THE NEED
The only hope for Africa, as for any other continent, is the gospel of God concerning His Son Jesus Christ:
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. ~ Romans 10:14-17
The need to equip pastors to teach the word of God faithfully is clear. Many of those who have the great responsibility of ministering in the urban and rural areas of Africa have received little training, have few, if any, books and receive little ongoing teaching support for their ministries.
THE PURPOSE
The purpose of the African Pastors’ Conferences is to supply some training, books and support for mainly black pastors who have not had the privilege of the training received by some of their white counterparts.
Other organisations such as Pastors Training International and the Langham Partnership are helping in a similar way, though there are differences of approach. African Pastors Conferences are intended to be African style and with mainly African speakers: as far as accommodation is concerned (most of the Conferences are residential) it is nearer 1 star than 5 star in order to make the conferences affordable. They are heavily subsidised and books are sold at substantial discount (vouchers are given so all pastors can have some books free of charge to themselves).
SUPPORT
There is generous sponsorship from publishers such as Evangelical Press, Banner of Truth Trust, IVP, Day One and also financial and prayer support from churches in the UK and USA.
For the number of Conferences to increase ongoing and increasing support is needed. This surely is one of the most effective ways of advancing the gospel in Africa and changing a Continent.
SCOPE
The Conferences started in South Africa and Mozambique. Between December 2007 and January 2008 there will have been 7 conferences, including one in Zimbabwe. The aim is to give a wide geographical coverage in all the countries of Southern Africa within the next 2 or 3 years with annual or even twice-yearly conferences accessible to all pastors.
Please read our invitation policy for information regarding invitation letters.
