Kenyan partner offers education to the large number of untrained church leaders

Founded in 1981, Nairobi International School of Theology (NIST), Kenya, works to provide programs tailor-made for the academic, professional and enrichment needs of churches and institutions. Ninety-eight percent of NIST’s 500+ graduates return to their home countries to minister, an outstanding figure as Africa fights to keep their trained leaders. Currently, NIST has extension centers with plans for more around Africa to help leaders receive additional training and education.

Close to two-thirds of Kenya’s churches are led by pastors without theological training or academic qualifications to enter into NIST’s graduate programs. Therefore, NIST started the Institute of Christian Leadership to offer short-term enrichment seminars and a certificate to lay pastors. Over 200 have participated. Public lectures and symposiums are organized as well as other focused enrichment programs for couples and pastors’ wives.

NIST is among the first schools of theology in Africa to cater to leadership at the Master’s level. Kenya and Africa in general are facing a leadership crisis both in the church and society where serious issues exist, including poverty, crime, HIV/AIDS and economic stagnation. In response, NIST workshops provide targeted training, and strong practical ministry programs enable students to lead and minister while still in school. NIST graduates fill many significant places in Christian organizations/institutions, churches and law firms. Many are also community leaders, counselors and lecturers. It is also common for graduates to start new ministry initiatives to address emerging societal challenges.

Master of Arts/Biblical Counseling graduate Grace Khamuye Ojiambo is the Director of Youth for Christ - Kenya. She oversees many ministries, including a crisis pregnancy ministry; multiple prayer ministries; evangelism and discipleship; and a children’s rehabilitation home. “I joined NIST at age 46, and [the coursework] rejuvenated me,” Grace says. “The courses were relevant…but most of all, the counseling skills I use in my ministry are from the training I received from NIST.”

Click here to read what NIST Principal Dr. Emmanuel Bellon had to say when he visited the OC offices.