiritual maturity among believers, and the expansion of the church’s influence and impact in its community. It includes both numerical growth (more attendees) and qualitative growth (stronger spiritual health and leadership within the church).

Project – The Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth: A Case Study of The Lord’s Pentecostal International in the Ho Municipality of The Volta Region, Ghana.