Part one of two reports on the World Missions Conference held in Abuja, 2025

Summary report & personal reflection

By Dr. Jacob Terhemba Igba
Catalyst, Africa Inland Mission Southern Africa

Chair, Global Mobilisation Network

In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, a historic moment unfolded. From October 1st to 4th, 2025, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), under the visionary leadership of the Primate, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, convened the inaugural World Missions Congress (WMC) at St. Matthias House, Abuja. Themed “Arise and Shine: Pushing the Frontier of Global Mission” (Isaiah 60:1), the Congress was not merely an event—it was a prophetic convergence, a catalytic moment in the story of African missions.

The Congress brought together a remarkable tapestry of the global Church: denominational leaders, bishops and their spouses, mission directors, agency representatives, Christian professionals, and grassroots mobilizers, as well as international mission partners. The atmosphere was filled with prayer, unity, and a shared burden to discern how the Church, especially the Church in Nigeria and Africa, might rise to the urgency of the Great Commission in our generation.

As a mission mobilisation catalyst and an African, I have long carried a prayerful longing: that pastors and leaders across the continent would embrace the vision of world mission and lead their congregations beyond their immediate “Jerusalem” into the nations. In Abuja, that longing found expression. The Congress embodied the quest to see the church in Africa actively participating in mission deployment to the nations.

Key Highlights

1. A New Season of Mission by the Church

The Congress affirmed that God is stirring a fresh global movement. The call was unmistakable: the whole Church must take the whole Gospel to the whole world. This is not the era of lone missionary heroes—it is the age of collective obedience to the Great Commission by the Church.

2. Unity Across Boundaries

Denominational walls gave way to the urgent call towards Kingdom collaboration. This was echoed by leaders from the Anglican Communion, Nigerian Baptist Convention, ECWA, EYN, COCIN, UMCN, Lutheran, and the Presbyterian church of Nigeria, who stood shoulder to shoulder and spoke passionately on a plenary panel. Para-church agencies such as AIM, CAPRO, IFES, Pioneers, FCS, and Gideons lent their voices and offered their experience through facilitating on either a panel, plenary, or breakout session and served the Church gathered.

3. Strategic Conversations

Plenaries, panels, and breakout sessions explored diaspora engagement, innovative strategies, and the role of Christian professionals in mission. The emphasis was on synergy—churches and agencies working together, not in isolation.

4. Inclusive Participation

The Congress was marked by diversity and inclusion. Every voice mattered—from denominational heads to young mobilizers. This reflected the conviction that mission is not the task of a few professionals but the responsibility of the entire Body of Christ.

5. Global Vision

The Congress was outward-facing, listening to the pulse of the global mission community. It sought to discern how Africa can contribute meaningfully to completing the portion of the task of world evangelisation assigned to our generation.

6. Honouring a Pioneer, Embracing a New Paradigm

The Congress celebrated the unique labour and legacy of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop and a towering figure in the history of African missions. Through an excellent paper presented by Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu, participants were reminded of Crowther’s pioneering spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

While we rightly honour such African heroes of the faith, the very nature of the Congress also made it clear that the days of individual missionary heroes lie in our past. The future of missions beckons the full engagement of the whole Church. The Congress itself was a living testimony to this shift—where every believer, every denomination, and every profession is called to participate in God’s global purpose.

7. Summary of Key Themes covered at the Congress

• Keynote Address: The Primate’s powerful call to action on the theme “Arise & Shine”, urging the Church to fully engage in God’s mission.
• Kingdom Landmarks: African mission leaders shared how God is positioning Africans to reach the nations.
• Church & Missions Leaders Roundtable: Strategic dialogue on the Church’s role in global mission today.
• The Rising Tide: Exploration of the growing influence of denominations in global missions.
• Engaging Muslims: Reframing our approach to Muslim engagement with fresh, fruitful perspectives.
• Missions in the Digital Age: Addressing the future of missions in light of technology and generational shifts (Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha).
• Breakouts:
  • Diaspora & Migration in Missions
  • Resource Development Strategies
  • Mountains of Influence & World Evangelization
  • Church & Agency Collaboration
• Intercession & Evangelisation: Emphasising the power of church-based prayer in global mission impact.
• Beyond Church Walls: Panel on God’s mission through believers in diverse, non-traditional roles.
• Mission Exhibits: Field stories and testimonies from churches and agencies.
• Missional Worship & Prayer: United intercession for global Gospel movements.
• Global South in Missions: Highlighting the emerging leadership of the Two-Thirds World in global evangelisation.
• Final Harvest Mindset: Cultivating a global vision to go beyond the pursuable to the finishable and the urgency to complete our portion of the task of the Great Commission that we may enter into rest along with the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
• Testimonies from the Field: Showcasing the Church of Nigeria and CNMS’s global mission engagement.
• Ajayi Crowther Tribute: Celebrating the legacy of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther through a compelling paper by Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu
• Closing Ceremony: A solemn and powerful closing word with thanksgiving, prayers, and benediction by the Primate, assisted by the Chair of the planning team.

8. Brief Personal Reflection

For me, the Congress was more than a conference; it was a divine answer to prayer. Every mission mobilizer knows that having the presence of Christian leaders in the marketplace, Senior clergy, mission leaders, and denominational heads in one room, reflecting and praying about the Great Commission, is nothing short of a missional miracle! Also, the Primate’s closing charge was deeply moving, a Spirit-filled clarion call to the church in Nigeria to not only contend for the truth but also proclaim the Gospel to those who are yet to hear, an encouragement to those whose hands are faltering in the pursuit of the fulfilment of the great commission as well as a call for all to unite for this Gospel thrust to the nations, no matter the cost and the challenges, knowing that the Lord of the Harvest goes before us! The gathering ignited a holy missional fire. I believe that what began in Abuja will not remain in Abuja. The fire will spread beyond the Nigerian Anglican communion, to other denominations, to other African nations. The time is now for Africa to rise not just as a recipient of missions and missionaries but as a significant role player.

May this be the beginning of the realisation of the vision where each local church will become a “Glo-Cal Church”, a local church with global impact. A church that is deeply rooted in its context yet radically committed to proclaiming, sending, and supporting the cause of taking the Gospel to the nations. A church that understands that the Great Commission and the Great Commandment are not optional extras but the very essence of her calling.

Gratitude

Special thanks must be extended to the leadership of Africa Inland Mission International (Southern Africa Region) for ensuring my attendance and participation, as well as appreciations to:

• The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, for his mission-minded leadership.
• The Most Rev’d Dr. Edmund Akanya, Chairman of the Planning Committee.
• Canon Dr. Timothy Olonade, Consultant to the Primate on Global Missions.
• Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu, for his stirring tribute to Bishop Crowther.
• All national and international resource persons, mission partners, and volunteers who gave sacrificially to make this historic gathering a reality.

Be assured that your labour has birthed something of eternal significance.

The end of the World Missions Congress 2025 was not the end; it was the beginning. A new chapter has opened. The call is clear. The time is now. The harvest is ready.

For His glory among the nations!