Church Planting
Okoa Refuge believes every church should have a qualified pastor. However, attending an accredited Bible College or Seminary is not an option for many rural pastors. Okoa believes that this should not stop them from being able to learn the Bible and grow in their leadership and faith. Unfortunately, lack of training is the very thing that has led so many pastors away from the Lord. That is one of the reasons the Okoa Refuge Bible School program was started – to produce pastors!
Since 2016, Okoa has planted over 750 churches. All pastors have graduated from a two year Okoa Refuge Bible School. They are trained and ready to lead others! At least 70 church plants have gone on to plant churches out of their congregations. It has truly become a movement of God in Uganda! Churches planted by Okoa are not governed by Okoa, however. Churches are planted under established church associations that Okoa has helped start. These indigenous associations provide Biblical oversight and accountability to the operations of the church.
WHAT IS DBS?
“DBS” stands for Discovery Bible Study. The DBS model is a participant-led discovery journey into learning and understanding what the Bible teaches. The DBS is the way into a community and truly guides people through the Gospel! Every planted church starts as a DBS that is led by a Bible School student. When a group grows to 20+ members, Okoa supports construction by providing materials and resources while the congregation contributes land and finishes the building.
Over 1300 Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups, with more than 18,000 members, meet weekly across Uganda. The DBS model launches new churches by raising leaders from within the community, equipping them to spread the Gospel and disciple their neighbors.
Support Church PlantingHow Church Planting Works
When a graduate’s Discovery Bible Study (DBS) group reaches the qualifying stage, Okoa Refuge empowers church planting in Uganda by partnering with the local congregation to make their vision a reality. Rather than building churches alone, Okoa requires the community to provide land for its new church. Then, Okoa supplies a durable pole structure, roofing materials, and skilled labor to create a foundational worship space. To ensure deep ownership and investment, the congregation commits to finishing the walls of the church building within one year, allowing every member to participate in constructing a lasting spiritual home for their community.
CHURCH HEALTH
How We Support the Church Planting Process
The Church Health Department plays a vital role in strengthening church planting in Uganda by providing ongoing support to over 750 churches established through Okoa Refuge. Each year, the department visits every pastor to conduct a thorough assessment of their physical, spiritual, financial, and emotional well-being, as well as the health of their families and congregations. These assessments guide specialized education, targeted counseling, and dynamic group trainings, ensuring pastors are equipped to face challenges and grow as leaders. Insights from the Church Health Department also shape the content of Okoa’s biannual conferences, fostering continuous development within the church planting movement.
Rather than exerting control, Okoa Refuge is committed to walking alongside local pastors, offering encouragement, partnership, and resources so they can advance the Gospel and build thriving, healthy churches across Africa.
Support Sustained Church Health