Factors Associated with Backsliding of Members in West Congo Field as a Basis for a Retention Strategy

The current study investigated factors associated with backsliding of members in west Congo Field as basis for a retention strategy, using quantitative method.Sources of data were questionnaires and documents.Four churches, one hundred and seventy-five backsliders, pastors and church members participated in the study.Data analysis revealed several factors that explain the high rate of backsliders in west Congo Field.The study faced a real challenge in relation to the membership statistics, namely many which recorded did not correspond with the number of physical and active members.The study recommends that Knowing, according to Jesus' parable of the sower found in Matthew 13, in order to retain newly baptized members, even if every effort and possible means have been made, the church should not abandon the discipleship ministry in favor of those for whom Christ still pleads through small groups and visitation program as strategies.