The Rev. Laban Agisa (right) brought together his training as an evangelist in the Church Army Africa, his experience with youth ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Nairobi, Kenya, and his training at the School of Theology, University of the South to plan and implement a training for youth evangelists. It was held at the ACK St. Luke’s Parish Umoja in the Diocese of Nairobi, Kenya in November and December, 2020. There was full observation of COVID-19 protocols.
Thirty youth, from several parishes, were trained over the course of seven days in both concepts and practices of evangelism. The training concluded with a Youth Evangelism Sunday, where the youth led, preached and ministered to the congregation. Although the focus was on the youth, Agisa believes that the entire congregation was challenged to use their time, talents and treasure for evangelism. He dreams that the project will have a ripple effect, and that the newly trained disciples will, in turn, continue to reach out to other youth. Follow-up and ongoing discipleship training are included in the project.
Implementation of the large-scale project was challenging, especially given the pandemic restrictions. There was a prayer team who supported the project, beginning in the planning stages and continuing through the closing worship. And, while he and his leadership team were familiar with the context for the project, they prepared by researching the issues facing youth and families in the present day. They are grateful for the new perspectives that the Spirit provided, and are grateful for how the work has enhanced their lives and ministry.
The Rev. Agisa believes that evangelism is contextual, dynamic and Spirit-led. He believes that the Episcopal/Anglican church throughout the world may be inspired by the model he implemented in the Diocese of Nairobi.
