Kenyan seminary fights the “brain drain” by training indigenous leaders

Formerly International Christian Ministries since 1986, the Africa Theological Seminary (ATSK) is an interdenominational institution with students from over 100 different indigenous churches, denominations and ministries in Kenya. The school follows a semi-residential approach to “on the field” training where local leaders can organize their studies around their church schedules. “Therefore, our students have a great impact in their churches and community during their training and after they graduate.”

Africans across the continent are faced with many challenges, including rapid urbanization, church growth without adequate leaders, poverty, political instability and HIV/AIDS. In order to be effective in this context, the Church must train up leaders that are theologically sound and prepared for compassionate and practical ministry. Encouraging and supporting indigenous theological training strengthens the national churches and lowers the “brain drain,” when students study abroad and do not return to their home countries to put their education to use. ATSK is working to meet this need in Kenya.

The seminary works through several ministries: Church-Based Bible Schools have been established through denominations and ATSK to organize training programs; the Alpha-Omega Seminary is a non-residential program offering Bachelor degrees to pastors; and ministry training centers are based in Kenya and Uganda and function as ATSK offices, administrative centers for Church-Based Bible Schools and the Alpha-Omega Seminary campuses.

ATSK offers several programs, including Diplomas in both Biblical Counseling and Bible and Theology; Certificates in Christian Ministries and Christian Counseling; and a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology. Curriculum continues to adapt to address contextual realities, although finding textbooks written within the context is a challenge.

Bachelor of Arts graduate Rev. Gideon Wanyama oversees several churches. In addition, he is a church planter, conference speaker, ATSK Alumni Chairman and has established and runs a Bible school. “He has been equipped by the seminary to train others,” says the school. “The education he acquired has sharpened his ministry skills and proven valuable to his ministry.” The congregation he leads has grown from about 30 members to over 200, and he has planted over 10 churches.