AWF Africa Missionary Conference in Togo Unites Leaders for Global Missions

African Alliance churches are leading missionary efforts by establishing mission departments, training centers, and outreach programs. Their focus on local languages and cultural integration enhances gospel impact. The AWF Africa Missionary Conference in Togo reinforced their commitment, highlighting the need for collaboration and support to expand these initiatives.

The gathering brought together mission leaders, regional representatives, and key partners to strengthen cross-cultural ministry efforts across the African continent.

The West Africa Baptist Advanced School of Theology (ESBTAO) in Lomé, Togo, became a hub of missionary vision and collaboration as it hosted the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) Missionary Conference January 21-24, 2025. Organized by AWF Africa Regional Coordinator Celestin Koffi and AWF Africa Regional Mission Leader Denis Kombetassie, the conference provided a platform for leaders to strategize and reinforce their commitment to spreading the gospel.

With the theme “Strengthening Multicultural Partnerships for Kingdom Impact,” the conference emphasized the need for unity and effective collaboration in missionary work. Attendees engaged in strategic dialogues, workshops, and presentations aimed at fostering deeper engagement in the mission field.

A Growing Movement of African Alliance Churches

The expansion of African Alliance churches has significantly advanced missionary efforts across the continent. In recent decades, African-led churches have taken greater ownership of mission work, reducing reliance on foreign missionaries. They have established dedicated missions departments, trained local missionaries, and deployed evangelists to unreached communities both within their national borders and across Africa and beyond.

One key aspect of this movement is the contextualization of the gospel, where African missionaries integrate local languages, cultural expressions, and traditional values into their outreach efforts. This approach has proven effective in fostering community acceptance and ensuring the sustainability of mission projects. African Alliance churches are now pioneering missions in remote villages, urban centers, and even in the global diaspora, reaching African migrants in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Key Highlights from the AWF Africa Missionary Conference

The conference welcomed delegates from 10 countries: Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Benin, Guinea Conakry, and Niger. More than 30 people attended, including key speakers Jim Derksen, the Alliance Missions Access Team Leader and Developer for West Africa, and Eoghan Cosgrave, the Mission Mobilizer for the AWF EMERALD (Europe & Middle East) Region. Their insights on multicultural cooperation and member care brought valuable perspectives to the dialogues.

The gathering also saw the participation of various Alliance movements such as the AWF Africa Region, the Youth Union of the Christian Alliance of Africa (UJAC), the Women’s Ministry of the Christian Alliance of Africa (UPFAC), and the Men’s Ministry of the Christian Alliance of Africa (UPHEAC), each providing updates on their missions activities and plans. Notably, UJAC announced its next congress in Libreville, Gabon, for August 2025, and UPFAC urged more women leaders to participate in its upcoming congress in Mali.

Strengthening Indigenous Missionary Initiatives

A major highlight of the conference was a discussion on strengthening indigenous missionary efforts. Many African churches have begun launching their own mission institutes and theological training centers to equip local evangelists. In response to this growing need, the conference saw the establishment of an Alliance Missions Institute in Benin. A dedicated commission led by Pastor Jean Blaise Makaya, the National Missions & Evangelism Director of the Alliance Church of Gabon, was formed to oversee the projects’ development within the next six months. Steps were outlined, including securing partnerships, minimizing training costs, and launching initial modules in areas with the highest student demand.

Reports on mission fields in Mali and Niger highlighted challenges in advancing gospel outreach. In response, it was decided that the Burkina Faso Mission Director, Pastor Théophile Pare, would facilitate better coordination in these areas. Meanwhile, progress in Senegal and Mauritania indicated that initial groundwork had been completed, with full implementation set for 2026.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite significant progress, African missionaries face unique challenges, including financial constraints, security threats, and cultural resistance in certain regions. The conference addressed these challenges, urging churches to enhance financial sustainability. Delegates were encouraged to ensure timely contributions to support missionary efforts, as only Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso were fully up to date on their financial commitments.

However, the opportunities are immense. The resilience of African Alliance missionaries, their deep understanding of local customs, and their ability to operate in contexts where foreign missionaries might struggle, make them uniquely positioned for effective evangelism. Many African Alliance missions departments are now forming partnerships with churches in Asia and Latin America, creating a new wave of South-South missionary collaboration.

Looking Ahead

As the conference concluded, a renewed spirit of unity and purpose filled the air. Leaders left with a clear goal: to strengthen partnerships, equip emerging leaders, and expand the reach of the gospel in West Africa and beyond. With upcoming congresses, training initiatives, and mission field developments on the horizon, the AWF Africa Missionary Conference in Togo served as a vital catalyst for advancing the Great Commission across the region.

The rise of indigenous African missionary movements marks a new era in global Christianity. With continued collaboration, resource mobilization, and strategic planning, African churches are poised to play a leading role in global missions, fulfilling their divine mandate to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

To support these transformative missionary efforts, we invite individuals, churches, and organizations to contribute financially and prayerfully. Your donations will help train missionaries, establish mission centers, and expand outreach to unreached communities.