LOCAL PARTNERS
Kenneth Ambani Buluku, Kenya
Pastor in a local church, helping train lay pastors in the area to serve effectively for the transformation of their communities
Many pastors at African Independent Churches (AICs), and in particular the Roho churches (a strand of the AIC), are untrained in theology. There is a real need to give pastors the necessary skills and knowledge to help them serve more effectively and contribute to the transformation of their communities. Some pastors are semi-literate, and do not qualify for academic courses, and yet still serve in ministry life. With so many African churches with so many pastors (one church has over 4,000 untrained pastors), the need and demand for good quality teaching is great.
My role is partly to prepare teaching materials as well as teach, set exams, administer and mark them. I also keep attendance records and mentor those in ministry life, monitoring and evaluating programmes and developing courses as needed.
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On Tuesday 7 May a roundtable discussion will bring together a number of people involved in making disciples in contexts affected by conflict to consider “The Role of Women and Youth in Implementing Wholistic Discipleship Programmes in eastern DRC”. This gathering will create space to share case studies on the pivotal role played by women… Read more
Kenya: flooding
East Africa continues to be affected by flooding, and this week Kenya has been badly hit. Local partner Rachel Karanja shared that her home village was affected by a nearby dam bursting. She sent this prayer request: “Pray for our friends affected by flooding in Mai Mahiu after a dam burst and swept everything downstream.… Read more
Kenneth’s story
I am married and serving at the Holy Spirit Church in the Kibera informal settlements.
I was trained in theology at Carlile College, then completed a BTh in urban mission at the University of South Africa. Following that, I studied for an MA at Bakke Graduate University and am currently a PhD student with St Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya, looking at the whole question of urbanisation and the impact it has on AICs in Kenya.
As well as the above, I also trained at Carlile College in a grassroots programme (Shepherd’s Institute), training pastors in informal settlements in theology and urban mission. I trained in many places including Kibera, Kawangware, Korogocho and Mukuru Kwa Njenga to name but a few. I have also been working with grassroots communities in setting up income generating activities in Kiambiu and Kibera. I am currently training with the African Divine Church at Kangemi, a church that is struggling to sustain the programme.
Being part of CMS has enabled me to carry out my work more effectively. Being a family man with school aged children, being a student and a pastor in a church that doesn’t pay a salary to support its ministers is quite a challenge! Your support is invaluable.
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