Africa Churches Go Together to Advance the Great Commission

A total of 188 church leaders from ten African countries gathered in Brazzaville to strengthen missionary partnerships, encourage church planting, and renew their commitment to taking the gospel to the nations.

As the flags of ten African countries entered the auditorium one by one, they told a story before the first message was preached.

Each flag represented a nation, a church, and believers answering the same call. Together they reflected a shared commitment to take the gospel to people who have not yet heard it.

That vision shaped the seventh African Missions Conference, held June 25-27, 2026, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. A total of 188 church leaders, pastors, missionaries, women, youth leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals gathered from Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Republic of Congo, and Senegal to strengthen partnerships and renew their commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission.

The conference marked the first time the region had brought together leaders not only from missions but also from women’s, men’s, and youth ministries, along with education and healthcare. The gathering reflected a growing understanding that missions belong to the whole church.

Rev. Théophile Paré, the Africa Regional Missions Coordinator, said the gathering carried a message that shaped every session.

“The message was not merely new; it was fresh. We heard the whisper of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations,’ Rev. Théophile said. “It was as though he was saying, ‘African Church, you are no more a small child. You have grown into a strong and powerful adult.’” He added, “Mission is not only for missionaries. It involves all the people of God participating in God’s mission.”

Throughout the conference, speakers encouraged churches to place missions at the center of their ministry. Sessions focused on church planting, missionary training, cooperation among national churches, financial support for missions, and preparing future leaders. Participants also learned about plans for a Christian Alliance Missiological Institute that would equip missionaries for cross-cultural ministry.

The conference also highlighted what God is already doing through African churches.

Delegates heard reports from Burkina Faso, where missionaries reached 10,505 people with the gospel during the first half of 2026. A total of 1,267 people placed their faith in Christ, 38 believers were baptized, and churches planted 28 new congregations in Burkina Faso and neighboring Togo. Those reports reminded participants that faithful ministry continues to bear fruit across the continent.

Women also played an important role throughout the gathering. Leaders from ten countries participated in the conference, and the leadership of the Pan-African Women’s Union of the Christian Alliance (UPFAC) was installed during the opening ceremony. Their ministry reflects the growing contribution of women in evangelism, discipleship, prayer, education, church planting, and community outreach. In 2024, the organization also contributed more than US$11,000 to support missionary work across Africa.

The conference challenged participants not only to celebrate what God has done but also to respond personally to his call.

Saana, a delegate from Burkina Faso, said, “I am committed to supporting missionary work not only by serving personally but also financially in my country.”

“This conference renewed my passion for praying for missions. I want to make prayer a greater priority and support missionary work with compassion,” said Marie-Claire Gla, of Côte d’Ivoire.

Rev. Joël Lamah, president of the C&MA Church of Guinea, said the conference reminded him that church planting remains the responsibility of every church. “It is time for us to join hands, depend on the Holy Spirit, and make missions our reason for being,” he said.

He noted that although the Alliance has served in Guinea for more than 100 years, Christians remain a small minority, reminding delegates of the need to continue sending missionaries and planting churches.

Participants also strengthened partnerships that will continue beyond the conference. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in sending missionaries, expanding church planting efforts, strengthening prayer, and helping local churches place missions at the center of their ministry.

Reflecting on the conference, AWF Africa Regional Coordinator Rev. Ferdinand Sangoye said, “This conference represents an awakening and a new beginning in implementing the missionary DNA within the AWF Africa Region.”

As delegates prepared to return home, they carried more than conference notes. They returned with a renewed conviction that the Great Commission belongs to the whole church.

The flags that entered the auditorium on the opening day represented ten nations.

By the end of the conference, they represented one shared response to Christ’s call.

As Rev. Théophile Paré concluded, “Yes, Jesus! Here we are. Send us again. We are willing to go.”