In April 2025, the TLAfrica Kenya team hosted a Pastoral Training Conference in Mukuru kwa Reuben, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. Known for its economic challenges and lack of access to theological education, Mukuru is home to many faithful, resilient pastors serving under difficult circumstances.

The conference was held from April 23–25 at Agape Fellowship Ministry, a local church deeply rooted in the community. Agape is more than a place of worship—it also runs an elementary school and a local TV station to serve the slum community. Under the leadership of Bishop George Thiongo, Agape partnered with our team to mobilize local pastors and church leaders for this important training.

A Strong Turnout and a Deep Hunger to Learn

A total of 94 leaders attended, including four bishops, numerous pastors, evangelists, deacons, and elders, along with a few key church members. The majority were from the Mukuru slum, though a few traveled in from other parts of Nairobi. While some had formal theological training (14 with diplomas and 7 with Bachelor’s degrees), most had no access to Bible school or seminary education.

Despite this, they faithfully shepherd churches ranging from 15 to 450 members, with an average congregation size of 70. Their hunger for knowledge and passion for ministry was palpable throughout the three days.

Equipping Pastors to Preach Biblically

The theme of the training was “Preaching Biblical Sermons,” based on a manual developed by TLAfrica: Preaching Biblical Sermons in Africa, authored by Pastor Leonard Too, who also served as the lead trainer. Over the three days, Leonard guided participants through interactive sessions on the pastoral calling, the theology of preaching, sermon preparation, delivery, and the character of a preacher.

The sessions were not just theoretical—they were deeply practical, engaging, and contextualized for the African church.

Voices from the Ground: What the Pastors Learned

We asked each participant to share one sentence about what helped them most and one practical skill they would apply in their ministry. Their responses were moving, humbling, and powerful.

Here’s a glimpse of what they said:

“Before this conference, I would just stand and preach without preparation. Now I know how to prepare a biblical sermon.”

“I have learned to use the African way of communication—songs, proverbs, and stories—in my sermons.”

“The preacher is the messenger—and also the message. My lifestyle must preach Christ.”

“I now understand that good preparation leads to good presentation. Without preparation, the sheep will suffer.”

The pastors also shared new habits they’re committed to applying:
– Structuring their sermons with clear introductions, bodies, and conclusions
– Managing time better during sermons
– Reading full passages of Scripture instead of isolated verses
– Dressing appropriately when preaching
– Discipling others to preach so they don’t burn out
– Using the OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) method
– Getting to know their congregants by name
– Reading more books to grow spiritually and intellectually

One pastor said, “I now know I must eat the Word of God before I can feed others.” What a beautiful image of pastoral responsibility and dependence on the Lord!

A Spirit of Gratitude and Generosity

In a powerful show of appreciation, the pastors took up a spontaneous offering to support TLAfrica’s ministry. They also purchased 17 copies of the preaching manual, investing in further study and growth. For many, these were the first theological resources they’ve ever owned.

When asked what other topics they’d love to be trained in, the pastors mentioned Leadership, Discipleship, Family and Marriage, Church Administration and Finances, Evangelism, and Church Growth—clear signs of their eagerness to grow holistically in their ministries.

Your Impact as a Donor

To our faithful supporters: thank you. This conference is only possible because of your generosity. Your giving doesn’t just fund an event—it equips grassroots leaders, strengthens churches, and spreads the gospel in places where it is desperately needed.

In communities like Mukuru kwa Reuben, access to theological training is rare, but the need is great. With your help, TLAfrica continues to raise up a generation of African leaders—equipped, empowered, and rooted in God’s Word.