MUKONO, Uganda — The pandemic taught clergy that the church does not reside within a physical space, but rather in the people of God, wherever they may be. As a result, churches in Uganda have begun adopting new and innovative approaches to preaching outside their buildings in an effort to attract congregants.

Before the pandemic, clergy primarily engaged with their congregations inside church buildings on Sundays. However, the post-pandemic world has prompted a transformation in these practices. Today, clergy said, churches are using new methods of preaching to reconnect with their “lost sheep.”

To achieve this, many churches have embraced technological advancements, including mobile mission vans, online services, loudspeakers, radio, and television, to share the gospel directly with the community. Others have organized crusades and preached on the streets.

The Mukono Anglican Diocese, located 21 kilometers (13 miles) outside the capital, Kampala, in central Uganda, is at the forefront of this innovative movement aimed at revitalizing evangelism and maintaining sustainable spiritual engagement in the aftermath of COVID-19. Many Christians in Uganda did not return to church after the lockdowns were lifted two years ago.

One of the notable innovations from the Mukono Diocese is the introduction of a fully equipped mission truck. This self-contained unit is designed to deliver the gospel directly to people in their communities. With its projectors, sound systems and other modern tools, the truck can transform any location into an effective live church setting. The Rev. Mycah Lukwago, the diocesan Mission Coordinator, told Religion Unplugged that the church is implementing various initiatives aimed at penetrating deeper into communities to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“We decided to introduce a mission truck because we wanted to take the church deeper into the grassroots to evangelize and bring back the flock,” he said. “Once the truck parks in a certain area, you don’t need anything else to attract people to the venue; you just need to play gospel music. All the equipment is on the truck, and the sound quality is excellent, drawing people in to listen to the gospel music and the Word of God.”

This innovative approach has allowed the diocese to connect with remote and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the mission to spread the Word of God. The pandemic, Lukwago said, underscored the need for churches to embrace digital platforms and the Mukono Diocese has effectively responded to the challenges by elevating its use of these tools. Acknowledging the power of online preaching, the diocese has empowered both clergy and lay leaders to deliver sermons to local and international audiences via social media platforms.

“We have churches here and abroad,” Lukwago said. “Most of our clergy use these online platforms to share the gospel with diverse audiences.”

He emphasized that expanding the reach of online sermons has not only broadened the church’s influence, but also strengthened the sense of community among believers despite geographical barriers. To ensure that those participating in online services can contribute their offerings and tithes, the diocese has implemented digital payment systems.

In collaboration with national mobile phone service providers, particularly MTN, the diocese has developed platforms that enable members to make offerings and tithe through mobile money or bank transfers.

“You no longer need to carry cash to church,” Lukwago said. “If you wish to contribute your offertory and tithe, you can simply send the money directly to the church’s account.”

While online payment systems have primarily proven effective in urban centers within the diocese, where technology adoption is more prevalent, facilitating a seamless and secure process. Rural areas, as usual, have been excluded from some of these services due to limited access to electricity and the internet. Additionally, the diocese is expanding its use of traditional media platforms to disseminate the gospel. It strategically employs traditional media in appropriate contexts, such as partnering with Equal Basis Radio to broadcast religious content and reach congregants who lack access to both physical churches and online platforms.

Moreover, the diocese has launched regular mega crusades across all the archdeaconries within its jurisdiction.

“The diocese manages all financial aspects associated with organizing these crusades. We believe that if these strategies are employed effectively, we can draw more people to God,” Lukwago said.

The diocese has also established home communities to enhance discipleship and mentorship. These small gatherings aim to bring church services closer to individuals, especially in remote areas where access to physical church buildings is limited.

“Many of our churches are located quite far away, especially in villages like Kangulumila, where one must walk through three villages to reach a church. As a result, people often have to travel long distances to worship,” Lukwago said. “The home cells provide an alternative platform for fellowship, allowing Christians to engage in spiritual growth within their communities without the burden of lengthy journeys to church.”

James Isabirye, a congregant, said the church’s new initiatives have been great.

“These crusades and other innovations will help prepare individuals for the afterlife,” Isabirye said. “Through the door-to-door evangelism during the crusades, the church has effectively reached out to many residents, encouraging many to turn back to God.”

Canon Professor Grace Lubaale, associate professor at Kyambogo University and a curate at the Anglican Church of the Resurrection in Bugolobi in the Kampala Diocese, revealed that, like the Mukono Diocese, they have also implemented several innovations to attract the flock back to God after COVID-19.

These innovations include recording sermons and sharing them on social media platforms, regular pastoral visits to communities, online church services, telephone conversations and creating WhatsApp groups.

“The churches that fail to adapt to modern methods of preaching will suffer from low spiritual, numerical, financial, physical and geographical growth,” Lubaale added. “They may even close.”

Additional reporting by Yasiri J. Kasango

John Semakula, an award-winning journalist and alumnus of the Poynter Institute, is based in Mukono, Uganda.