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 these 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.

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 2023, 396 and ministry leaders were enrolled in these programs, while hundreds more high school graduates and post-secondary students received discipleship and leadership training through the school. A cohort of 166 pastors and ministry leaders graduated from the college in March 2024.

INVESTING IN QUALITY EDUCATION

ACT offers the following academic programs

• Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology & Leadership: 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 & Christian Leadership: 4-year internationally-accredited bachelor’s program with American equivalence
• Certificate in Christian Ministry: 1-year training for community pastors via ACT Mobile
• College discipleship program
• Post-secondary discipleship and leadership training
• 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. Currently, Dr. Charles Mugisha, Founder and President of Africa New Life, serves as Chancellor and teaches classes. 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.

Men and women from Rwanda and surrounding nations make up the student body at Africa College of Theology. 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.

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!