Impact of Theological Training on Pentecostal Ministries in Uganda: A Case of Churches in Katikamu Sub-County, Luwero District

This study examined the challenges that Pentecostal Churches with non-theological trained ministers face in ministry, impact of theological training on ministry and how it can be extended to Pentecostal Churches for better effectiveness in ministry. The study was conducted as a qualitative design. Data was collected using interview method and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) from a sample of fifty-six Church members from selected Pentecostal Churches in Katikamu Sub-County, Luwero District. This study found out that Pentecostal pastors who are not theologically trained do a lot of mistakes in ministry. This unfortunately led to many challenges like the spread of false teaching, manipulation of believers, ignorance of both ministers and believers, stunted growth amongst others. The study discovered that Pentecostal pastors who have been theologically trained do better than those who are not. For example, the theologically trained ministers always provide people with sound doctrine, they are servant leaders, and they are faithful and relevant to the gospel among others. The findings also revealed that there are some ministers who would want to attain theological training but cannot due to limited finances, low levels of education, tight schedule, training centres being far away from them. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made on how the challenges can be mitigated.

Keywords:- Theological Training, Pentecostal Ministries, Churches, Uganda