The Africa Bible Impact Summit (ABIS), held Feb. 11-13, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together 144 delegates, including more than 80 denominational leaders, mission and ministry leaders, Christian CEOs, and government officials, representing 30 African countries, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the United States, Thailand, Finland, and India.
The summit, hosted by Community Bible Study (CBS), aimed to accelerate its vision of transforming lives through God’s Word, focusing on Bible engagement and discipleship rooted in Scripture across Africa.
At the opening of the conference, Dr. Helder Favarin, CEO of CBS, delivered a plenary on CBS and Bible engagement, drawing from Nehemiah 8 to describe well-proven approaches to Bible study.
Dr. Master Matlhaope, secretary general of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), provided a historical perspective on Africa’s deep connection to Christianity. He cited the work of his predecessor, the late Dr. Byang Kato, who emphasized that Christianity is not a Western religion but has significant African ties.
Discrediting stereotypes that associate Christianity solely with Western influence, Matlhaope argued that Christianity has closer historical connections with Africa than with European or North American countries. He referenced Egypt’s role in the Exodus, Ethiopia’s link through the Queen of Sheba, and the influence of early African church fathers such as Tertullian, Athanasius, and Augustine of Hippo.
Africa was a major center of early Christianity and continues to shape theological thought today. The universal message of Scripture calls Africa to play a prophetic role in global Christianity, Matlhaope said.
“Our challenge is to reclaim our biblical heritage and apply it in ways that transform lives and societies. What we need is an African hermeneutic—interpreting Scripture through the lens of African experiences and worldviews while remaining true to biblical theology.”
Prosper Isichei, CBS Sub-Saharan national coordinator, shared his discipleship journey in his address, Hope for Africa. He recounted his experiences across Christian traditions, from an Anglican-Pentecostal upbringing to Catholic education, an Anglican boarding school, and engagement with diverse denominational ministries.
“We are here today because we want to reinforce the supremacy of the Bible, especially in disciple-making, to multiply healthy and mutual collaboration in disciple-making, and to celebrate and accelerate Christ-centered transformation of lives and communities,” Isichei said.
Leaders at the summit were urged to reflect on Africa’s young population and vast resources, considering whether these are a blessing or a burden.
“Africa is blessed! God has a plan for Africa! What colonialism, independence, industrialization, and indigenization could not accomplish, the Spirit upon the Word will achieve,” he declared.
He emphasized that Africa’s situation is not beyond redemption, citing Revelation 3:17 to illustrate the spiritual and social renewal possible through biblical discipleship.
“Our cities and systems can flourish again! Africa will lead again!” he proclaimed, calling for a renewed commitment to raising disciples who will shape the future of Christianity.
The summit also featured key African Christian leaders, including Femi Adeleye, Africa director for Langham Preaching; Kehinde Ojo, IFES program director for Indigenous Support Development; Mike Adegbile, a missionary from Nigeria and mobilizer for North Africa; Rev. Reuben E. Ezemadu, founding and international director of the Christian Missionary Foundation Inc.; Jonathan Onigbinde, managing director of Nigeria Associated Best Foods Ltd.; and Peter Tarantal, associate international director of OM from South Africa. These leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping discipleship and ministry across the continent.
Beyond ABIS, numerous initiatives are fostering biblical discipleship across Africa. Organizations such as Tearfund, Church Transformation Network (CTN), Africa Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE), Living on the Edge, and AEA’s original Theological Education by Extension (TEE) programs continue to train leaders and equip believers for transformational ministry.
“Africa has a prophetic destiny,” Isichei affirmed. “It is Africa’s time, and we are the midwives and watchmen to create access for the Word and the Spirit all across Africa.”
