Nearly 900 million people, of whom 45% are under 15 years of age, live in Africa, a continent that is bigger than the USA, India, Europe, China, Argentina and New Zealand combined.

In a few spots on the continent, the history of the Church of the Nazarene, which is now present in 150 world areas, is as long as that of the denomination itself. From its small beginnings in West and Southern Africa, the work of the denomination on the continent has grown and expanded to 35 of the 53 independent African countries.

The South became the hub from where, in the eighties, the church rapidly stretched out to Central, Eastern and Western Africa. More than 300,000 Nazarenes in over 4,000 churches and preaching points, organized in 93 districts and 22 pioneer areas, constitute Africa Region with its seven fields: Central, East, French-Equatorial, Horn, Lusophone, South and West.

Globalization is facilitating the rapid population growth of Africa. In partnership with the other members of the Nazarene family worldwide, African Nazarenes face the challenges of the growing population, certain that Jesus is the hope of Africa. Under His command to “Make disciples of all Nations,” the Church of the Nazarene ministers to children, youth and adults. The mandate is carried out through the proclamation of the Biblical truth about God and man, and with the resolve to equip and empower every African Nazarene for service, first to their own people group, and then for cross cultural ministry.

The regional goal of 1,000,000 members by 2010 recently became the goal of a segment of one of the seven fields. At the current rate of 70 members per local congregation, we will be well over the initial goal of 15,000 churches by 2010. Combined efforts in evangelism and disciple making requires the giving of our best to equipping both clergy and lay leaders to develop children, youth and adults for total engagement in sharing Christ with the whole man. Our holistic approach to that development is based on our conviction that a Holy God has the right to claim our total commitment to a holy life. Holiness being our DNA, we exist to propagate pure heart holiness. Therefore all that we do in our educational institutions, from African Nazarene University, through Bible colleges, technical and vocational schools and primary schools must go beyond academic formation to shaping holy living. Every Sunday the message of holiness is preached across Africa in more than 80 languages.

Biblical holiness doctrine permeates all of our current ministry areas:

• literature production (in over 40 languages)
• radio programmes (in 16 languages)
• Sunday School, youth and children’s discipleship, and mission awareness materials
• JESUS Film for church planting
• Compassionate actions for victims of war, pandemics, natural disasters and poverty.