Impressions

In the 2 weeks since I returned from the visit to Africa, I have been sorting through my observations and impressions and trying to put them into a plan for how we will engage. Here are some impressions:

1. Church leadership training and support is a priority for church leadership. According to a 2006 survey, only 12% of Mennonite church leaders in Kenya have formal training in church leadership. In Dar es Salaam, 9 of 16 pastors have theological training. In urban areas, some leaders have secular education, but feel a need for training specific to church leadership and biblical studies.

2. Mennonite Theological College of East Africa (MTCEA) is an important resource for training. Many of the pastors have studied at MTCEA. At the same time, there is a general feeling that MTCEA is not fully meeting the training needs of the churches, both in the low number of graduates and in the training provided. A suggestion that was made repeatedly is to include vocational training in the curriculum to provide church leaders with a source of income as a bi-vocational pastor.

3. Theological Education by Extension (TEE) was effective and provided training for the many lay pastors who lead local churches. It is probably a significant factor in the growth the church has been seeing. Its weakness was that it was not sustainable locally so that within a few years after the missionaries left, the programs ceased to function. Some of the bishops have a plan for extension education in their regions, but there is no large scale TEE program. A program for training local leaders is needed.

4. Several times I heard requests for in-service training and refresher courses for present leaders including training opportunities for spouses, so they can understand what their pastor spouse is experiencing and help them work together as a team.

5. The national economies of Kenya and Tanzania affect the churches’ ability to pay pastors’ salaries. The result is that many pastors need to find other sources of income. Some of the churches have economic development plans to strengthen the church’s income. Nearly all the churches expressed interest in developing the economic base, to benefit both the people and the church budget.

6. Areas of teaching that were requested include basic biblical studies, stewardship, biblical principles of leadership, practical ministry skills, children’s ministry, counseling (especially in relation to HIV/AIDS), economic development, church planting, Mennonite doctrine and history.

Developing these impressions into action plans is the next challenge in front of us. We are continually encouraged by the interest and support we feel from others, and are very grateful. As for financial support, we have been told that approximately 40% of our budget for the first 2 years has been pledged or received, and we are told that is very good at this stage. And the response forms indicate a lot of prayer support. We are making plans to share in several churches, and we are open to invitations. This is a unique opportunity to partner with established churches that are effective and growing, but lacking training opportunities. Again we thank you for your interest.