ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES (AACC)

THEOLOGY, ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH DEPARTMENT

FIFTH THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
THEME: THE IMPERATIVE OF UNITY FOR THE MISSION OF CHURCHES IN
AFRICA
8th 12th December 2014: Desmond Tutu Conference Centre, Nairobi
Draft Concept Paper
Introduction
The growing Christian population in Africa has led to a new phenomenon of uncontrolled
multiplicity of churches and denominations which in a way is a challenge to the unity of the
churches in Africa. This is compounded by the fact that at the moment there is no forum with
criteria of what a church is and what it is not. Additionally, the training of Church leaders
has somehow been neglected in some denominations. It is not uncommon in these situations
for some people to assign themselves titles such as doctor- titles that were ordinarily
conferred by the seminaries following meticulous seminary training and instruction. There is
no doubt that this state of affairs is responsible for the prevailing widespread wrong
interpretations of the Bible that are passed on to ordinary believers as biblical teachings.
These rapid changes in the dynamics of mission on the continent are noticeable. The
majority of the numerous Christian churches lack well-resourced and equipped leaders with
capacity to offer the much needed leadership to meet the needs of their congregations. One
single overbearing challenge of churches in Africa is that of leadership development. AACC
is committed to the nurturing of a unique generation of ecumenically grounded Church
leaders able to reflect theologically on the unity and contextual issues prevailing on the
continent.
The All Africa Conference of Churches has planned to address the above need through
regular Theological Institutes.
Theological Institutes planned around specific themes have proved a useful tool in the
development of leaders for the growing churches in Africa. For the year 2014, a Theological
Institute has been planned on the Theme: The Imperative of Unity for the mission of
Churches in Africa. This Theological Institute will gather 40 young theologians drawn from
member churches of AACC representing the various denominations and regions of Africa.
Focus
Leadership development focused on Effective Mission of Churches in Africa.

Core mission issues for reflection

Promotion of human dignity.

Resource mobilisation for the sustainability of the mission of the churches in Africa.

The digital age and mission of the Church.

The imperative of unity as a framework for the life and the mission of the Church.

The transforming power of the Gospel in poverty and disease eradication in Africa.

Methodology
This theological institute will be conducted in an interactive way through learner based
lecture presentations, seminars, case studies by participants based on the core mission issues,
and group discussions.
Specific Objectives

Gather young theologians engaged in mission across denominations and regions for
sharing and networking on pertinent mission issues in Africa.

Reflection on possible arrangements for visibility of the unity of the Church in Africa.

Share mission theological insights that foster the dignity of the peoples of Africa

Engage in a learning process of the imperative of unity / ecumenism as a basis for

effective mission of the churches in Africa.

Share varying experiences and expressions of mission among the churches in Africa and
explore ways of ecumenical perspectives.

Envisioned Outcomes

Understanding and appreciation of proper management of resources as key to the

restoration of the dignity of the peoples of Africa.

Increased networking across denominational divides.

Appreciation of the reality of the digital age and skills acquisition in the use of modern
technology in mission.

Better understanding of the imperative of unity thus enhancing ecumenical collaboration.

Proceedings of the Institute will be published.

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