Eighteen representatives from six Council for World Mission (CWM) member churches in Africa gathered in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 2-6 September for the CWM Africa Mission Support Programme V (MSP-V) Round Table, seeking to strengthen their capacity to turn contextual mission priorities into actionable, sustainable strategies.
The Round Table brought together mission enablers, project managers, and finance managers, providing a collaborative space for churches to deepen their understanding of MSP-V and develop mission proposals grounded in the realities of their communities.
Through guided sessions on the Theory of Change, logical frameworks, implementation planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning, risk management, sustainability, finance, reporting, and review, participants were equipped to develop accountable and context-responsive mission proposals.
Practical exercises and guided discussions also enabled delegates to refine their MSP-V concepts and identify clearer pathways towards proposal development and implementation.
Focusing on mission from the margins
Participants shared experiences and stories from their respective African contexts as they mapped mission priorities and reflected on lessons from previous MSP journeys, strengthening their focus on mission from the margins.
The Round Table also provided opportunities for churches to present emerging MSP-V concepts and identify possibilities for regional partnership.
For Azikiwe Dzonzi, a representative of the Churches of Christ in Malawi, the face-to-face engagement brought greater clarity to the responsibilities ahead.
“Face-to-face interaction with the CWM MSP team helped a lot in the way we shall proceed to do missionary work when we return to our churches,” Dzonzi said.
“It gave us a different understanding of the task ahead of us and the importance of being accountable.”
Beyond the technical sessions, worship, fellowship, and cultural exchange nurtured a spirit of Ubuntu, mutual respect, and care.
Continuing the MSP journey in Africa
The Round Table concluded with member churches resolving to continue consultations within their local contexts and further develop their proposals, budgets, and implementation plans in line with the submission roadmap.
