While Christian churches in Germany report declining membership year after year, church growth in regions of the Global South is moving in the opposite direction. The African member churches of the UEM are also experiencing the structural, theological, and ethical challenges associated with the church boom in Africa, for example. For this reason, twenty-one theologians, church leaders, and scholars gathered at the Isano Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, from April 28 to May 1, 2026, for a workshop titled “Critical Analysis of the Church and Christianity in Africa.” The meeting was organized by the UEM Regional Office in Dar es Salaam under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Ernest Kadiva and Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Muhozi, head of the Africa Division. Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, President of the host Presbyterian Church of Rwanda, opened the event, while UEM Moderator Bishop Dr. Abednego Keshomshahara from Tanzania welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the meeting for African churches.
The goal was to critically analyze church growth in Africa and to provide insights to UEM member churches and African churches as a whole for sustainable, transformative growth. Rev. Muhozi introduced the conceptual framework of Christianity and church growth within the UEM context. The Church is understood as a missional community rooted in Christ and called to participate in God’s redemptive work. Diverse theme, including the state of Christianity in Africa, the authenticity of faith expressions, factors driving church growth, theological education, and the challenges posed by false teachings, were explored.
During the sessions the participants affirmed that while Christianity in Africa continues to experience remarkable numerical growth, this expansion must be matched by deep spiritual formation, ethical integrity, and tangible transformation within society. It was clearly recognized that authentic growth is not measured solely by numbers, but by the extent to which the Church embodies the mission of God through discipleship, justice, peacebuilding, and holistic service to communities.
At the same time, the gathering highlighted critical challenges that demand our collective attention. These include the gap between numerical growth and authentic discipleship, the rise of misleading teachings, insufficient theological formation, and the need for stronger accountability in leadership. The discussions called the Church to renewed faithfulness—grounded in sound doctrine, contextual relevance, and a living witness that reflects Christ in both word and action.
Participants therefore encouraged UEM community to embrace a holistic vision of growth that integrates spiritual vitality with social responsibility through its pillar Advocacy, Diaconia, Development, Evangelism and partnership. “We are called to prioritize intentional discipleship, strengthen theological education, promote ethical leadership, and foster discernment among believers. Furthermore, we reaffirm the importance of contextualized African expressions of Christianity that remain rooted in biblical truth while responding meaningfully to the realities of our societies”.
Participants committed themselves to nurturing churches that are not only growing in size but also are transformative in character—churches that serve as credible witnesses of God’s kingdom in Africa and beyond. “Let us continue to walk together in unity, guided by the Holy Spirit, as we seek sustainable and authentic growth for the glory of God and the flourishing of our communities”.
After discussion and exchange, commitment, participants came out with strategic recommendations:
Prioritize intentional discipleship over numerical expansion.
Strengthen theological identity and doctrinal integrity.
Reform theological education to align with practical ministry.
To train pastors in other fields to strengthen their ministry.
To train pastors and volunteers in children, youth, women, and men's ministry.
To train pastors in technology (social media, Artificial Intelligence).
Integrate qualitative and quantitative growth assessment systems.
Enhance ethical leadership, accountability, and governance.
Promote biblical discernment to counter false teachings.
Streamline church structures to support mission.
Engage in a holistic mission addressing social challenges.
Encourage contextualized African expressions of Christianity.
Foster self-sustainability and local ownership.
Develop leadership succession and capacity-building strategies.
Reaffirm the centrality of spiritual vitality in church life.
Evaluation and monitoring of the implementation of the workshops and conference recommendations.
The church is to keep Statistics and archive the church documents for future research and for the mapping of future growth.
To keep unity by communion through the usage of the church calendar.
The workshop provided a critical yet constructive evaluation of Christianity and church growth in Africa. While acknowledging the remarkable expansion of the faith, it highlighted deep structural, theological, and ethical challenges that require urgent attention. The concept of Reconstruction Theology emerged as a key framework for addressing these issues, particularly through curriculum reform and renewed focus on discipleship and societal transformation. The workshop affirmed that sustainable growth must be rooted in spiritual depth, ethical integrity, and meaningful engagement with the realities of African societies.
May the Lord strengthen and guide us in this shared mission.
spenden@vemission.org
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