From the moment the first drum sounded and the first song rose in worship, it was clear that something extraordinary was happening in Mthatha, South Africa. The Africa Leadership Conference 2025 brought together hundreds of pastors, national leaders, and ministry representatives from across the continent and around the world for four unforgettable days marked by unity, worship, and an unmistakable move of the Holy Spirit.
This year’s theme, Empowered for Mission Advancement, set the tone for a gathering focused not merely on inspiration but on empowerment. Delegates danced, sang, and waved their national flags in joyful procession, celebrating both the diversity and the oneness of the body of Christ. As Scripture says, “David danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14), and so did Africa—worshiping with abandon, testifying to God’s faithfulness, and rededicating themselves to the mission of reconciling the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Rise
The conference opened under the leadership of Bishop James Kolawole, general presbyter for Africa, whose rousing message, “Rise Africa, Rise,” resonated deeply with every listener. Tracing the roots of the Church of God of Prophecy on the continent, Bishop Kolawole honored the early missionaries who “sacrificed their lives for us,” then declared, “Now it is our turn. Now it is our time.” His call was not to nostalgia but to movement. It was a rallying cry for the African church to take ownership of the mission, to think beyond traditional models, and to embrace innovation and Spirit-led transformation. “We must begin a mindset revolution,” he said, “because the future of the Church in Africa is in our hands.”
Leadership and Discipleship: The Heartbeat of Growth
On the second morning, Bishop Dr. Gabriel Vidal, general presbyter for South America, delivered a masterful teaching titled “Leadership and Discipleship: The Heartbeat to Church Growth.” Drawing from years of ministry experience and biblical insight, he warned that without strong discipleship, the Church risks becoming “a shallow fellowship with little outward impact.”
“Leadership and discipleship,” he said, “must work in a continuous cycle. You cannot have one without the other.” His words challenged every pastor and leader to strengthen the foundations of mentoring, accountability, and intentional formation. “A church that emphasizes powerful leadership without discipleship will collapse under the weight of its own immaturity,” he cautioned. “But when Spirit-empowered leadership meets intentional discipleship, growth becomes organic, healthy, and sustainable.”
Equipping for Ministry and Mission
The conference continued with a diverse array of sessions addressing practical ministry in a rapidly changing world. Bishop Chris Uti, national bishop of The Gambia, highlighted the expanding reach of Spirit and Life Seminary (SLS). Joined by current students, he celebrated how theological training is transforming leaders across Africa. “Spirit and Life is not just a school,” he said. “It is a movement raising leaders who will advance the mission of the Church of God of Prophecy around the world.”
Students shared testimonies of how their studies in biblical hermeneutics, cross-cultural evangelism, and Pentecostal worship were reshaping their ministries and local churches. One student testified, “Spirit and Life Seminary has given us more than courses. It has given us passion and purpose.” The stories reflected a continent alive with hunger for learning, leadership, and growth.
Rev. Philip Segadika delivered a compelling session titled “Bi-vocational Ministry in the Age of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence.” Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s example as both tentmaker and preacher, he urged ministers to view their professions as platforms for witness, saying, “Bi-vocational ministry is fellowship in the right place, where work and witness meet.” Reflecting on today’s digital realities, he observed, “We now live in an age where algorithms preach louder than prophets and followers outnumber disciples.” Rev. Segadika cautioned leaders to use technology wisely, concluding, “We are not called to master the algorithm but to mirror Christ.”
Later, Rev. Susan Graham of the United Kingdom addressed the topic “Skill Acquisition for Ministry Leaders.” She challenged attendees to cultivate their gifts and pursue excellence both inside and outside the church. “Our skills are not to serve us,” she said. “They are to serve others.” Encouraging leaders to take responsibility for personal development, she urged, “Let us not blame others for our lack of growth. God expects us to grow, and in our development, He expects us to reach others.”
Faith, Family, and the Minister’s Home
Dr. Cathy Payne, Global Missions Coordinator, brought wisdom and grace in her teaching on “Marriage and Ministry: Balancing Family, Faith, and Leadership.” Drawing on decades of ministry experience, she reminded leaders that spiritual authority must never come at the expense of family health. “Our first ministry,” she said, “is at home. The strength of our public ministry flows from the health of our private life.”
She shared practical principles for communication, mutual respect, and shared vision between spouses, especially for those in pastoral and leadership roles. Her message was challenging, calling ministers and their spouses to walk together as partners in the mission of God.
In a complementary message, Rev. Ellen Kolawole, first lady of Africa, delivered the closing message of day one, “The Role of a Minister’s Wife for Mission Advancement.” With passion, she spoke of the unseen sacrifices, emotional labor, and spiritual strength required of ministry wives. “A minister’s wife is not in the shadow,” she said. “She is a co-laborer, standing on the frontlines of mission through prayer, support, and service.”
A Morning of Joy and Revival
Day two began with a surge of praise. Delegates filled the auditorium with songs like “He Abides” and “Higher Ground,” joined by newer choruses that declared the faithfulness of God. Flags waved, feet danced, and voices rose as the Spirit moved freely among the gathered people. In that atmosphere, Bishop Sam Addy, National Bishop of Ghana, led the morning prayer session—a powerful time of intercession and healing.
Sharing briefly from the life of Elijah, Bishop Addy declared, “Leaders must get on the mountain to touch the hand of Jesus.” As he testified of God’s healing power in his own life, the room became a sanctuary of miracles. Delegates wept, lifted their hands, and cried out for God’s touch. “If I be a man of God,” he prayed, “what I see today is the hand of the Lord.” The Spirit swept through the room, leaving many renewed, healed, and refilled with purpose.
Advancing with Integrity and Innovation
As the sessions continued, Bishop Dr. Shaun McKinley, executive director of Global Communications, brought a seminar on “Maximizing the Digital Space for Mission Advancement.” He reminded leaders that digital tools are not distractions, they are opportunities for evangelism. “When we use social media, video, and storytelling to share the gospel,” he said, “we extend the boundaries of the Church beyond its walls.”
The morning also featured Bishop Daniel Felipe, executive director of Finance and Administration, who spoke on “Understanding the Significance of Organizational Compliance and Financial Accountability.” His message underscored that transparency and accountability are spiritual disciplines that safeguard credibility and sustain mission growth. “We honor God,” he said, “when we handle His resources with integrity.”
Later, Bishop Tedroy Powell, national bishop of the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Belgium, urged leaders to “Connect to the Source of the Mission,” reminding them that vision without spiritual intimacy will always fail. Bishop Levi Clarke, general presbyter emeritus for Africa, echoed the same Spirit-led urgency, declaring, “This is the hour to rise to the call of duty and fulfill the mission.”
Each session, though unique in topic and tone, built upon a single foundation, Africa’s call to live, lead, and minister under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Mission Unhindered: The Closing Challenge
As the conference drew to a close, Bishop James Kolawole once again took the platform with a final charge, “Mission Unhindered.” Preaching from Acts 28, he proclaimed, “We have received the power to go.” He invited Rev. Iseolorunkanmi Matthews from Madagascar to share a testimony of missionary work, who described how God opened doors for evangelism despite cultural and language barriers in Madagascar. “If the early Christian fathers could cross borders without understanding the language,” he said, “then this is our time to do the same.”
The congregation erupted in praise as Bishop Kolawole declared, “When God is ready, nothing can hinder the mission.” His words set the tone for the final moments of worship and commissioning.
Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter brought the closing challenge, “Carriers of Living Water,” drawing from Exodus 17, Ezekiel 47, John 7, and Revelation 22. “We are now the carriers of living water,” he proclaimed. “There is a world that needs what you have. You are the river, let it flow.” The message reminded every delegate that revival begins at the altar, but it must flow outward to touch the nations.
Africa, Arise
By the conference’s end, the refrain was unmistakable: Africa is not waiting for revival, it is living in it. The Spirit of God moved powerfully through worship, preaching, and prayer, igniting a new generation of leaders with courage, vision, and conviction.
As the lights dimmed in Mthatha and the final song echoed through the hall, one message lingered in every heart: The mission continues—unhindered.
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