One of Mukhanyo’s annual highlights is the Bible College Consultation, which this year took place from 19 to 21 June in Pretoria. It was attended by some hundred delegates from more than thirty evangelical and reformed Bible colleges, as well as other Christian missionary institutions, from twelve countries all over Africa. All together they represented many thousands of theological students.
The theme was “Theological education for God’s mission in Africa.” In total, eighteen sessions were held in addition to a number of discussions, and of course plenty of time for fellowship and networking. The purpose was to discuss what the Bible teaches us about the preparation for ministry. To serve the church to equip all believers and to spread the Word.
What did all these Bible colleges in general – and Mukhanyo in particular – learn from this consultation? A few important points are:
The theme was “Theological education for God’s mission in Africa.” In total, eighteen sessions were held in addition to a number of discussions, and of course plenty of time for fellowship and networking. The purpose was to discuss what the Bible teaches us about the preparation for ministry. To serve the church to equip all believers and to spread the Word.
What did all these Bible colleges in general – and Mukhanyo in particular – learn from this consultation? A few important points are:
- The worldview of students must be drastically shaped and reshaped according to Scripture.
- In the light of the enormous spread of false teachings in Africa, it is essential to know and understand God’s Word and be able to argue and defend it (apologetics). Students must be made aware of the long list of false teaching such as humanism in curricula, aspects of cultures negatively effecting the right understanding of the Bible, attempts to fuse Biblical values with idols such as traditional animism and the modern prosperity gospel.
- The Islam is growing thick and fast in Africa, with mosques being built everywhere. Do we know how to bring Jesus and His gospel to them in a way as effective as possible? How to build bridges but also ask the right questions such as what a Muslim thinks about “through grace alone”?
- In addition there is an emergence of other false religions such as Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and other common cults, as well as a number of upcoming African sects and false prophets.
- But students must be convinced that Christianity is the only religion which saves one out of grace alone. God gives you faith and his grace. You can’t earn eternal life by doing good deeds such as is required by all other religions.
- Plant churches, yes. But promote their viability by biblical preaching and pastoring, and getting church members involved and taking responsibility, also training elders and deacons.
- Identify promising men and assist them to get trained as pastors.
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