83 pastors gathered in Ngong, Kenya, to deepen their understanding of the New Testament—and returned to their churches with practical tools, renewed faith, and a deeper commitment to shepherd God’s people.

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For three days in August, 83 pastors gathered at KAG Ngong in Nairobi, Kenya, for TLAfrica’s Survey of the New Testament pastoral training. From August 12–14, pastors from diverse ministry and educational backgrounds came together for biblical learning, fellowship, worship, and practical ministry development.

And they came ready to learn.

Ninety-nine percent of the participants completed the training, demonstrating their commitment to growing in biblical understanding and becoming better equipped to serve their churches and communities.

Going Deeper Into God’s Word

Led by Pastor Wilson Kiuna, the training took pastors through all 27 books of the New Testament—from the historical context surrounding the coming of Christ, through the Gospels and the growth of the early church in Acts, to the ministry and Epistles of Paul.

But this wasn’t simply about gaining more biblical information.

Pastors were challenged to consider how the Gospel should shape the way they lead, teach, make decisions, resolve conflict, and serve their communities.

They explored how New Testament teaching speaks into challenges pastors encounter every day, including poverty, corruption, family conflict, social injustice, and harmful cultural practices.

A central theme throughout the training was the call to unveil, receive, live, and spread the Good News.

The goal is not simply for pastors to know the Gospel—but to embody it.

Practical Tools They Can Take Back to Their Churches

One of the most meaningful aspects of the training was giving pastors practical ways to study and teach Scripture.

The O.I.A. method—Observation, Interpretation, and Application—and the S.P.E.C.K. method—Sin, Promise, Example, Command, and Knowledge—were among the tools participants valued most. These approaches help pastors slow down, understand Scripture in its proper context, and apply God’s Word faithfully.

Pastor Bernard Kageche of Solid Rock Fellowship Church in Ngong shared how the O.I.A. approach changed the way he thinks about preparing sermons.

“One of my key takeaways was learning how to interpret Scripture and prepare a message using observation, interpretation, and application.”

He was particularly impacted by teaching on the Parable of the Prodigal Son and gained a deeper understanding of the older brother and the lessons of grace, humility, and faithfulness.

His response was practical: he intends to prepare his messages more carefully and serve with greater humility.

That is the kind of transformation pastoral training is designed to produce—not simply pastors who have attended another conference, but pastors who return home ready to put what they have learned into practice.

“I Am Returning to My Church Better Equipped”

Pastor Peter Maina Waweru of International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ngong described the impact even more directly.

The training helped him understand the importance of interpreting Scripture in its proper context and communicating God’s Word with clarity and purpose.

“I am a changed man, and I am returning to my church better equipped to reach, teach, and serve my people.”

Pastor Gerald Gichuki of Revelation Gospel Church in Ngong also left with a renewed commitment to keep the Gospel at the center of his ministry. He plans to use the S.P.E.C.K. method in his personal life and ministry, handle disagreements through dialogue without compromising biblical truth, and continue spreading the Gospel faithfully despite personal challenges.

These commitments matter because the impact of pastoral training extends far beyond the people sitting in the classroom.

When a pastor grows, an entire congregation can benefit.

When pastors are better equipped to understand Scripture, they can teach it more faithfully. When they grow in godly leadership, they can shepherd their people more effectively. And when they learn to connect biblical truth with the challenges facing their communities, they are better prepared to bring the hope of the Gospel into those challenges.

A Reminder of God’s Faithfulness

For Pastor Rosemary Naitore of Deliverance Church Ngong, the training brought both biblical insight and a deeply personal reminder of God’s faithfulness.

She was especially encouraged by learning how Scripture interprets Scripture and by gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. She also valued learning how to use S.P.E.C.K. and O.I.A. to help others read, understand, and apply God’s Word.

Then, after the training, she experienced a frightening reminder of God’s protection.

As she was traveling home, the vehicle she was in caught fire shortly after the passengers had been asked to get out. Pastor Rosemary saw God’s hand in preserving her life and was reminded of His faithfulness.

Her story captures something that happened throughout the training: pastors were not only gaining knowledge, but being encouraged in their personal walk with God.

The Training Continues Beyond the Classroom

The three days also created opportunities for fellowship, shared meals, worship, and relationships among pastors from different ministry backgrounds.

And the participants themselves are already identifying where they want to grow next.

Many expressed interest in deeper teaching on Eschatology and the Old Testament, while others identified a significant need for training on African traditions and cultures in relation to Christianity. These priorities will help shape future opportunities for pastoral formation.

The need is ongoing. So is the opportunity.

Thank You for Investing in Pastors

Every pastor who sat in that classroom represents more than one person.

He or she represents a church, a family, a community, and countless people who will hear the Gospel and receive pastoral care through that ministry.

Your support helps make opportunities like this possible.

Because of faithful TLAfrica partners, pastors in Kenya are gaining practical tools to study God’s Word, growing in biblical understanding, and returning to their churches with a renewed commitment to reach, teach, and serve their people.

Thank you for investing in pastors—and through them, in the churches and communities they serve.

Together, we are helping equip leaders who can faithfully live and spread the Good News.