Spiritual Nurture and Student Retention at Bugema University Seventh-day Adventist Church: A Phenomenological Study

Student spiritual growth and long-term church retention remain significant concerns in university-based church contexts. Although Bugema University Seventh-day Adventist Church conducts diverse nurture activities, including worship services, Bible study groups, prayer bands, discipleship training, and leadership initiatives, the relationship between these practices and students’ sustained commitment requires deeper scholarly attention. This article explores students’ lived experiences of spiritual nurture and retention practices within the campus church between 2022 and 2025. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study draws on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected students. Thematic analysis revealed that spiritual programs contribute to students’ faith development when they are participatory, relational, and relevant to their university experience. However, weak follow-up systems, inconsistent mentorship structures, academic pressures, and limited personal connection contribute to disengagement. The findings suggest that sustainable retention requires more than program availability; it requires intentional relationships, coordinated discipleship pathways, student leadership inclusion, and structured follow-up mechanisms. The article proposes a contextualized ministry framework that integrates spiritual nurture, relational mentorship, leadership development, and accountability-based follow-up to strengthen student belonging and long-term faith commitment in campus church ministry.