Christianity is well-established in Kenya, with a rich history of faith that stretches back many decades. The presence of churches and believers is widespread, and the Gospel message is familiar to many. However, this familiarity does not always translate into a clear and accurate understanding of biblical truth. While the Gospel is known, it is often presented through the lens of prosperity teaching—a message that emphasizes material wealth, personal success, and health as signs of divine favor. This prosperity Gospel has become dominant in a large number of churches, regardless of their denominational labels, overshadowing the deeper and sometimes harder truths of the faith. The result is a Christianity that can feel more like a means to personal gain than a call to discipleship, sacrifice, and transformation.

This widespread influence of prosperity teaching has raised concerns among many leaders who desire to see pastors equipped with solid biblical knowledge and a balanced theology rooted in Scripture. Unfortunately, many pastors in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa lack access to the training and resources necessary to deepen their understanding and teaching of the Bible. This gap in theological education can leave pastors vulnerable to embracing or perpetuating teachings that distort the Gospel and hinder the spiritual growth of their congregations.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Lord has provided strategic partnerships between TEL International and indigenous churches throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. These partnerships are vital for equipping pastors with the training they need to faithfully teach biblical truth. Through conferences, workshops, mentorship programs, and the distribution of sound teaching materials, pastors are receiving guidance that helps them understand Scripture in its full context. This training empowers them to preach a Gospel that encompasses the richness of God’s grace, the call to holiness, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the hope of eternal life—not just promises of earthly prosperity.

Moreover, these partnerships foster a community of support among pastors who are committed to growing in their faith and leadership. They create opportunities for accountability, encouragement, and the exchange of ideas rooted in sound doctrine. As pastors become better equipped, they can lead their congregations toward a more authentic and transformative experience of Christ—one that addresses both spiritual needs and the complexities of daily life.

The impact of these efforts extends beyond the pulpits and pews. When pastors are trained to proclaim the full counsel of God’s Word, entire communities begin to experience genuine transformation. People encounter a Gospel that speaks to their identity in Christ, calls them to love and serve others, and provides hope beyond material success. The truth of Scripture breaks through the noise of prosperity messages and points believers toward lasting joy and purpose—a joy not rooted in material gain but in knowing Christ, and a purpose anchored in His mission, not self-promotion or comfort.

While Christianity is deeply rooted in Kenya, the journey toward a church grounded in biblical truth is ongoing. The work being done through strategic partnerships between TEL International and indigenous churches is a crucial part of that journey. By investing in pastoral training, these collaborations are helping to restore the Gospel’s power and purity, enabling pastors to shepherd their flocks with wisdom and faithfulness. It is a hopeful movement—one that affirms the Lord’s desire for His church to be strong, vibrant, and true to His Word throughout Kenya and beyond.