Missions in Africa
Don’t Miss the Mark
As the 21st-century Church seeks to fulfill the Great Commission in Africa strategically, she must make careful changes to how she invests in missions. These changes begin with a fundamentally different approach to how the western Church relates to Africa.
Let’s consider the facts:
1. An Exploding population
Africa is the second-largest and second most populous continent on earth with an estimated population of 1.2 billion people. The population of Africa is currently projected to quadruple in just 90 years. The population in Africa is also young, with 41% of the African population is under the age of 15 with a life expectancy averaging just 52 years.
2. An emerging economy
Four of the fastest-growing economies in the world are in Africa: Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda (World Bank, 2019). A mostly untapped population and a rich supply of natural resources are gradually shifting Africa towards a global center for commerce. This newfound traffic is bringing a variety of world religions and cultures into Africa.
3. A shifting religious environment
While the number of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to double by 2050, sadly, the most significant influencer of this Christianity is the Health & Prosperity Gospel. The Christian share of the region’s population is also expected to decline, dropping from 63% in 2010 to 59% in 2050 while the Muslim share is projected to increase from 30% to 35%. (Pew Forum, 2015)
CONTEMPORARY AFRICA REQUIRES A ROBUST APPROACH TO MISSIONS
So what does Reaching Africa look like?
The chances are that when a Western Christian thinks of mission work in Africa, they envision some David Livingstone-Esque explorer/missionary single-handedly hacking through the jungles reaching new people groups. Much was accomplished in Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries through frontier missionary work, and the legacy is gospel advance in Africa. While there is some pioneering work yet to do, 21st Century Africa has unique needs and challenges that demand a fresh ministry approach.
Over the last several decades, the reputation of some western missions organizations has received a black-eye in Africa. Sloppy financial dealings, poor communication between missionaries and African church leaders, quick-result strategies, and non-biblical theologies have jaded local African pastors and many western Christians. Yet Christ's Church is commissioned to proclaim the gospel to every tribe, nation and people. One way to do this is through partnership to reach Africa with the gospel.
A 21st century approach to reaching africa must include:
1. Sound Theology
The prosperity gospel, cults, and African Traditional Religion influence religious life in Africa. Men and women must be taught sound theology. They need the tools to understand, study, and teach the Word of God. Pastors and Church planters must be equipped and prepared for their calling. School teachers must be equipped to be disciple-makers in the primary school classroom.
2. Financial Integrity
Missions partnerships are needed that do not undermine the planting of indigenous churches and that do not foster unhealthy dependency. There must be increased investment to make theological education more affordable for African pastors, missionaries, and educators.
3. Holistic Vision
Our vision is to train a generation of servant-hearted men and women committed to fulfilling the Great Commission across Africa. Men and women who will share the gospel and make disciples everywhere they go, in the workplace, in the classroom, in the pulpit, or the armed forces as Chaplains. We believe the gospel should impact every community and every aspect of life through servant-leaders committed to Great Commission living.
4. Measurable Goals
Our goal is to grow the University until we graduate 25 men and women from the Bible programs and 30 men and women from the Primary Teachers Education program each year. We want to maintain a ratio of 95% of graduates serving the Lord full-time or vocational ministry 5 years after graduation.
We are convinced that the Western Church is willing to give with open-hands and serve with full hearts—they just need to be persuaded that their efforts will make a real impact.
Meet Central Africa Baptist University
For over 16 years, Central Africa Baptist University, has existed to bring glory to God by training the next generation of servant-leaders from across the continent of Africa.
We believe that the people best suited to reach Africa with the gospel are the people of Africa themselves.
We’re not exclusively “Baptist”, so why use that word in our name?
CABU equips the next generation of Christian leaders with:
Biblical Training
Practical Mentorship
Ministry Networking
Church Planting Skills
Our Legacy
197
Students trained by CABU since 1996
99%
of CABU Alumni still in Ministry
76+
CABU ALUMNI PASTORING OR PLANTING CHURCHES
We are not interested in bringing the American Church to Africa, but rather employing the resources of the American Church to equip African Christians in order to strengthen and build the Christ’s kingdom in Africa.
Student Success Stories
Success Stories
We are making a measurable impact on reaching Africa with the Gospel
But Your Help is needed
$4,500
Annual Cost / Student
$2,000
Annual Tuition / Student
COMMIT TO HELPING STUDENTS IN AFRICA TRAIN FOR MINISTRY AT CABU
Students are applying to Central Africa Baptist University committed to serving Christ and His church in Africa. CABU works hard to keep tuition affordable, but students need financial help to close the gap between the cost of education and what is reasonable for a student in Africa to pay for school. By donating to CABC USA, you allow us to provide grants to Central Africa Baptist University that keep the tuition costs affordable to students from Africa.
Partners who give to CABC USA will receive a testimony update from a student who is studying at CABU twice each year. Each year you will have the privilege to get to know and pray for a new student. Please join us to provide theological and ministry training for church leaders in Africa.
We know that the opportunities you have to invest in God's work are unlimited, but please consider partnering with CABC USA. You can make a personal difference not only in the life of a student but also in a local church congregation.