AEA STRATEGIC REVIEW REPORT - May 2008 (Contents No. 1~3)

THE ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS IN AFRICA (AEA)


 


 


 


 




STRATEGIC REVIEW REPORT


 


 


 


REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY:


CORAT AFRICA

P.O. Box 42493 - 00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Phone: (020) 890165/6/7

Fax : (020) 890481

E-mail: coratafrica@nbi.ispkenya.com


 


 


May 2008

 

Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS 5

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE REVIEW 6

1.1 Background of the Review 6

1.2 Purpose of the Review 7

1.3 Methodology 7

1.3.1 Approach 7

1.3.2 Constraints and Limitations 9

1.3.3 Evaluation Team 9

1.4 Acknowledgments 9

1.5 Organisation of the Report 10

2.0   THE HISTORY AND CONTEXT OF AEA 11

2.1  Preamble 11

2.2  The History of AEA 11

2.2.1 Setting the AEA Institutional Foundation-Pioneering Phase (1966-1977) 11

2.2.2 Developing a Common Voice for Evangelical Movement and Unity (1978- 1987) 12

2.2.3 Searching for Increased Cooperation and Strategic Alliances (1988-2001) 13

2.2.4 Consolidating Past Achievements (2002-date) 14

2.3  The Current Vision of AEA 15

2.4 The Current Mission of AEA 15

2.5 AEA’s Core Values 15

3.0  CURRENT ORGANISATION OF AEA 17

3.1  Governance Structure of AEA 17

3.2 Commissions 17

3.2.1  Communications Commission (CC) 17

3.2.2  Ethics, Peace & Justice Commission (EP&J) 18

3.2.3  Evangelism and Missions Commission (EMC) 18

3.2.4  Evangelical Focus on Children (EFOC) 18

3.2.5 Pan African Christian Women Alliance (PACWA) 18

3.2.6  Prayer and Church Renewal Commission (PCRC) 19

3.2.7 Relief and Development Commission (RDC) 19

3.2.8 Stewardship and Accountability Commission (SAC) 19

3.2.9 Theological and Christian Education Commission (TCEC) 20

3.2.10   Youth and Sports Commission (Y&SC) 20

3.3  Projects 20

3.4  Emerging Issues on AEA Structure 20

4.0 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF AEA 22

4.1 Achievements at Organizational Level 22

4.2 Achievements of Commissions 23

4.2.1 PACWA 23

4.2.2  ARDC 23

4.2.3 Communications Commission 24

4.2.4 Sports and Youth Commission 24

4.2.5 TCEC 25

4.2.6 Justice and Peace 25

4.2.7  Stewardship and Accountability 25

4.3  Initiatives by NEFs 25

5.0 AEA’S EXTERNAL CONTEXT 26

5.1  Overview 26

5.2  Political Situation 26

5.3  Economic Environment 26

5.4  Social and Cultural Context 27

5.5 Technological Developments 27

6.0 SWOT ANALYSIS 29

6.1 Strengths 29

6.2 Weaknesses 29

6.3 Opportunities 30

6.4 Threats 31

7.0 STRATEGIC FOCUS 33

7.1 Emerging Strategic Issues 33

7.2 Relevance and Role of AEA 33

7.3   Revised Vision, Mission and Core Values Statements 34

7.3.1 Revised Vision Statement 34

7.3.2 Revised Mission Statement 34

7.3.3 Revised Mission Statement 34

7.4  Key Strategic Areas of Focus 34

7.4.1  Revamping the Leadership and Institutional Capacity of AEA for its Mission 34

7.4.2  Relationship Management and Membership Capacity Building 35

7.4.3  Support to Evangelical Churches on Mission and Evangelism 36

7.4.4   Defining AEA’s Political, Economic and Social Agenda for Africa 36

8.0 REDEFINING AEA’S GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 38

8.1 Membership Structure 38

8.2 Role of AEA 38

8.3 Governance Structure 38

8.4  Management Structure 40

8.5 Role of Commissions 41

9.0   WAY FORWARD 45

9.1 Governance and Management Structure 45

9.2 Recruitment of General Secretary 45

9.3 Financial Sustainability of AEA 46

9.3.1 Appraising the Current Financial Situation 46

9.3.2 AEA Properties in Nairobi 47

9.3.2 Enhancing Human Resource Capacity 49

APPENDICES 50

Appendix 1: List of National Member Fellowships 50

Appendix 2: List of Special Members. 51

Appendix 3: List of Associate Members 52

Appendix 4: List of People Interviewed 53

Appendix 5: List of Documents Reviewed 54

Appendix 6: List of Participants in the Governing Council Meeting 55

Appendix 7: Governing Council Meeting Resolutions 56


 

ABBREVIATIONS


AACC  - All Africa Conference of Churches

AE   - Africa Enterprise

AEA   - Association of Evangelicals in Africa

AIDS   - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

ARDC  - AEA Relief and Development Commission

AU  - African Union

BEST  - Bangui Evangelical School of Theology

COMESA  - The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

EAC  - East African Community

ECOWAS - The Economic Community of West African States

EED   - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst

FBO   - Faith Based Organisation

HIV   - Human Immune Deficiency Virus

MDG   - Millennium Development Goals

NEF   - National Evangelical Fellowship

NEGST  - Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology

NEPAD  - New Partnership for Africa’s Development

NGO  - Non-Governmental Organisation

PACWA  - Pan African Christian Women Alliance

SADCC - Southern African Development Community

UN  - United Nations


 

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE REVIEW


1.1 Background of the Review


The 9th General Assembly and 40th Anniversary Celebrations of AEA held in Entebbe, Uganda from 20th to 26th November 2006 gave the impetus for the review. Like in every life of an organization, the 40th Anniversary celebrations presented a unique opportunity, a time to look back and remember what God had done in the past, review the present situation and the relevance of the Association in view of developments, realities and emerging issues on the African continent, and also to look into the immediate future in light of the mandate and prophetic role of the Association as a movement.


In preparation for the assembly, the Board of AEA initiated a review process that shaped its agenda. Under the overall theme "Enlarge the place of your tent-strengthen your pegs" based on Isaiah 54:2, the Assembly deliberations were around four key sub-themes (4R’s): Remembrance, Relevance, Re-mapping and Restructuring.  A Strategic Review Team was set-up to facilitate the process. The team was led by Rev. Dr. Macmillan Kiiru (Consultant and former Country Director with World Vision-Kenya). Others members of the team were Mr. Stephen Mugabi (Executive Director of AEA Commission on Relief and Development), Mr. Mark Orr (IT Specialist/WEA-MC/RHP based in Canada), Mr. Ingo Mueller (Education Consultant for AEA/ARDC-EED based in Arusha, Tanzania), and Mrs. Nancy Gachoka (a freelance consultant based in Nairobi). The team worked with the AEA Board to draw up the initial terms of reference for the review, gathered information including expectations from all members and delegates, prepared a situation analysis, and guided the strategic review process during and immediately after the Assembly.


The team identified the emerging key issues affecting AEA and its members. Key challenges and areas of concern that emerged (and needed further attention) included: leadership/governance of the AEA, membership (role of National Evangelical Fellowships, Commissions and Projects of the AEA), partnerships relationships, external issues that form the socio-economic agenda of the AEA on the continent. Other issues that emerged were to deal with the AEA internal operating structures, secretariat, and financial sustainability.


At the end of the Assembly, a strategic review report was presented and discussed by all delegates. Re-affirming the relevance of AEA as an evangelical movement in Africa, and that God has stepped in to give it a new lease of life, the Assembly strongly recommended and commissioned a further extensive review of the Association and its' operations in Africa.


In May, 2007 and after several meetings by the AEA Board, Corat Africa was invited to carry out an extensive strategic review process. The Corat Team led by Dr. William Ogara and Mr. Ochieng’ Oloo worked with the expanded AEA Strategic Review Team members (that include four members of the AEA Board), to facilitate the process. The outcome of the review which began in August 2007 was presented to the Board at the end of April 2008. The strategic review document is to be presented to the Governing Council meeting from 4th to 7th June 2008 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 


1.2 Purpose of the Review


The overall purpose of the process is to review the present AEA’s strategic directions, organizational structure and relationships in order to determine the most suitable and development resource mobilization strategy for accomplishing the mission and vision of AEA with greatest effectiveness to the glory of God.


The review focused on the ministry of AEA at three levels: AEA Headquarters, AEA Commissions and Projects, and the relationship of the National Fellowships to the AEA Headquarters. Of particular interest is the role of the AEA governing bodies including the Board, Governing Council and the General Assembly.


The expected outcome of the review is a comprehensive report that identifies:

(a) AEA’s major achievements.

(b) Major program strengths and weaknesses at this time.

(c) Potential opportunities and threats to the future programs and assessment of major risks facing AEA and its programs.

(d) Potential areas for improving the impact of AEA.

(e) Strategic issues that emerge.

(f) Recommendations on the way forward in terms of strategic direction.

 

1.3 Methodology

1.3.1 Approach

The review employed a participatory approach in which key stakeholders including National Evangelical Fellowship’s, Associate members, the AEA Board, and AEA Management staff were involved.

The process was facilitated by two consultants who worked very closely with the Task Force that was appointed by the Board to steer the process. The staff of AEA led by the Team Leader Rev. Dr. Mrs. Judy Mbugua provided valuable support to the process in ensuring adequate and timely provision of information and in provision of logistical support. They also created the link with the National Evangelical Fellowships, Associate members and the AEA Executive Board. It is this support that enabled the team carry out the process within the time-frame that had been set for it.  


The review team held preliminary meetings with the Board and Review Task Force in which the broad framework for the review and its design was agreed.


Some of the key components of the process methodology were:

(a) Preliminary Meetings/Discussions: The team held preliminary meetings with the Board and the Review Task Force to create a common understanding of the objectives of the review, the scope, expected outputs and the process. The methodology and approaches were also discussed and agreed on. 


(b) Review of Relevant Documents/Literature (Desk Review): The team undertook a desk review of a number of documents that they considered relevant in informing the process. The team also made reference to secondary documents that were deemed appropriate in providing information and data relevant to the process. A list of documents reviewed is contained in Appendix 5.


(c) Gathering of Information through Questionnaires: The team used structured questionnaires to gather information particularly from organizations and individuals that have been working in partnership with AEA over the years. There were 23 responses out of 75 questionnaires that were sent. The response rate of 31% is within acceptable limits for this type of study/review. 


(d) Regional Forums: There were five regional forums that provided opportunity to the NEFs and Associate members to input into the process.


 A forum was held in Sierra Leone in October 2007. This forum was organized for Anglophone countries in West Africa - Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. However only Sierra Leone and Liberia were represented in the forum. 

 Another forum was held in Mali in December 2007. This forum was organized for the Francophone countries in West Africa - Burkina Faso, Chad, Central Africa Republic, Cote D’Ivore, Mali, and Senegal. All countries were represented except for Cote D’Ivore.

 A third is forum was held in Uganda in November 2007. This forum was organized for Eastern Africa countries - Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. All countries were represented except Burundi, Ethiopia and Sudan.

 A fourth forum was held in Zambia in November 2007. This forum was organized for Southern African countries - Angola, Botswana, Lesotho (special member), Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia. This forum had representatives from only two countries - Angola and Zambia. 

 A forum was held in Nairobi on 27th October 2007 for Associate members the majority of whom are based in Nairobi. The forum was attended by 17 participants. 


(e) Face to Face Interviews: The review team held face to face interviews with a number of evangelical leaders. The list of people who were interviewed by the team is contained in Appendix 4.


(f) Valuation of AEA Properties in Nairobi: As part of the process a professional valuer was commissioned to undertake a valuation of AEA properties in Nairobi and provide a report on the open market values of the three properties; assess the full market rental values for the existing developments; establish the development potential of the properties; consider any risks, limitations, constraints of legal nature, physical or whatever nature affecting the three properties; and make recommendations for possible off-loading of some of the properties. A separate valuation report was submitted to AEA.


(g) Analysis of Information: The team analyzed the information collected through the various components of the review and used the outcome of the analysis to compile the report.


(h) Presentation of Preliminary Report to the Task Force and the Board: The preliminary findings of the review were presented to the Review Task Force for comprehensive discussion on 4th and 5th March 2008. A report incorporating the input of the Review Task Force was presented to the AEA Board on 8th April 2008 and the input of the Board have been incorporated in the final report.


(i) Presentation of the Report to the Governing Council: The consultants made a formal presentation of the report to the AEA Governing Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 5th and 6th June 2008. The resolutions adopted by the Governing Council are contained in Appendix 7 of this report.    

1.3.2 Constraints and Limitations

The process did not encounter any major constraints and limitations. However the representation particularly of the National Evangelical Fellowships in some of the regional forums was not up to expectations. Some of the NEFs that were not represented in the forums also failed to respond to the questionnaires that were sent and this denied the process their valuable input.

1.3.3 Evaluation Team

The review was conducted by two consultants:


Dr. William O. Ogara   -   Organization Development/HR Consultant

Mr. Ochieng’ O. Oloo  - Associate Consultant on Organisation Development and

Human Resource Development.


The team was supported by Mr. Jonas Gatangulia who facilitated the regional forum for the francophone West African members in Mali.


1.4 Acknowledgments


This review has taken AEA through a process of reflection which has been very stimulating and rewarding. The devotion, time and resources that have been invested in the process demonstrate the resolve in repositioning the evangelical movement in Africa for effective contribution towards shaping the destiny of this continent.


The leadership of AEA wishes to appreciate the generous support it has received from a number of partners that has made the completion of this process a reality. In particular we want to acknowledge with appreciation the generous financial support we received from Tearfund UK and Tearfund Switzerland. It is through their support that we were able to hold the various regional forums. We also extend our appreciation to World Vision International who have generously supported the delegates to the Governing Council meeting in Addis Ababa.


The process would not have come this far without the support of the AEA Board members. We wish to appreciate the guidance and contribution that they have made to the process. Special thanks go to members of the NEFs, Associate members, leaders who provided input to the process either through face-to-face interviews or by providing information through questionnaires. Those who participated in the various regional forums made significant contribution towards enriching the process.  Special appreciation to the NEFs in Uganda, Mali, Sierra Leone and Zambia for hosting the regional forums.


We acknowledge with appreciation the team that worked on the preliminary process of the review during the 9th General Assembly in Entebbe. To all members of the team - Rev. Dr. Macmillan Kiiru, Mr. Stephen Mugabi, Mr. Mark Orr, Mr. Ingo Mueller, and Mrs. Nancy Gachoka – we say thank you. 


It may not be possible to mention by name and thank all the individuals who contributed to the development and finalization of the strategic plan. However, we want to thank the Review Team led by Rev. Dr. Mrs. Judy Mbugua. We cannot fail to mention the tireless efforts of Mr. Steve Mugabi in coordinating the whole process and for being there all the time for the team. We also wish to thank Mrs Yucabeth Onserio_and Mrs. Catherine Wachira for their contribution in providing logistical support to the process.


1.5 Organisation of the Report


This report is divided into nine substantive chapters.

 Chapter one gives an introduction to the review.

 Chapter two covers the history and context of AEA.

 Chapter three covers current organization structure of AEA.

 Chapter four looks at the key achievements of AEA.

 Chapter five reviews AEA’s external context.

 Chapter six presents SWOT analysis of AEA.

 Chapter seven gives AEA’s strategic focus.

 Chapter eight presents proposed governance and management structure of AEA.

 Chapter nine looks at the way forward.


 In addition the report has six (6) appendices.


 

2.0   THE HISTORY AND CONTEXT OF AEA


2.1  Preamble


The Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) is the continental body that brings together 34 National Evangelical Fellowships, over 30 Mission agencies, and 11 Special members. Some of the special members are Para-church organizations while others are local Churches in countries where there are no National Evangelical Fellowships. Regarded as the symbol of Evangelical Unity in Africa, AEA has grown into a continental family of over 70 million evangelicals.


AEA serves as a rallying point for African evangelicals to address issues and together with the partners help the church bring hope to the continent. It places strong emphasis on the local church, with a strong belief that when the churches are interconnected and working together for a common goal, they become sustaining instruments in their communities for both spiritual and social transformation.  AEA serves as a bridge builder, monitor and catalyst that offer a platform for biblical partnership in carrying out the great commission of the Lord Jesus Christ.


AEA is a member of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).  The World Evangelical Alliance is a network of 121 nations who each have formed an evangelical church alliance.  Nearly 2,000,000 (two million) local Churches and 335 million Christians identify with these alliances. WEA believes that the local Church when interconnected is the sustaining instrument in a Community for spiritual and social transformation.


2.2  The History of AEA


The life of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) can be divided into four distinct phases, each with its distinctive characteristics and contribution into shaping the evangelical movement in the continent.

2.2.1 Setting the AEA Institutional Foundation-Pioneering Phase (1966-1977)

The AEA history begins with its birth February 26, 1966 in Limuru, Kenya during a meeting of 102 evangelical Christian leaders from 23 African nations. During this time, the focus was on fostering evangelical unity and fulfilling the Great Commission. Evangelicals were stimulated to work together, form national evangelical movements.


The period witnessed the appointment of the first AEA African leadership by the late Rev. Dr. Byang Kato (1975-1977). During this time, AEA was able to facilitate the establishment of the Bangui Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (BEST) and the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) under the AEA Theological Commission- vision conceived by the 1st AEA General Secretary. This was followed by the appointment in 1977 of a full time Administrative Secretary.


The Rev. Dr. Tokunboh Adeyemo, the 2nd AEA General Secretary took over in 1978 after the death of Dr. Byang Kato. Dr. Adeyemo served from 1978 till 2002. During this period, two AEA General Assemblies were held in Kenya. The period saw the beginning and formation of a few national fellowships, very lean and dormant years on the part of member fellowships, AEA Commissions, Projects and overall operational activities from the headquarters in Nairobi. Staffing was barely left with a skeleton of staff led by a  full time Administrative Secretary ( a missionary seconded to the AEA) and leadership support from the General Secretary. Over the period, the AEA headquarter offices were formally established in Nairobi, Kenya. Much of the administrative and general support came from global partners linked upto the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), member and partners’ contributions, friends of AEA special gifts.


During this time the evangelical voice and agenda on the continent was not well known (not much impact). From the beginning and throughout this period, the continental evangelical movement had a focus on playing pioneering role, launching the vision, fostering evangelical unity, fulfilling the Great Commission, global evangelization and setting up the initial process for partnership in the gospel, providing support to the national evangelical movements that were forming in Africa, setting up key instruments and commissions that would serve its’ members and partners.


2.2.2 Developing a Common Voice for Evangelical Movement and Unity (1978- 1987)


This period was characterized by the emergence and reawakening of national evangelical movements in several parts of Africa. Two historical AEA General Assemblies were held in Lilongwe, Malawi (1981) and Lusaka, Zambia (1987). National alliances were formed in well over 20 countries in all the 7 regions of the AEA.


The period also witnessed the coming on board of the AEA Associate members and key partners (mainly made up of Christian NGOs operating on the continent). These included groups like World Vision International, Open Doors with Brother Andrews, Scripture Union, Africa Inland Mission (AIM), Navigators, Tear Funds UK/Netherlands and several others. The AEA associate, special members, and partners and friends actively came on board. Many of them actively attended the AEA General Assemblies in Lilongwe, Malawi (1981), and Lusaka, Zambia (1987). From 1984 onwards, they also contributed to the support of the AEA operations in terms of annual membership fees, and budgetary support to both AEA and selective national evangelical fellowships’ ministry programs and operations.


In terms of institutional strengthening, the second AEA General Secretary started serving on a fulltime basis. Towards the end of the period, the long serving AEA administrative secretary, Missionary Eric Mailfaire retired (after serving nearly 30 years in Africa). He returned to Brussels, Belgium in July, 1985.  Towards the end of this period, several heads of departments/commissions and an African Associate General Secretary were appointed to serve from Nairobi.


From April 1984, the following departments with Heads and support staff were established at the AEA Headquarters- These included: Finance and Administration, Ethics, Society and Development (ESD), Discipleship, Leadership and Training (DLT), Publications and Communications Desk, and General Secretary’s Office (GSO). These departments like ESD, Publications, and GSO served and helped in supporting the newly formed national evangelical fellowships in several member countries.  They also actively assisted in the following specific areas- disaster relief and development work, discipleship and leadership training, capacity building, networking, publications and documenting activities at the AEA and national level through publishing quarterly newsletters (Afroscope) that were circulated to AEA members and partners in French and English. Afroscope became the AEA newsletter and evangelical voice on and from the continent.


AEA through its’ appropriate service arms (desks and commissions), helped connect emerging and old national alliances to international partners, assisted in establishing national alliances, and sponsored struggling national fellowships to attend periodical AEA activities (e.g. General Assemblies and Governing Councils).


At the AEA 5th General Assembly in Lusaka officially opened by the then His Excellency Kenneth Kaunda, President of Zambia, the following AEA Commissions were formally established and launched: AEA Commission on Relief and Development (ARDC), Peace and Justice (EPJC), Pan Africa Christian Women’s Alliance (PACWA), Communications Commission (CC), and Evangelism. Commissions and their desks or projects like the theological educational, relief and development (ARDC), departments like DLT and publications, remained quite active throughout the period. During the General Assembly the

AEA Theological Educational Commission and its projects at BEST, NEGST and CLMC were reaffirmed. Several AEA Associate members were formerly accepted at the General Assembly with the number increased to about 25.


The  4th and 5th General Assemblies were a landmark with respect to fostering evangelical commitments and partnerships, ownership of the AEA vision, establishing service arms of the AEA (Commissions and Projects), registering remarkable numbers of attendance (e.g. close to 1,200 delegates attending the Lusaka gathering), affirming the vision and setting up development and spiritual agenda for the continent.


From rather a pioneering phase, this period witnessed an agenda and common voice of evangelicals on the continent. AEA members, partners and friends were quite together. The period was an active one for the AEA, members, established commissions and projects.

2.2.3 Searching for Increased Cooperation and Strategic Alliances (1988-2001)

This was a period of bridging the Evangelical Gap, Fostering Increased Cooperation and Strategic Alliances in Africa with the momentum coming from the AEA 5th General Assembly in Lusaka and also the overall experiences from earlier period. The vision of evangelical unity, cooperation and common voice was shared actively though all the AEA ministry programs and operations. The Commissions on Women (PACWA), Sports and Youth, Stewardship and Accountability were established, and desks set up at the headquarters with full time executive secretaries. PACWA commission became quite active (with desks opened up different countries).


On the continent, this period witnessed a lot of upheavals in form of increased armed conflicts, natural disasters, health hazards (like HIV-AIDS pandemic), poverty, refugee and internal displacement of peoples. Newly emerging and established national evangelical fellowships like Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Liberia, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Senegal, Tchad, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe were negatively impacted by one form of crisis or the other. If it were not the refugee influx due to the genocide in Rwanda (1994), it was either armed conflicts or HIV-AIDS epidemic in Uganda-Eritrea and Ethiopia or Angola-Mozambique to Liberia and Sierra Leone. On the other hand famine and natural disasters like El-nino floods or eruption of volcanic mountains struck in Zimbabwe-Malawi-Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo.


In many of these situations, the AEA through its Commissions responded in partnership with the weakened national fellowships.  Gaps were bridged and strategic alliances and cooperation were formed by the AEA members and partners (e.g. roundtables and disaster relief responses were initiated by the AEA).


The period was quite an active one for the AEA, members and partners. Several of the member constituency continued to work closely together, support each other, fund projects and respond to initiatives at the continental and national levels. Budgetary support to the AEA ministry programs and operations came well. This was a period of opportunity for the AEA and NEFs, Commissions and Projects. AEA chapters were launched in Europe (e.g. Gospel from Africa to Europe-Gate).3 General Assemblies (6th -8th),  were held respectively and well attended in Lagos, Nigeria (1993),  Johannesburg, South Africa (1997), and 8th GA in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso. It was during the 7th GA that another commission, Evangelical Focus on Children (EFOC) was established (with the support of Compassion Africa). Unfortunately, this commission remained dormant to date. A new constitution of the AEA was approved at the 8th General Assembly in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso.  This constitution has remained in use to date. It was also during this Assembly that the AEA elected Rev. Ndaba Mazibane as the AEA President. Rev. Dr. Tokunboh Adeyemo, the long serving AEA General Secretary’s term of service came to an end as well.

2.2.4 Consolidating Past Achievements (2002-date)

The 40th anniversary celebration provided AEA with new energy and momentum for growth and an opportunity to undertake a strategic review. This period was quite a very important one in looking at the AEA journey, where it is and probably ought to go. It was a period of celebration of past achievements but also full of challenges and unanswered questions. The future of the AEA remained in the way it would face or cope with its’ own growth; respond to the critical issues affecting the church and society in Africa; and how, when and with what means to rapidly remain relevant.


During this period, the AEA Evangelical voice on the continent dwindled. Rev. Daniel Bitrus, the 3rd AEA General Secretary (replacing Dr. Torkunbo Adeyemo), was appointed. He left as serving General Secretary before completing his term in office. For the period from 2005, the AEA did not have a substantial General Secretary.  Since Bitrus’ exit, there has been the issue of engagement of a new General Secretary. The appointment of Rev Dr Judy Mbugua ensured continuity and even though she has faced a number of challenges, including the challenge of huge inherited debts (she has managed to repay debts close to Kshs 4 million), she has been able to provide leadership to AEA to date. Another challenge during the period has been the halting of Afroscope, the AEA newsletter in 2002. The evangelical voice that was periodically informing and connecting the AEA constituency fizzled out. AEA operations and ministry programs faced several challenges (particularly with resources for their activities).


During the same period, those national evangelical fellowships that were considered relatively weak became quite pro-active. Some of them forged good links among themselves as well as other evangelical partners operating in their regions. Block regional evangelical fellowships were launched, and worked together on common key issues and challenges (e.g. initiatives developed among the Southern Africa Evangelical Fellowships). Similar regional initiatives were started in Eastern Africa and Great Lakes region.


Towards the end of the period (and after the 9th AEA General Assembly), a leadership team was proposed. Rev. Dr. Judy Mbugua was appointed as both the AEA Team leader and Executive Secretary of PACWA. Despite the low profile of the AEA during this period, the following Commissions continued with their ministry activities- PACWA and Youth and Sports based in Nairobi, Kenya;  Theological Commission projects – CLMC and NEGST (Kenya) and BEST in Bangui (Central Africa Republic); AEA Commission on Relief and Development operating from Kampala, Uganda; Communication-PEMA Project in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire; Ethics, Peace and Justice Commission in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Evangelism and Missions Commissions in Jos, Nigeria; and Theological Education Commission in Ndjamena in TChad. Stewardship and Accountability Commission ceased to function.


In November, 2006, the AEA held its 9th General Assembly and 40th Anniversary in Entebbe, Uganda. The working General Assembly commissioned a strategic review of all the AEA ministry programs and operations. Thereafter, The AEA Board in May, 2007 approved and appointed CORAT Africa to carry out the review. The review is to look at where AEA has come from, is at the present moment, and where it is likely to go in the immediate future. It will provide a strategic direction and agenda for the AEA together with its’ constituency in Africa. AEA is to hold its Governing Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in June. The review document will be presented and a road map for the immediate future decided on. AEA has continued to maintain its’ continental headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya with fairly reasonable assets, and if developed, will provide the required financial sustain ability and continuity of the organization for several years.


Key Observations from the Review Team


(a) Consolidate on strengths: The 40 year journey of AEA has provided the organisation and member churches and alliances with a rich history that not only needs to be documented and shared widely, but used as a basis for consolidating the strengths of the movement. These include consolidating the achievements the national movements as centres of excellence. A key danger that AEA should avoid is one of being consumed with its current resource and leadership challenges and fail to count the manifold blessings that have been realised over the years.


(b) Expand on AEA strengths: Engage in a mapping process to establish what resources have been created over time and should be harnessed to support the mission of AEA as it moves into the future. The presence and activities at NEGST and BEST and PACWA provide a sure foundation for AEA to build on.


(c) Learn from the Past: 40 years of institutional history has brought major learnings on the dos and don’ts on leadership and resource mobilisation. That history has to teach AEA to do things differently when it comes to leadership and exploring ways of sustaining the organisation financially.


2.3  The Current Vision of AEA


The vision of AEA is:


Unifying evangelicals in Africa for holistic ministries that make a difference.


2.4 The Current Mission of AEA


The mission of AEA is:


To mobilize and empower evangelical Churches and mission agencies for total transformation of Africa through evangelization and effective discipleship.


2.5 AEA’s Core Values


AEA is guided by core values of: Partnership in the gospel; prayer that makes a difference; proclamation of the Word that changes people’s lives; purity of lifestyle and excellence in service.


Through its operations, AEA seeks to address the total needs of people (body, soul and spirit) and the transformation process that takes place, and to make a real difference in people’s lives. 

 

3.0  CURRENT ORGANISATION OF AEA


3.1  Governance Structure of AEA


The governance structure of AEA is made up of six key organs as stipulated in the Constitution and By-Laws. The current Constitution and By-Laws which is the third edition was adopted in November 2001 at the 8th General Assembly in Ouagadougou. According to the constitution, the governing organs of AEA are the General Assembly, the Governing Council, the Executive Board and the Registered Trustees. The operations of AEA are supported by the Headquarters and Operations Offices and the Commissions and Projects. The Headquarters are based in Nairobi while a decision was made to decentralize the commissions as a strategic move for better programme coordination, closer cooperation with the grassroots, and more effective generation of resources for the ministries.


Governing Council is the supreme governing body with the key responsibilities of appointment of General Secretary, custodians of the constitution of AEA, and discipline of members. Its membership is made up of the Chairpersons of each member National Alliance, the Chief Executive of each Associate Member, the Head of each Special Member, the AEA President, the AEA General Secretary, the AEA Treasurer, and the AEA Legal Advisor.


Executive Board is appointed by the Governing Council. The Executive Board is responsible for the development of the mission and vision statements; corporate strategies, plans, objectives and goals; sustainable financial projects; approval of budgets, ministry goals, financial reports and audited accounts; establishment of commissions and appointment of their executive officers; and in addition the executive board has power to sue and to be sued. It is made up of 17 members which include Regional President’s, two Chief Executives from the Associates, five AEA officers, and up to three reputable evangelical leaders.


Registered Trustees are appointed by the Executive Board and hold all land and properties belonging to AEA in the corporate name of AEA. The constitution does not stipulate the number of Trustees.


General Assembly which is held at least once every four years is made up of delegates representing member National Alliances, Associate Members, Each Special Member, and Individual Members. The General Assembly is a convention for celebration, inspiration, and/or addressing contemporary major issues.


The other key body for AEA is the regions (seven) whose purpose is to advance the Association’s vision, mission and objectives; promote regional co-operation; facilitate cross-border ministries; promote formation of NEFs or networks in nations without any in the region; strengthen the weaker NEFs in the region, and tackle regional issues. The Regional President sits on the Council.


3.2 Commissions


In order to live out its mission objectives and realize its vision, AEA set up a number of operational arms in response to various felt needs.  So far AEA has established ten commissions.


3.2.1  Communications Commission (CC)


The Commission on Communications was established to equip pastors and Christian workers with skills to communicate the Gospel effectively. It was also charged with the responsibility of keeping the AEA family and the evangelical fraternity informed on church events and opportunities for ministry throughout Africa and the world through various publications, and to serve as the networking hub of the AEA constituency. The commission launched PEMA (Proclamation del’ Evangile par les Medias en Afrique) or ACT in English (Africa Christian Television) which was officially inaugurated on March 31, 2001 as an AEA Project.


3.2.2  Ethics, Peace & Justice Commission (EP&J)


The purpose of the Ethics, Peace and Justice Commission is to conduct meaningful research in the areas of morality, ethics, peace and justice and contemporary social issues in Africa.  It also aims at setting strategies for educating; equipping and enabling the evangelical constituency in Africa analyze and evaluate contemporary issues in the areas of EP&J in their own societies and in the light of biblical world view.  It also seeks meaningful ways of implementation and executing EP&J activities, goals and objectives on the continental, regional and national levels. It is the responsibility of the commission to sensitizes the Church on its role as salt and light in society through intensive short courses on ethics and morality and by so doing equip the Church to engage in effective witness and action in society.


3.2.3  Evangelism and Missions Commission (EMC)


The purpose of Evangelism and Missions Commission is to encourage and assist indigenous mission organizations in Africa by providing them a platform for fellowship and exchange ideas and strategies.  The Commission was to encourage research on the unreached peoples in Africa and serves as a liaison between missionary sending agencies and receiving fields.  Its other aim is to stirs up evangelism at the grass root level by encouraging the formation of evangelism departments in the local churches, which in turn belong to the National Evangelism Committee.


3.2.4  Evangelical Focus on Children (EFOC)


The establishment of Evangelical Focus on Children as a commission of AEA was endorsed at the conclusion of the African Child Consultation held in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1996. The purpose was to provide a platform for continental networking of all groups with concern for children.  It was through the commission that AEA was to raise the profile of children in all Christian churches and institutions in Africa; and to advocate, promote and protect the rights of the child.  To carry out its mission, EFOC has worked with related organizations and programs such as Child Evangelism Fellowship and “Children at Risk” of Viva Network. Compassion Africa played a key role in the establishment of Evangelical Focus on Children (EFOC) during the 2001 Assembly in Ouagadougou and in funding the subsequent EFOC seminars in Nairobi.


3.2.5 Pan African Christian Women Alliance (PACWA)


The AEA’s Commission on Women Affairs – Pan African Christian Women Alliance (PACWA) was established to stir up women to rise up to their full potential in the church and society. This was in realization of the great need for women in church growth and evangelism in Africa, So far, AEA’s Women Affairs Movement has touched 32 countries and is launched in 19 African countries.  The impact among women at the grassroots level and among women professionals in society is being harnessed to uplift the position of Christian women in all areas of life.  PACWA has also been started in Holland and USA.


 

3.2.6  Prayer and Church Renewal Commission (PCRC)


The Prayer and Church Renewal Commission was established to encourage local churches to rediscover the central place of prayer in the life of the Church.  This was to be through workshops on prayer and church renewal at the local church level; organizing prayer concerts, conferences and seminars at local, national and continental levels.  The commission was also to produce diagnostic tools and teaching materials on the subject of prayer and church renewal in Africa and to organize prayer meetings on special situations among member groups as need arises and in conjunction with other AEA Commissions.


Above all, the commission was to work for the promotion of holy living; practical Christianity; social justice and world evangelization.  


3.2.7 Relief and Development Commission (RDC)


The AEA Relief and Development Commission (ARDC) had its origins in the broader AEA Department on Ethics, Society and Development (ESD). At the AEA 5th General Assembly held in Lusaka, Zambia in 1987, ARDC was formally established as a service arm of the AEA, particularly with respect to matters of development and wholistic transformation.


The Commission was created to serve the Evangelical constituency and wider society in Africa to engage in meaningful and effectiveness holistic ministries aimed at reducing human suffering, empowering the poor, enhancing available resources and transforming the society.


Over the years, ARDC has enabled the evangelical churches to develop a positive attitude and involvement in relief, development and wholistic transformation. ARDC has carried out interventions responding to needs of member alliances and communities affected by armed conflicts, wars, HIV-AIDS, floods and famine.  The Commission was also set up to assist the AEA member groups to actively engage in specific areas of disaster responses, development education and holistic ministry programs. ARDC would also assist in the setting up and strengthening of relevant desks/departments within the national evangelical fellowships (NEFS).


The Commission has sponsored and facilitated specific programs among communities in Uganda and Kenya with respect to the provision of social services in basic education, HIV-AIDS prevention education and special advocacy, peace building, and access to clean water.


In partnership with the World Evangelical Alliance- Refugee Highway Partnership (WEA/RHP), ARDC a founding partner of this global network, has actively responded to the needs of internally displaced groups and refugees uprooted from their respective areas within different parts of sub-Saharan Africa. ARDC is also an associate member of the Viva Network, an international coalition of Christian agencies committed to serving all children (especially those disadvantaged and at high risk).


3.2.8 Stewardship and Accountability Commission (SAC)


The Stewardship and Accountability Commission was established as a result of the need for greater stewardship and financial accountability among churches and Christian Organizations in Africa.  The mission of SAC is to promote voluntary Christian stewardship and high standards of accountability in the management of God-given resources.  It focuses also on promoting self-reliance and building confidence bridge between donors and beneficiaries.


3.2.9 Theological and Christian Education Commission (TCEC)


AEA serves the Church and the wider Christian community by training leaders through provision of theological training in both English and French to pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, administrators, laymen and women at its two theological institutions.  BEST serves Francophone Africa, while NEGST serves Anglophone Africa.


Projects & Programs under this commission are NEGST (Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology), BEST (Bangui Evangelical School of Theology), CLMC (Christian Learning Materials Centre), TEE (Theological Education by Extension) and ACTEA (Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa).


3.2.10   Youth and Sports Commission (Y&SC)


The Commission was established in the General Assembly of 1997 in response to the recognition of sports becoming a dominant factor in human society across the globe.  It is a language that crosses nations and cultures and is a common meeting point for all kinds of people.  The Commission provides an environment that can aid churches in creating opportunities for expression of body-life evangelism and discipleship. The Commission has strong links with the International Sports Coalition and participates actively in chaplaincy during international games. The Commission has developed a strong network of coordinators in countries where the NEFs have active sporting activities. 

 

3.3  Projects


There are six projects which have been established under Commissions. Projects are established by a Commission and then entrusted to a Committee or a Board to manage them. These are:

 Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST).

 Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (BEST).

 Christian Learning Materials Centre (CLMC).

 Africa Christian Television (ACT).

 Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA).

 Council for Mission Training in Africa (COMITA).


3.4  Emerging Issues on AEA Structure


1. The present governing structure does not provide active connectivity with the NEFs and yet it is the NEFs that should provide the pillars for an effective member owned AEA. The governance structure does not effectively engage with General Secretaries (which is important especially for the NEFs with active full-time General Secretaries). The General Secretaries do not form part of the Governing Council and it is possible for them not to make part of the delegates for the General Assembly.


2. The regional structure is not functional. The linkage between the countries that make a region is either very weak or in most cases non-existent. The role of regional Presidents is not clear. The regional meetings do not take place, and even if they were to take place, the agenda is not clear. It is also not clear how the regional meetings would be financed. Given that most of the NEFs are limited in terms of financial resources, financing regional meetings that do not have clear agenda would not be their priority.


3. The constitution and the by-laws do not stipulate how the General Secretaries of the NEFs link with the governance and administrative structures of AEA. Since the General Secretaries are in most cases the Chief Executives of the NEFs and are responsible for the operations and programmes in the respective countries, there is need to define their role within the Association’s structure. The General Secretaries are key in the promotion of programmes and activities of AEA can country and regional levels and therefore the need for structures that inculcate in them a sense of ownership of AEA, and encourage greater fellowship, networking and collaboration both at regional and continental levels.


4. There are four commissions that are not functional. These are Evangelical Focus on Children (EFOC), Prayer and Church Renewal Commission (PCRC), Stewardship and Accountability Commission (SAC), and Evangelism and Missions Commission (EMC). Two of these, EFOC and PCRC have not taken off since their establishment. Despite a number of efforts that have been put in place that include a number of consultative forums, EFOC has remained on the drawing board. One of the reasons for this has been lack of a coordinator. Attempts to recruit a coordinator have not been successful largely because of financial constraints. PCRC was a non-starter. SAC and EMC have been victims of vacuum created on leadership succession at the Executive Director level. This brings out the challenge of the decentralization approach which was based on locating the office in the home base of the Executive Director. It is however recognized that prayer has been mainstreamed in programmes, activities, and forums of AEA. More specifically, PACWA holds weekly prayer meetings on Wednesday and the Youth and Sports Commission has an annual prayer day in their calendar.


5. Whereas the decentralization of the commissions may have accrued cost benefits to the Association, they have not achieved some of the strategic objectives. The NEFs do not identify with the commissions and their impact is not felt much in the countries. They have also not developed a continental phase and are therefore either identified with the countries in which they operate or are seen to be serving regional interests (such as the Communications Commission in West Africa). The other challenge with the commissions is their continuity if the incumbents have to secede from their current positions. Two good cases are the Stewardship and Accountability Commission and the Evangelism and Mission Commission whose operations could not continue with the respective leave of absence and retirement of the Executive Directors. The relocation of TCEC’s Executive Director to his home country contributed towards weakening of the commission (it currently has no central coordination of TCEC even though the projects under it are carrying on their work).


6. The three institutions BEST, CLMC and NEGST have developed their governance and operational structures. The aspect that is adversely affected by the lack of central coordination is the TEE, a key organ and process in the development of human resource capacity for the evangelical church in Africa.


7. The Sports and Youth Commission has put more emphasis on sports and very little on youth programmes. The commission lacks required skills and competencies for the development and management of youth programmes and activities. The skills that exist within the commission at the moment are more oriented towards development of sports.


8. Most of the Commissions are at a point where they are not challenged to new opportunities and initiatives. Unlike the past where the Commissions defined agendas that saw the birth of key institutions like BEST, NEGST and CLMC, there have been no major initiatives in the recent past.

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