Training Church Members In Africa For Spiritual Warfare

Abner P. Dizon

Abstract

Adventism in Africa is growing phenomenally. Statistics from the three world divisions overseeing the continent of Africa (namely East Central Africa Division, Southern-Africa Indian Ocean Division, and West-Central Africa Division) remarkably supports that statement. From 1.3 million members in 1987, Adventist membership in Africa multiplied more than five times in 27 years (Nyaundi, 2007). In fact, in 2014, there were more than 7 million Adventists in Africa. This number constituted 38% of the then Adventist world membership (ASR, 2014). With the burgeoning number of new members however comes the challenge of discipling them. Consider for instance the number of ordained and licensed pastors in the three African divisions. In 2012, they had 6.7 million members, yet there were only 4,970 ministers. That’s an average of 14 churches per pastor or 4,032 members per pastor. Obviously, pastors alone cannot effectively disciple so many members. The lack of adequate pastoral care will naturally affect the religious experience of church members. There is, however, another challenge when it comes to discipling converts in Africa. That challenge has to do with the persistent influence of African traditional religions. Together with this challenge is the question of whether our pastors are prepared or trained to teach church members how to deal with evil spirits, witchcraft, sicknesses, deaths, success/failure in life (often met through charms and amulets) in a biblical Adventist way.