About
Sunday
Worship with us this Sunday.
In-Person: 9:00 AM or Online via our YouTube channel.
Children are welcome.
About Us
University Community Church (UCC) is a Christ-centred Baptist church planted on February 9, 2014, by Jimmy and Phionah Okello near Gulu University with a vision to reach, disciple, and equip students to transform their communities and nations. Beginning with just six people, UCC was founded on the conviction that university students are key to shaping the future of Uganda and beyond. Today, it has grown into a vibrant spiritual family of students, young professionals, and missionaries committed to glorifying God by making disciples, engaging the campus, and extending the gospel from Gulu University to Gulu City and the nations. At UCC, church is more than a Sunday gathering—it is a community where people can know Jesus deeply, grow in faith, and find a place to belong and serve.
Our Vision
A thriving gospel movement where disciples are made, the campus is impacted, and Gulu is transformed for God's glory.
Our Mission
To glorify God by making disciples, engaging the campus, and transforming Gulu through the gospel.
Our Core Values
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Gospel-Centrality – The gospel of Jesus Christ shapes everything we believe, teach, and do.
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Discipleship – We are committed to making and multiplying faithful disciples who grow in Christ and make Him known.
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Campus Engagement – The university is a key mission field, and we actively reach and equip students.
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Community Transformation – We seek to bring gospel renewal to Gulu through evangelism, service, and leadership development.
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Biblical Authority – Scripture is the foundation for faith, life, and ministry.
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Prayer-Driven – We depend on God in prayer, seeking His guidance, provision, and power.
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Missional Living – We live as Christ’s ambassadors, sharing the gospel locally and globally.
Our Elders
At University Community Church, our elders joyfully embrace the biblical calling to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, humility, and Christ-like care. Scripture teaches that elders provide spiritual oversight, sound doctrinal teaching, and godly leadership within the church (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). As under-shepherds of Christ, they guide, protect, and equip the congregation through faithful preaching, prayer, discipleship, and pastoral care, helping UCC remain a Christ-centered, mission-driven community committed to making mature disciples in Gulu and beyond.
Our Deacons
The deacons of University Community Church faithfully serve by meeting the practical and physical needs of the congregation, following the example of Acts 6:1–7 and the character qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Through compassionate service, wise administration, hospitality, mercy ministry, and stewardship of church resources, they support the ministry of the Word and help the church function in love and unity. Their servant-hearted work strengthens the life of the church and models the practical expression of Christlike service within our community.
Beliefs
University Community Church (UCC) affirms the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 as our Statement of Faith—a faithful, Scripture-rooted summary that guides our doctrine, discipleship, and mission, and unites us with Baptist churches around the world. To read the full confession and biblical references, visit https://bfm.sbc.net.
I. The Scriptures. The Bible is God’s inspired, inerrant Word and the supreme standard for truth and life.
II. God. There is one living and true God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully God.
III. Man. Humans are created in God's image but have fallen through sin. Only God’s grace can restore people to Himself.
IV. Salvation. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, including regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.
V. God’s Purpose of Grace. Election is God’s gracious act of choosing sinners for salvation. True believers will endure to the end.
VI. The Church. The church is a local body of baptized believers who worship, serve, and spread the gospel under the lordship of Christ.
VII. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is by immersion of believers only; the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of remembrance and unity in Christ.
VIII. The Lord’s Day. Sunday is the Christian day of worship, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
IX. The Kingdom. God’s kingdom is present where Christ reigns, and it will be fully realized at His return.
X. Last Things. Jesus will return personally and visibly. There will be a resurrection, judgment, eternal life for the saved, and eternal separation for the lost.
XI. Evangelism and Missions. It is the duty and privilege of every Christian and church to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
XII. Education. Christian education is vital for growing in truth, training in righteousness, and equipping for service.
XIII. Stewardship. All we have belongs to God. We are called to give our time, talents, and treasures for His purposes.
XIV. Cooperation. Christians and churches should cooperate for the advancement of the gospel, while maintaining doctrinal faithfulness.
XV. The Christian and the Social Order. Christians are to promote justice, dignity, and love in society, upholding biblical values.
XVI. Peace and War. Peace is the ideal. Christians should work toward peace while recognizing the state’s role in justice.
XVII. Religious Liberty. Every person must be free to follow God according to conscience. The state must not interfere with religious matters.
XVIII. The Family. Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a covenant. Family is the foundational institution of society.
Membership
Becoming a Member at University Community Church Gulu
We’re thrilled that you’re considering making University Community Church your spiritual home! Membership is a joyful commitment to walk with other believers in fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to someone at the Welcome Table after a Sunday service, or reach out to us directly: Phone: 0786939639 and Email: ucclivegulu@gmail.com
Steps to Membership
1. Visit the Welcome Table
After each Sunday morning service, stop by our Welcome Table where friendly volunteers can answer your questions, give you a Membership Packet, and help you register for the next Membership Class.
2. Begin Your Membership Application
The application includes: Basic personal information, a brief written testimony about your faith journey, and a few short readings about what we believe and how we function as a church. We encourage you to read and reflect on these resources prayerfully. Core Documents to Review:
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Read “Statement of Faith.”
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Read “University Community Church Constitution and By-Law” Download PDF
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Read “Affirmation of Commitment” Read Online, Download PDF
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Read “Understanding Baptism” Download Q&A PDF
Please bring any questions with you to your pastoral interview.
3. Attend Membership Class
Our Membership Class is a one-day or two-session course that introduces: What makes UCC distinct as a church, why membership is biblical, and how to grow and serve as a member. Membership Classes are held monthly. You can register at the Welcome Table or by contacting us directly.
4. Pastoral Interview & Baptism Scheduling
Once you complete the application and class, you’ll meet with one of our pastors. This interview is a chance to: Talk through your faith journey, ask questions about our church, and finalize your application. If you haven’t been baptized as a believer, we’ll also help you prepare and schedule your baptism.
5. Membership Welcome Sunday
Once you’ve completed the process, you’ll be publicly welcomed as a member during our next Membership Welcome Sunday, a meaningful time during our service where new members affirm their commitment and are joyfully received by the congregation. If you’d like to begin the journey toward membership, stop by the Welcome Table or contact us at ucclivegulu@gmail.com. We’d be honored to walk with you!
Partners
University Community Church Gulu, is a member of the Baptist Union of Uganda. The Baptist Union of Uganda is a fellowship of evangelical Baptist churches across the country, committed to gospel-centered ministry, theological integrity, and mission. In addition to our denominational affiliation, we are blessed to have relationships with other churches and ministries for the sake of mutual encouragement, training, collaboration, and care. The following is a list of these partnerships:
Eternal City Church
Eternal City Church is a church in the Wilkinsburg neighbourhood of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a welcoming and casual atmosphere; serious about multiplying people’s passionate love for Jesus Christ and all who are made in His image.
Acts 29
Acts 29 is a diverse, global family of church-planting churches characterised by theological clarity, cultural engagement, and missional innovation.
Practical Shepherding
Practical Shepherding is a gospel-driven resource centre for pastors and church leaders, equipping them in the essential, yet often overlooked, practical matters of pastoral ministry. Practical Shepherding is home to Church in Hard Places (CiHP).