Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre as an Innovative Missional Model for Churches in Africa: A Case Study

Abstract

This study was an investigation of Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre as a biblical missional model. The main idea was to investigate the things that would make it replicable to the rest of humanity, particularly churches interested in using agriculture to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to rural Africa. The investigation was a qualitative case study and the data collected using interviews in the form of questionnaires that were either verbally read out or given to the respondents to write down their responses. The impact of their theological training was measured on surrounding stakeholders. I found that though Ebenezer gives bible lessons to their apprentices, the apprentices did not fully appreciate the efforts of the training. The majority of the relevant stakeholders including the teaching staff, the community, local Pastors all gave the impression that more can be done to improve the discipleship process. I concluded that Ebenezer in its current state would not make a good missional model, however, recommending to them the need to partner with a functioning church to reap the full benefits of the theological training they are offering. I also recommended that Ebenezer standardize the overall theological experience by creating a platform for a bible school that will help local preachers to be equipped with basic bible interpretation tools.