30 April 2025

Africa Region

East Africa Field

The East Africa Field is one of the more challenging contexts for ministry on the Africa Region but has also proved to be one of the fastest growing areas. The religious diversity and complex cultural intersections of this area demand creative approaches to ministry, and sensitive contextualization, in the mission of “Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations.” The work of the Church of the Nazarene in this part of Africa began in the mid-1980s and has been marked by growth and consolidation over these years.

145,776 Members

891 Fully Organized Churches; 990 Not Yet Organized Churches

1,223 District Licensed and 345 Ordained Ministers on 29 Districts of the East Africa Field

Church Planters Ministerial Education Scholarship

Education is one of the strong components of Nazarene Missions around the world, with 50 educational institutions worldwide. Thanks to the faithfulness of Nazarenes everywhere in the payment of World Evangelism Fund (WEF), the educational enterprise of the church is strong. This commitment to preparation of ministers has prompted many educational scholarships and endowments through the years, including the International Student Scholarship Fund, the 80th anniversary project of Nazarene Missions International (NMI) to support the work of these schools and encourage scholarship in educational preparations for ministry. Incredible work is being facilitated through the “Church Planters Ministerial Education Scholarship,” a project that offers scholarships to pastors for theological education, shaping the future of church leadership in East Africa.

This initiative supports students studying at the Nazarene Bible College of East Africa, where 30 passionate individuals are currently enrolled in the special program. These students are on a journey to become fully ordained ministers, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to spread the message of Jesus and create Christlike disciples in their communities.

The impact of this scholarship extends far beyond the classroom. Students often share how this support empowers them to answer their calling from Christ. For instance, one student recently shared that the scholarship enabled them to complete their theological training and become a church pastor. Another expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve their community without the burden of student loan debt, allowing them to focus on their ministry work.

The stories of these future leaders illustrate the transformative power of education across Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. With each new minister, countless lives are touched by the love of God, and communities are strengthened through the gospel.

We invite you to learn more about the “Church Planters Ministerial Education Scholarship” and the ongoing efforts of the Church of the Nazarene to empower future leaders through education and empowerment. Together, we can make a significant difference in the world, inspiring lives and promoting a message of scriptural holiness, expressed in love and hope. 

Could You Serve?

Is God calling you to join in his mission on the Africa Region? For more information, click here.

NMI Central is available in a curated PDF archive.
To read previous editions, click here.