Kenya (MNN) — The Western, English-speaking world is jam-packed with Christian resources. But not every part of the global Church has that same defense line.
Take Kenya, for example. Brian Dennett with AMG International says, “Especially in rural areas, these pastors often have limited access to really sound education resources, books, or mentoring, so it really leaves the church vulnerable to false teaching.”
Syncretism and the prosperity gospel are present dangers in the Kenyan Church. And it doesn’t stop at the borders.
Pastor training in Kenya (Photo courtesy of AMG International via Facebook)
“Kenya is actually exporting a lot of its church culture all over Africa, because it has some very big churches,” says Dennett.
To be clear, not all pastors and congregations in Kenya adhere to the prosperity gospel. Indeed, just last summer, many church leaders across Africa took a public stance on that ideology as well as “word of faith” theology. Their 14-article statement can be accessed here.
As followers of Christ who care about truth, this battle line for the pure gospel in Africa must not be ignored. AMG helps to step into the gap by offering pastoral training — not only in Kenya but all over the world as well.
“We really believe that healthy churches require well-equipped pastors, and while we do church planting in a number of countries, our goal is not just to grow the number of churches, but to strengthen the quality of existing churches that are already there,” says Dennett.
In Kenya, AMG’s biannual conferences bring in cross-cultural teachers who help Kenyan pastors continue to grow in handling God’s Word. This year, the theme is the doctrine of God.
Pastor training (Photo courtesy of AMG International via Facebook)
After receiving teaching about God’s sovereignty and providence, one pastor had this to say: “his eyes were just completely opened to some of the false beliefs that he himself had been propagating in his church and community, and [he] was excited to focus on the truth of God’s Word, and to only be sharing truth,” says Dennett.
Your prayers and support can help strengthen the church in Kenya. Connect with AMG here to learn more.
“These are not just one-time events [conferences], you know. We’re really hoping to have ongoing investment in the future of these churches and pastors,” says Dennett. “Knowing that every trained pastor is going to impact all of the lives of their congregation and contribute to the discipleship of so many people, it’s so encouraging to us.”
Header photo of pastor training in Kenya courtesy of AMG International.
