Theological education is terribly scarce where the Church is most rapidly growing
There are more Christians in Africa than people in America.
The growth of the African church is well documented. If it continues, historian Philip Jenkins says, "By 2050, Christianity will be chiefly the religion of Africa and the African diaspora." Our experience in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Uganda has confirmed this. Most Presbyterian pastors in Malawi have 3000+ congregants in their care.
More pastors are needed. But that's not all.
Pastor's need more gospel formation through theological education. There is a tremendous hunger for training, as well as a steady determination to get it whatever sacrifices, extra work, or even risks to their lives it may take.
“The need for theological education is crying out because of the prosperity gospel ravaging the African church.”
Theology Shapes the Church for Generations to Come
Clearly the church is growing. But, what will it be like with so little discipleship for its people and hearty theological training for its pastors? What will they teach and preach?
Those questions are answered by looking at the seminaries today. Shaping the next generation of pastors will not only effect the African church but the whole of Christianity in the future.
Today’s seminaries are a foretaste of tomorrow’s churches
Malawians Investing in the Future of their Church
Josophat Mwale Theological Institute (JMTI) is a Malawian run, church-owned, Presbyterian seminary. Though small, graduating around 10 candidates a year, they train every Presbyterian pastor in the central region of Malawi.
They have recently developed a Masters of Theology program, furthering their investment in the future of the church in Malawi and the theological leadership to sustain it.
This investment in the future displays a hunger for their culture to be transformed through their own leaders. How can we invest in such a way that honors their responsibility to lead?
Daniel joined the theology faculty of JMTI in 2021 where he deeply enjoys supporting his Malawian colleagues and investing in pastoral students. Every year, students come back asking better questions, understanding the gospel more deeply for themselves, thereby becoming more mature blessings for their future congregations.
Daniel’s Work
He has recently taught New Testament Greek, Old and New Testament Theology, and Systematic Theology courses on the Trinity, Christology, the Spirit and the Church.
Supporting their Good Works
Daniel also is involved with and supports two very exciting projects:
Nyali Yanga, the first Old Testament Commentary Series written in Chichewa (2026 Working Conference pictured)
Chronological Bible Storying, Pastoral In-Service Training
Both of these aim at further equipping and encouraging our recent graduates, who pastor in difficult settings.