WHY AFRICA COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY?

Only around five percent of Rwandan pastors have received formal theological training, and regulations from the Rwandan parliament require pastors to hold at least a bachelor’s in theology or a similar field to lead a church. The cost of education is prohibitively high, preventing many church leaders from returning to school. This means many pastors find themselves unequipped to disciple their congregations, provide counseling for church members, plant a church, or adequately study and teach the Scripture.

Africa College of Theology, under the umbrella of Africa New Life, offers affordable theological degrees at both the bachelor’s and post-graduate level. The school is currently one of only FOUR theological institutions in the entire nation of Rwanda that is accredited to offer these required degrees to Rwandan pastors and Christian ministry leaders.

SUPPORTING PASTORS AND MINISTRY STUDENTS

Africa College of Theology (ACT) is an internationally accredited college offering non-traditional biblical education using a flexible, blended learning format in terms scheduled in six-week segments. This format and schedule allow students to continue ministering at their churches while they complete their training. ACT is one of the only evangelical institutions in the nation offering an accredited bachelor’s degree in theology and leadership.

Every Africa College of Theology student pays for a small portion of his or her own education, but scholarships through Africa New Life cover the majority of tuition and other program costs. This makes ACT’s programs some of the only accessible options for pastors who wish to attain the education required to continue leading and planting churches.

In 2026, more than 600+ men and women from Rwanda and surrounding nations are enrolled in the accredited programs at Africa College of Theology, with more than 400 anticipated to graduate in August 2026. Many of these students are currently serving as pastors and ministers in their churches while acquiring theological training. Religious leaders from some of the largest churches and networks in Rwanda have chosen to receive training at ACT, and 1,000+ graduates of our programs are currently serving their communities and congregations, combining deep theological and biblical knowledge with servant leadership for the benefit of the Kingdom.

INVESTING IN QUALITY EDUCATION

ACT offers the following programs:

• Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology: 1-year post-baccalaureate degree for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field
• Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Theology: 4-year internationally-accredited bachelor’s program with American equivalence
• NEW Post-Graduate Certificate in Christian Counseling, launching August 2026: 1-year post-baccalaureate degree for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to support their communities through counseling
• NEW Master’s in Theology, launching August 2026: Rwanda’s ONLY accredited master’s-level theology program!
• Short Course Certificate in Youth Ministry
• Certificate in Christian Ministry
• ACT Mobile Certificate in Christian Ministry for pastors in rural communities
• College discipleship program
• Post-secondary discipleship and leadership training
• Public lectures and learning opportunities
• Leadership/training partnerships with ministries and organizations including the John Maxwell Training Center, Mending the Soul, EQUIP Leadership, and Eastern University’s Global Leadership and Development program

Professors at the Africa College of Theology come from East Africa and around the world. Our local faculty have established a strong reputation for theological and academic excellence in the region and frequently attend academic conferences. The school possesses a 20,000-volume theological library, one of the largest such libraries in East Africa. This library hosts a diverse collection of international publications, providing unprecedented resources for pastors and the public.

TRANSFORMING LEADERS

Pastor Sam is a graduate of Africa College of Theology who had prayed for many years to attend. In the video below, Pastor Sam shares his experience of becoming a servant leader and learning the value of good character through his training. Africa College of Theology is transforming leaders like Pastor Sam and blessing the nation of Rwanda.

Video by Justin Nunes of Parkway Community Church in Fairfield, California.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

It costs $3,875 a year, or about $323 per month, to support one ministry leader through the bachelor’s degree program at ACT. The average bachelor’s student studies for four years. With the nation’s church and pastoral training regulations in view, Africa New Life is seeking to train as many pastors as possible in the coming years. We need your help! You, your church, or your small group can give the gift of education to passionate, dedicated Christian men and women. Click the button below to help them bring discipleship, spiritual nurturing, and leadership to communities across Rwanda!