Factors Affecting Lutheran Church Planting in Lake Victoria Islands: A Case Study of Ukerewe District in Mwanza Region Between 1972 and 2022

Abstract

In the past, church planting efforts by the Lutheran church in the Ukerewe islands of Lake Victoria have been unsuccessful. Out of the 38 islands that comprise the Ukerewe District, the Lutheran Church has managed to plant a few churches on only two islands from 1981–2000. The study examined the church planting challenges and strategies by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) of East of Lake Victoria Diocese (ELVD) in the Mwanza region from 1972 to 2022. The study examines the church vision and mission analysis, cultural anthropology for the Christian mission, church planting strategies, models of evangelism, and discipleship. It suggests ways the Lutheran church can be effective in this mission field.