AEA INSTITUTIONS MEETING
March 13, 2024
Institutions of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) convened for a strategy meeting under the leadership of the General Secretary, Dr. Master Matlhaope. This meeting, hosted by Africa International University (AIU) and led by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nelson Makanda, was geared towards forging closer collaboration and leveraging each other’s capacities to strengthen their mission in Africa and beyond. The gathering was a significant step towards enhancing unity and collective effort among the various institutions under the AEA umbrella.
During the meeting, the leaders of these institutions shared updates on their progress and discussed strategies for working even more closely together. They recognized the importance of mutual support and collaboration in shaping the African church holistically. The discussions were marked by a spirit of cooperation and a shared vision for the future of evangelical work in Africa. By pooling resources and expertise, these institutions aim to have a more profound impact on their communities and the broader continent.
AEA’s institutions include the Association for Christian Theological Education (ACTEA), Africa International University (AIU), Faculté de Théologie Evangélique de Bangui – FATEB (Bangui Evangelical School of Theology – BEST), and Christian Learning Materials for Children (CLMC). Additionally, the Pan African Christian Women Alliance (PACWA) and the Theological and Christian Education Commission (TCEC) were also represented as commissions of AEA. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in the overarching mission of AEA, contributing unique strengths and perspectives to the collective effort.
The meeting underscored the importance of each institution’s role in the broader mission of AEA. For instance, ACTEA focuses on advancing theological education, ensuring that Christian leaders across Africa are well-equipped with sound theological training. AIU, on the other hand, provides higher education opportunities, fostering academic excellence and leadership development. FATEB/BEST contributes by offering specialized theological education tailored to the Francophone context, while CLMC focuses on creating educational materials that cater to the spiritual development of children.
PACWA and TCEC bring additional dimensions to AEA’s work, emphasizing the empowerment of women in Christian ministry and the enhancement of theological and Christian education, respectively. The meeting provided a platform for these commissions to share their achievements and challenges, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
In conclusion, the strategy meeting convened by AEA was a pivotal moment for the organization and its affiliated institutions. By committing to closer collaboration and mutual support, they are better positioned to address the spiritual and educational needs of the African church. The collective efforts of these institutions will undoubtedly contribute to the holistic development of the church and the communities they serve, reinforcing AEA’s mission across the continent.
