Thirty-five delegates representing the Council for World Mission’s (CWM) member churches in the African region as well as ecumenical partners attended the Africa Member’s Mission Forum (MMF) in Blantyre, Malawi, from 18-22 March.
A biennial event, the MMF for the African region created a much-needed space for local faith communities and leadership to come together in dialogue and reflection over various contextual and theological challenges.
Insights on missiological strategies were also shared during the forum, themed “Transforming Power.” Delegates pondered the urgent call for Africa to adapt and evolve in response to the region’s existential crises—racism, xenophobia, patriarchy, economic exploitation, ecological degradation—that continue to divide communities and ravage creation.
Acting for Christ in catastrophic times
In his keynote address entitled “Transforming Power in Catastrophic Times,” CWM General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum reiterated the pressing need for Africa’s churches to stand up and act against issues plaguing the region, from growing militarisation within and beyond African shores, the rise of ultra rightwing politics, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digital economies that threaten traditional labour structures, to the ongoing work in the decolonisation of mission.
“As CWM prepares for its Jubilee in 2027, this gathering calls upon the church to engage in prophetic spirituality that resists empire and nurtures life, and to commit to decolonising mission, addressing historical injustices and advocating for reparative justice,” reminded Keum.
Echoing Keum’s decolonising call was Dr Kenneth Ross, a Professor of Theology from the Zomba Theological College.
Ross led a sharing session on “Deconstructing Whiteness” where he examined how colonial legacies still shape mission, and exhorted the delegates to work towards a radical decolonisation of theology and power structures prevalent in African Christianity.
Current CWM Partner-in-Mission, Rev. Dr Lungile Mpetsheni, meanwhile led contextual Bible studies on gender justice and ecological justice by delving into biblical texts from Judges 4 and Genesis 4, respectively.
Mpetsheni’s sessions encouraged participants to engage scripture from the margins and helped them connect God’s word to pressing contemporary challenges.
Dr Sandra Chitalu, a youth delegate from the United Church of Zambia surmised, “The contextual Bible studies reminded us that prophetic action begins with rereading scripture from the margins, not from the centre.”
Inspiring stories
The MMF also provided the space for member churches to share amongst themselves stories that continue to inspire long after the event has ended with the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) reflecting on its regular reforestation efforts, recent digital mission innovations, and economic empowerment models.
Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) showcased its “Going for Growth” movement focused on revitalising local congregations and grassroots mission.
The Presbyterian Church of Mauritius presented its missional work in reaching out to vulnerable local communities through education, rehabilitation, and food security.
“Hearing from all member churches showed us that holistic mission—education, environment, and empowerment—works,” said Rev. Daimon Mkandawire, CWM Mission Secretary for Ecology and Economy and the Africa Region, who also explained that the MMF was yet another step in the collective journey embarked by the African member churches towards the CWM Jubilee celebration in 2027, one that is also rooted in radical discipleship.
Fresh missional spirit
The four-day forum was brought to a close with a vibrant Cultural Evening hosted by the Churches of Christ in Malawi, celebrating African identity, diversity, and unity in mission.
The evening showcased traditional African music, dance, storytelling, and cuisine, offering a space for participants to deepen relationships, honour local cultures, and embody the spirit of ubuntu (“I am because we are”), a conclusion to a forum that brought a spirit of deep reflection, fostered challenging conversations, and renewed a commitment towards a prophetic missional outlook.
The Africa MMF also saw the various member churches and partners forging partnerships to further theological reflection and a pact to share resources on issues concerning gender, economic, and ecological justice.
