By Samuel Koranteng-Pipim 

Of the many missionary engagements I have been privileged to embark upon during the past 6+ years, my most recent trip to Gabon, Central Africa, is by far the most impactful in influencing the influencers. I was invited as a guest speaker to an Evangelical Missionary Conference, in Port-Gentil, Gabon, from April 8-15, 2018. This brief report provides highlights of the missionary conference, and explains the urgency of reaching out to the influential ranks of society.

 

The French acronym for the conference is CEMAC (Convention Evangelique Missionaire de l'Afrique Centrale). This non-denominational conference is an annual leadership training event that brings together Christian thought leaders from the French-speaking countries of Central Africa: Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

 

The conference, which attempts to address African issues from a biblical perspective, was facilitated by the “Centre De Evangelisation Berthanie" (headquartered in Libreville, the political capital of Gabon); and was hosted by “the Revival Churches of Port-Gentil” (the venue, being the second largest city and the economic capital of Gabon).  The theme for CEMAC 2018 was “Central Africa Must Shine” (“Que l'Afrique Centrale Resplendisse”).

 

WHO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE?

 

Registered participants and presenters at CEMAC included some of the most educated, respected, and influential leaders of Christian organizations.  For example, one presenter/leader who I became very close with—holds 3 doctorates from Trinity Evangelical Theological Seminary in Illinios, USA. He is presently a Rector of an Academic University in the DRC, having previously served as President of the World Vision organization for that region, and a special advisor to a former Head of State in DRC. Another is a well-respected TV pastor who deals with practical lifestyle issues (such as marriage and relationship issues) and with topics on Christian sanctification and character development. And there were other invited guests from France—Europeans as well as French-speaking Africans in the Diaspora.

 

Besides the intellectual giants, there were also spiritual leaders who are recognized in their respective faith traditions as “Prophets” “Apostles,” Bishops, Evangelists, Pastors, etc.,—and whose ecclesiastical titles are sometimes combined with some splendid academic degrees. Still, others were bi-vocational pastors who combined ministry with their professions as engineers, accountants, business professionals, teachers, etc.

 

I was invited to CEMAC because our EAGLESonline’s Bible-based approach to addressing issues facing Africa is increasingly being recognized at different levels of the continent. 

 

Before answering questions about how I got invited to this non-denominational Evangelical conference, the nature of the conference itself, and some of the challenges and opportunities such conferences afford, allow me to give a little background about my unique line of work and how it is related to ministry.

 

MY CURRENT LINE OF MINISTRY

 

In the wisdom and providence of God, during the past 6+ years I have had the privilege of interacting with and addressing influential segments of society—learning from the key actors and, as opportunity had allowed, also sharing our distinctive understanding of the Gospel and biblical truth. The audiences have included: Heads of State, diplomats, highly educated professionals, corporate & religious leaders, young adults & young professionals, and students. 

 

I have engaged these influential groups in my capacity as Director of EAGLESonline, the umbrella organization for two Centers of Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). EAGLESonline is a Bible-based organization that seeks to train and empower people to become agents of positive social & spiritual change. Our goal is to add value to peoples’ lives and, ultimately, also prepare them for Heaven.

 

 

WHO INVITED ME TO CEMAC & WHY? 

 

 

How did we meet, and why did he invite me to CEMAC 2018?

 

He formally extended his invitation to me this past January 2018, when he heard me deliver the keynote message at the 2018 African Heads of State Summit Prayer Breakfast at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 28, 2018.  Some six months earlier (in July 2017), our paths had crossed in Kigali, Rwanda, when he heard me speak at an Africa Arise conference on the subject of Christian education, leadership training, and youth empowerment. 

 

From these two encounters (first, in Rwanda, and later in Ethiopia), Dr. Mbadinga felt that my unique way of articulating Bible truth and applying its lessons to the African context was something that would benefit not only the people of Gabon, but most especially the registered participants at CEMAC 2018, a training event where Christian thought leaders from the French-speaking countries of Central Africa would be present. 

 

Thus, upon arrival in Libreville (the capital of Gabon), even before flying to Port-Gentil (the venue of CEMAC), he had arranged for me to speak at a special Prayer Breakfast for “the Elite” of the capital city (church leaders, government and business leaders). Afterwards, we flew to Port-Gentil, where, prior to the official opening of CEMAC 2018, he had also arranged for me to speak at the Sunday morning worship service in one of his churches (the worship attendance that morning was about 4,000 members). Finally, when CEMAC was over, before I flew out of Libreville to the USA, he had also arranged for me to preach the Sunday worship service at his own church--the leading Bethanie Church in Libreville.

 

THE NATURE OF CEMAC 2018

 

CEMAC 2018, the one-week Evangelical Missionary conference, which was my main reason for being in Gabon, consisted of: (i) Daytime workshops/seminars for some 800 registered Christian leaders and professionals; and (ii) Evening worship services that were opened to the general public; the evening audience averaged about 10,000 each night.

 

As mentioned earlier, the theme for the conference was “Central Africa Must Shine.” Consistent with that theme, I gave workshop/seminar presentations on the sub-theme “Africa Must Think and Act,” which was actually my way of articulating the biblical concept of “The Transformed Mind.”

 

The Lord richly blessed my presentations. Although, prior to the event, I was told my workshop sessions would attract some 150-200 of the registered Christian leaders & professionals at CEMAC, the attendance to my first seminar was about 300, and the attendance at each subsequent session kept swelling till the very last session when over 1,000 attended. (Through divine providence, the other seminar tracks were cancelled that morning, and all the registered participants got the opportunity to listen to my last presentation.)

 

When it came to the evening evening worship services (which were designed as “revival and missionary” endeavors, and which attracted an audience of about 10,000 every night), I played no active role in those services. But, as a special guest to CEMAC, I was granted a courtesy of front-row seat, alongside the major presenters at the conference. 

 

The services each evening/night consisted of spirited singing and dancing (characteristic of African Pentecostal/Charismatic worship), two sermons by preselected preachers, appeals to accept Jesus, taking of love offerings and financial pledges, and moments of “blessing” or “anointing” with the Spirit, and “prophesyings.” As a former Pentecostal/Charismatic, I was aware of some of these things. But having a front-row seat to observe what was going on gave me an opportunity to be acquainted with the current state of “revival worship” on the continent of Africa (a subject I will be addressing in the future through my writings and presentations).

 

HOW DID I SHARE MY FAITH?

 

“Evangelism” or “proselytization” was not my primary mission. As mentioned earlier, I was invited to speak at CEMAC because of my professional expertise as a Bible-believing leadership training consultant. So, I didn’t go there as an evangelist to “preach the present truth” or “convert or win souls” Notwithstanding, my presence at CEMAC (and other such events, whether secular or religious) afforded an opportunity to share my faith. This took several forms—besides the contents of my official presentations:

 

 

Through the above means, and others, I believe that I have reached audiences that we typically are unable to reach out to. 

 

 

SOME CHALLENGES

 

 

For example, I was invited to an “Evangelical Missionary Conference” which was hosted by the “Revival Churches” of Port-Gentil. Without sound biblical, historical, and theological knowledge, one would not readily realize that the terms “Evangelical” and “Revival” mean different things to different people. Let me explain:

 

Historically, “evangelical” Christianity or “evangelical” Protestantism has been a worldwide, cross-denominational movement within PROTESTANT Christianity. Thus any historic PROTESTANT denomination that traces its teachings and history to the 16thC Reformers (Luther, Calvin, etc.) can rightfully claim to be “Evangelical.”

 

However, in the predominantly Catholic countries of Central Africa, that understanding of Evangelical is broadened to include any Christian group that is not Roman Catholic. Hence groups like traditional/classical Pentecostals, the Charismatic movement, and the “Signs and Wonders” or “Gospel of Power” movements (à la Benny Hinn, Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagin, Rodney Howard-Browne, Paul Cain, etc.) would refer to themselves as “Evangelicals.” That was clearly the case at CEMAC, where most of the leaders can be bracketed as belonging to the Signs & Wonders or “Gospel of Power” branch of the Pentecostal/Charismatic trajectory of contemporary African Christianity. 

 

Another illustration to show that those engaged in this line of ministry should be biblically and theologically informed is the use of the word “Revival”—(as in the posters and announcements that CEMAC was hosted by “the Revival Churches” of Port-Gentil). As a side note, in the current explosion of interest in revival, almost anything is considered a revival or the Spirit’s renewal. Quoting the apt words of a respected Evangelical scholar, “any new outburst of activity in the church, any cloud of dust raised by the stamping of excited feet, will be hailed as renewal by somebody.” 

Now, a Christian from a historically Protestant denomination (such as Lutheran/Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Adventist, etc.) may understand “revival” to mean the Holy Spirit’s transformation or renewal of a person’s life through the sound proclamation of God's inspired Word. However, in the context of the “Signs and Wonders” movement, “revival” tends to mean “the manifestations/impartations of the Spirit” (believed to consist of such things as “slain in the spirit,” “speaking in tongues,” "healings," “casting out of demons,” “prophetic revelations,” “anointing with oil,” etc.). Even Biblical terms like “Spirit of Prophecy,” “Healing,” “speaking in tongues,” etc. tend to be refracted through the lenses of Pentecostal/Charismatic & “Gospel of Power” theology and contemporary practices--instead of solely through the Word of God, as insisted upon by the sola Scriptura (“the Bible and the Bible only”) principle of historic Protestantism.

Fortunately for me, because of my background as a former Pentecostal/Charismatic, and because of my academic training in systematic theology (specializing in ecclesiology and Biblical authority & interpretation), I was able to make the distinctions. Thus, I could relate congenially with those of other faiths, without necessarily sharing their views on every point.

(Perhaps I should mention that, given the interest in the subject of “revival” and proliferation of esoteric manifestations believed to be from Holy Spirit, in the near future I hope to offer a biblical perspective on the issues).

 

WHAT WAS OBSERVED & ACCOMPLISHED AT CEMAC?

 

I believe that at both the professional and spiritual levels, my ministry at CEMAC 2018 was very impactful. Through the presentations on “Africa Must Think,” I challenged certain mindsets and attitudes we embrace. I believe lives and attitudes were changed, as attendees started thinking differently about issues that affect them as Africans—and as Christians. And they began to take ownership of their own destinies.

 

And I can also testify that the level of deep spirituality, professionalism, training, organization, and planning that some of our brothers and sisters of other faiths demonstrate exemplify true biblical excellence, not the mediocrity often exhibited in our church. Even when it comes to leadership, I fear that all too often within our ranks, there’s a lot more half-baked "chicken leadership" of mediocrity, incompetence, arrogance and selfishness, than the "eagle leadership" of excellence, humility, and sacrificial service—that modeled for us by our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-8).

 

Perhaps the best way to summarize the impact of my visit to Gabon is to quote the messages I received from Rev. Dr. Mbadinga, the one who was instrumental in inviting me to CEMAC. Unfortunately, two days after the CEMAC began, he had to leave CEMAC for an urgent meeting in Europe. He however received reports of my ministry, and sent this message. It summarizes the work I did while in Gabon:

 

 

I also received this from a prominent leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who personally extended an invitation for me to come to the DRC:

 

PS: Thank you very much for hearing my Macedonian call for DRC. I highly appreciated it and can't wait to work with you. Best wishes in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  

 

There is also an invitation to Chad—a predominantly Muslim country, where Christians are facing persecution from the Boko Haram terrorist group. One Christian leader who had witnessed nine (9) of his colleagues buried alive for preaching the Gospel, has invited me to come teach his congregations. He sums up the impact of my teaching ministry at CEMAC:

 

 

There are more testimonies. But I think these sample comments are enough to show the impact of our witness at CEMAC. To see the great work the Lord is doing through other believers not of our faith, to observe their dedication, commitment, excellence, and to have an opportunity to observe the potentials and challenges facing the Central African region, are just a few of the things I’ll forever remember.

 

(There are of course, lessons I learned about the plight of French-speaking African people still chafing under the strong influence of their past and present colonial masters; of needless violence, wars, terrorism, etc.—often inspired and encouraged by inordinate corruption by local/African leaders who are propped up by foreign governments and multinational corporations that seek only to exploit the huge natural resources in these areas. But those lessons, I will defer to another forum to be addressed by people—especially Africans—who care about issues of justice, human rights, and human dignity.)

 

REACHING THE OTHER SHEEP

 

We have a responsibility to take the Gospel to the higher ranks of society and to ministers of other faith. Jesus said:

 

 

There’s no doubt in my mind that the Lord has called some of us to this unique mission to God’s “other sheep.” In contrast to the Laodiceanism, hypocrisy, and mediocrity often found in our own church, these “other sheep” are genuinely zealous for the cause of God. They are the people who, in these last days, will heed the call “to come out of Babylon, my people” (Revelation 18:2).

I saw more clearly in Gabon (as in Addis Ababa, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and many other places we have been invited) the mistakes that we’ve done in the past in not reaching out to the influential classes of society and also to ministers of other faith. I’m increasingly more convicted of the urgency of this unique ministry—and the need for more people to be trained and engaged in this line of work. 

 

Here are just a few statements by EGW. For emphasis, I have bolden some sections:

 

 

There are many more such statements from the pen of EGW on the need, nay the urgency, of reaching out to the upper classes of society and also ministers of other faith. The above are just a few. 

 

Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, PhD

www.EAGLESonline.org

April 26, 2018

(PS: For some photos capturing my trip to Gabon for the Evangelical Missionary Conference of Central Africa, click on this Facebook link: https://tinyurl.com/yblqqwa5.)