“My ministry would not have been the same if I didn’t go to NEGST”

Peter Karanja

Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST), Kenya

Peter Karanja serves as General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Kenya. He is a 1993 graduate from the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST), Kenya, with a Master of Divinity degree in General Studies. He credits his training at NEGST for preparing him well. “Studying at NEGST was better than any exposure that I have had. It gives students an understanding of ministry [that is broader] than most schools would avail.” He says he learned to grasp issues and engage rigorously. “Going through that level of rigorous study prepares you for ministry at all levels.”

In his role, Peter is considered by many to be the voice of the Church in many situations. Yet Peter says the power and voice of the Church lies in its body being salt and light to the world. “Until there is a critical mass of Christians properly trained for service to Christ in every sector – commerce, the national life, etc. –...we will need to continue training leaders.”

Peter says the need for equipped leaders in Africa is very important, as Christianity is one of the majority religions in Africa, and some estimate Africa will be the world’s most Christian continent by 2025. “We need to train leaders now…for all sectors of society…to help us take our position in world Christianity.”

When he served formerly as Provost of the All Saints’ Cathedral Anglican Church in Nairobi, Peter started NEGST classes to empower lay people as well. “It’s not possible to become a veteran without being sharpened and equipped. You need training, whether or not you want to be ordained. My ministry would not have been the same if I didn’t go to NEGST.”