Almost 4 decades ago, as a young emerging leader, and just about to complete seminary, I came to understand that the future of the Church, and the completion of the Great Commission would best be served by identifying, mentoring and multiplying a harvest force of young dynamic, Christian leaders. Thus my quest to build such a continental network of next generation influence leaders began.
Henry Mumba was the first young man I took under my wing. Thus, making a lifelong commitment to mentoring, but also helping to connect, support and network him as strategically as I could, was not a decision lightly taken. Resultantly! And since those early humble beginnings, even having grown up as an orphan in a remote Zambian village, Henry’s rise in position, national stature, prominence and global impact could not have been more spectacular than it has been.
Since then, Henry has served two full terms as the National leader of his denomination. He has travelled and ministered all over the world, speaking teaching, working on Bible Translation, all the while pastoring his local church in Mansa, Zambia. He also heads up a dynamic church planting team, and overseeing a network of 100’s of churches, while serving as AFnet’s national ministries coordinator, and, also overseeing the AFnet orphan program.
But, Henry is not the exception.
While turning out to be exactly the perfect model of next generation leader we’re committed to identifying, mentoring, and multiplying, Henry’s aging generation are now fast becoming the Elder Christian Statesmen – yet still the current backbone – of the Church across Africa.
And so, while we realize that AFnet has done a good job at setting the pace over past decades, it’s time for a next wave of intentional deep discipleship and leadership development—rooted in calling, character, and networked connections.
Through effective Biblical training, mentoring, spiritual formation, and peer learning, these emerging leaders must be equipped to serve faithfully in their own contexts and contribute meaningfully to the national and global church.
Our personal goal, already under way, is to begin the process of identifying and selecting a 1,000 young emerging leaders from across every region of southern Africa, to join a 10-year journey of Christlike leadership and collaboration, under the direction and mentorship of a team of Godly, mature and responsible Christian leaders whom I am working on identifying, and connecting these young warriors with.
To use the words of Nana Awuku, a prominent African leader and Lausanne coordinator, our goal is to: “raise younger leaders – influencers who love Jesus, love the Church, and will lead with humility, courage and vision!”
A word from Johan
You may wonder why this matters? Fact is: Over 50% of Africa’s population
is under 25. And, the window to disciple this generation is now—or never!
So my challenge to you is to join our team. Perhaps you cannot join on the
battle front-lines. But keeping the supply-lines open and operating is as much
a part of success and victory, as those committed to the trenches. Therefore,
your prayers, but also your giving helps identify these emerging leaders, and
forming lifelong mentoring networks. Please help support them with the
resources they need to step boldly into the call of God on their lives. AFnet’s
not just hoping for a better future. We’re inviting you to invest in it. Because
if we don’t invest in younger leaders now—someone else with anti-Christian
values will.