Any true cultural change has to transcend the generation that leads it in order to last.
For over 50 years African Enterprise has been set on transforming Africa with the message of Jesus, which means locals pastors need to be continually trained to carry that vision forward.
Since the inception of African Enterprise, our Pastor Training Course (PTC) and effective evangelistic outreach have been core functions of the African Enterprise ministry. With the support of Australian churches and individuals in Australia and NZ, we collectively share the vision that good training leads to effective evangelistic outreach, discipleship of new believers and raising new generations of godly leaders.
Our PTC is uniquely adapted to African culture, and include pathways to accreditation through partnerships with evangelical theological colleges in Australia and South Africa.
In 2018 71 pastors were trained through PTCs last year in Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana, with powerful results.
New trainer Daniel Kiwanuka, pastor of the Word of Grace church in Uganda, felt that the course not only assisted him in training others, but also that it has significantly boosted his spiritual life. Daniel says, “Through training and discipleship, people will come to a full knowledge of Christ, not a half knowledge… The harvest is plentiful, and more bible training is required. So many people are ready to receive Jesus.”
Pastor Kwizera in Rwanda said, “The way I preach changed radically and I’ve noticed changes in different areas of my ministry. For instance, the Bible studies that we have are now clearer and [more] productive, and church members are growing in their understanding of the Word of God.”
Contrary to some traditional stereotypes, women are also encouraged to participate in the training, which has had a profound impact.
Josephine, who is a pastor of Nateete Miracle Centre church together with her husband, feels that the course has opened her eyes on how to better learn from the bible, and has strengthened her in her pastoral work.
“As well as enriching the church, this new knowledge has also really prepared us for mission evangelism, and to have better knowledge to explain the good news of Jesus to unbelievers”, said Josephine.
“It actually only takes a small amount of well placed, well-structured information for people to make a decision to follow the Lord,” Josephine said.
As the government has also started to ‘crack down’ on people calling themselves pastors, Josephine sees an urgent need to continue to expand this training.
“We really need more people to be trained, as Uganda could possibly start to follow the same process as Rwanda and close down churches that do not have formally qualified pastors”, she said. “This course is practical, and it is not expensive. As the government is now asking for qualifications, many people are excited about the certificate that is being offered so that they can keep on working.”
For more information and to support the PTC visit www.afircanenterprise.com.au
Ben Campbell is the CEO Africa Enterprise and Laura Bennett is a contributor for African Enterprise and radio host at Hope 103.2 based in Sydney.