AEA Participates in the 2025 Biennial International Research Conference

The Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) participated in the 2025 Biennial
International Research Conference, held from 29th–31st October 2025 at Africa
International University (AIU), Nairobi, under the theme One New Humanity in Christ: Glory,
Violence, and the Gospel of Peace in Africa.

On 29th October, Jacqueline Gathungu, AEA Research Officer, presented a paper titled Youth,
Violence, and the Gospel of Glory: A Secondary Analysis of Gospel-Centered Identity Formation
and Resistance to Radicalization in Africa. The paper examined how Gospel-centered identity
formation can strengthen youth resilience against radicalization and violence across Africa.
Drawing on secondary research across East, West, Central, North, and Southern Africa, the
paper highlighted how the Gospel of Glory, rooted in Christ’s reconciling work, reframes
narratives of honor, belonging, and purpose. The findings underscored the African Church’s
potential to nurture resilient youth identities, advance peace-oriented agency, and contribute
theological resources for non-violence. The paper contributes to research ideation for ISAR’s
three-year research project, shaping its upcoming research phase.

On the same day, Dr. Esayas Ersabo, AEA Executive Director for Missions, presented Next To
Now: Empowering Gen Now for Justice, Reconciliation and Human Flourishing, which also
informs the project’s research agenda, with a focus on equipping the next generation to pursue
justice, reconciliation, and holistic flourishing in contexts marked by violence. Dr. Ersabo
further represented AEA during the Partners’ Plenary Panel on 31st October, where he
articulated AEA’s mission to equip the African Church for holistic transformation and affirmed
the relevance of the conference theme in advancing Gospel-centered peace, justice, and
reconciliation across the continent. Highlighting the work of AEA’s Research Department, he
further noted the importance of data-driven insights in addressing the root causes of violence
and marginalization and laying foundations for Gospel-centered peacebuilding.

AEA’s participation in the 2025 Biennial International Research Conference reflects its
continued commitment to thought leadership, collaborative research, and Gospel-
centered engagement with Africa’s most pressing realities. Through strategic partnerships
and rigorous scholarship, AEA remains dedicated to shaping research, dialogue, and action that
advance peace, reconciliation, and human flourishing across the continent.