In 2015, Melias, a Malagasy construction engineer, heard a pastor share how the gospel first reached Madagascar in 1818. Shocked that many Malagasy still hadn’t heard the Good News, he left his job to join a six-month mission training in Antananarivo. Now, Melias plants churches and disciples new believers among the unreached Tanala and Sakalava peoples, training other Malagasy missionaries to do the same. His story reflects the growing movement of African believers who answer God’s call to missions. As the continent with the fastest-growing Christian population – over 500 million believers and counting – Africa is poised to lead in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Biblical basis

In Genesis 12:1-3, God called Abraham to be a blessing to all nations, a call echoed in the Great Commission with Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15). This calling extends to the African Church today. Just as the apostles obeyed Christ’s command, African believers are called to be prophets and ambassadors of the gospel, carrying the message of salvation to unreached peoples.

Africa’s immense potential

From Nigeria’s bustling megachurches to Kenya’s rural prayer gatherings, Africa is home to a vibrant and dynamic faith. Recent data show that sub-Saharan Africa hosts over 25 per cent of the world’s Christians, a number projected to grow significantly by 2050. Pentecostalism and charismatic movements have fuelled this expansion, creating churches that are alive with passion and potential. Yet, the awareness of Africa’s responsibility in global missions remains marginal. Many churches focus inward, prioritizing local needs over the call to send missionaries.

With a youthful population of over 1.4 billion, a growing middle class, and a deep spiritual hunger, the African Church has the human and spiritual resources to impact the world. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda are already sending missionaries to Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. For example, Nigerian missionaries have planted churches in India, while Ugandan believers are reaching unreached groups in South Sudan. African diaspora in Western nations are also sharing the gospel in diverse contexts.

Obstacles to mission work

Limited financial resources and theological training often hinder effective mission work. Many African churches rely on Western mission agencies, which can create dependency and disconnect from local priorities. The term “parachurch” sometimes fosters a divide, where churches view mission agencies as separate entities rather than as partners in the Great Commission. Internal obligations, such as church maintenance or community welfare, often take precedence over external mission efforts, reinforcing an inward focus.

Focus areas

To bridge this gap, the African Church must embrace a missional mindset. First, churches should prioritize theological training that equips believers for cross-cultural missions. Programmes like Scatter Coaching, which empower believers to carry the gospel into diverse communities, are a step in the right direction. Churches must foster partnerships with local mission agencies that mobilize African resources and talent, reducing dependency on Western structures. Creative financing, such as tithing for missions or business-as-mission models, can provide sustainable support for missionaries.

Many churches focus inward.

The African Church currently stands at a pivotal moment. Its connection to God is its greatest asset, enabling believers to step out in faith as Melias did. The continent’s challenges – economic, social and structural – are real, but they are not insurmountable. When African believers answer God’s call, he equips them for his purpose.

Time for action

African Church, it is time to rise! You are blessed to be a blessing. Train and send missionaries. Partner with local churches and agencies. Pray for unreached peoples. And invest in sustainable mission strategies. The world awaits the gospel, and you are capable to lead in obeying the Great Commission and making disciples of all nations.