The challenge of church members retention: A case study of Kanyama Central church in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Kanyama Central SDA Church (KCC) loses 33.26 % of its membership gains annually. Despite the membership loss incurred, very little work has been done to gain an understanding as regards the challenge of membership loss in KCC. The overarching aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the challenge of church membership retention (CCMR) at KCC and propose a model for solving this challenge. Out of multiple methods which could have been used, in this study, the major method which was used for data collection is the focus group discussion. Sample focus group participants composed of homogeneous members who were chosen according to their leadership and personal experience in the SDA church and KCC in particular.According to the findings of this study, 2009 to 2012 statistical reports revealed that KCC incurred an average annual membership loss of 33.26% of all its gains. In 2009 alone KCC lost 92% of its membership gains. A physical check of the church membership records indicated that 39.60% more than people who were physically attending church was missing. The guardianship program which was conducted during this study attracted 74.66% retention of the discovered missing members. This research shows that the challenge of membership retention is real in KCC. After implementing the programmes designed in this study, it was concluded that it is possible to reduce the loss of members in KCC if there is proper planning, commitment and dedication on the part of the local church leadership and the pastor.