Our Four Strategic Pillars
Pillar 1: Evangelism and Discipleship
Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), actively seeking reconciliation and harmony in a world torn apart by conflict. Jesus’ teachings emphasize loving enemies (Matthew 5:44), forgiving others (Matthew 6:14), and not escalating the conflict by retaliating (Matthew 5:38-42).
Jesus commissions us to go throughout the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Christ intends that all who receive him become new creation who join him as ambassadors of peace and reconciliation (2 Cor, 5:17-18). This pillar will focus on sharing the
love of Christ while promoting peace and gender justice.
Context:
CMS-Africa’s mission embraces people called to serve locally, across the continent and from Africa to the rest of the world. We believe that mission is from everywhere to everywhere. The greatest achievements in the evangelization of Africa were accomplished by local people who received the gospel and spread it across the continent. CMS-Africa draws its mandate from this legacy where people in mission partners with local people learn from each other and advance wholistic mission practice. Building partnerships for the local and global mission will involve strengthening the Local mission Partner programme and Cross-Cultural placement of people in mission.
Objectives
Global Mission – Enhanced outreach to persons affected by armed political and religious conflicts in
Africa through cross-cultural missions.
Local mission – Strengthened local mission work among unreached communities
Discipleship – 20% of the churches in targeted areas conducting age appropriate, and context specific
discipleship programs
Peace Building – Increased participation and involvement of church leaders, women and youths in peace, justice, and reconciliation in Africa
Pillar 2: Christian Leadership and Household Transformation.
Christian leadership is fundamentally rooted in servanthood and transformation, reflecting the teachings of
Christ. As CMS-Africa, we strive to cultivate Christian leaders who prioritize humility and love over personal gain, as emphasized in Matthew 20:26 “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
Embracing the call in Romans 12:2, we encourage leaders to reject worldly patterns and pursue a renewal of the mind, enabling them to discern and fulfill God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Recognizing that God has endowed us with abundant provisions and strength, we seek to empower communities to engage in
meaningful works, aligning with Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 9:8.
Context:
According to the SDG fact sheet released in 2023 ,Globally, there are 122 women aged 25-34 living in extreme poverty for every 100 men of the same age group. Extreme poverty numbers are slightly higher for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, where there are 127 women aged 25-34 living in extreme poverty, for every 100 men19. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa population under the age of 30. Such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continent’s growth – but only if these new generations are fully empowered to realise their best potential20. In Africa, young people face underemployment and lack of opportunities.
Pillar Objectives
Stewardship for Empowerment and secure r Livelihoods – 5000 Individuals (Youth and women) equipped in biblical stewardship
principles with strengthened and diversified livelihood options
Leadership Formation for
Transformation – Church Leaders with enhanced capacity to transform their communities
Digital Economy and
Innovations – Improved uptake and use of technologies for the empowerment of
communities
Pillar 3: Stewardship of Creation
In Genesis 1, we read that creation was made by God and He declared that it was good.
The Bible says that God owns the earth and all that is in it (Psalm 24:1). Genesis 1:26-28 says that God created man to fill the earth and have dominion over it, taking care of it. Genesis 2:15 says that the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
This is a specific and direct mandate to His People (those who identify with Him) to take care of His creation. The problems and challenges, crises and emergencies are results or consequences of poor stewardship of creation. Romans 8:19-22 says that creation is groaning waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Context:
Climate change is recognized as one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. It necessitates urgent action to adapt to its impacts while simultaneously reducing emissions that contribute to global warming. Various technologies and solutions exist that can significantly
lower emissions; however, there is a need for concerted efforts across different sectors and levels of government. Efforts are underway globally to strengthen climate policies aimed at achieving substantial reductions in carbon pollution. Adaptation strategies are essential for helping both
communities and ecosystems cope with current climate conditions while preparing for future changes. These strategies include enhancing public health infrastructure, developing heat action plans, addressing flooding issues due to rising sea levels, improving agricultural practices for
food stability, and ensuring equitable funding distribution for vulnerable populations. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, building resilience within agricultural systems is paramount.
Pillar Objectives
Climate change advocacy and governance – Sustainable environmental practices by communities guided by robust policies and guidelines.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Anticipatory Action – Strengthened community involvement in effective disaster mitigation and response
Climate change resilience and adaptation – Communities embrace climate resilience practices for effective mitigation of the impact of climate change.
Pillar 4: Sustainable Mission Support Services
The Scripture emphasizes prudent planning, provision, execution and review if one is to succeed in their
God-given assignment. We see Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, observing his ministry to the Children of Israel in Exodus 18 and recommending a clear organization and delegation of roles for the task before him. Joseph in Genesis 41:33-36 advises Pharaoh to have competent oversight over the resources that Egypt would have
access to in the 7 years of plenty to survive the period of scarcity. When
they put in place a structure led by competent and trusted deacons who are full of the Holy Spirit to address the challenge. The Bible goes ahead to acknowledge the specific gifting and competence of administration in 1 Corinthians 12:28. Jesus Himself taught that one ought to count the cost before going to war and also ensure sufficiency of resources before building a house (Luke 14:28-32). the Apostles were faced with contentions over the distribution of resources in
Acts 6:2-12,
Context:
Organizational support services encompass a range of functions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization, particularly in the context of employee well-being and operational support. These services are crucial for fostering a productive work environment and addressing various challenges that employees may face. By integrating these functions into an organization’s framework, organizational support services play a vital role in enhancing employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success.
Goal: Efficient and Effective Organisation
Pillar Objectives
Governance – Functional, representative and multi-skilled Board
Management and Compliance –
• Effective and efficient systems and structure for management of resources and country coordination
• CMS-Africa complies with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, and standards that apply to the organisation
Human Resources
• Adequate competent and motivated staff attracted and retained in the organisation
• conducive work environment and reduced staff turnover
• Clear career development paths and development opportunities for staff
Monitoring and Evaluation –
• Operational digital M&EL system
Resource Mobilization and sustainability
Sustainably resource CMS-Africa with a diversified resource base and growing own income
Program Management – Adequate capacity for the management of the CMS-Africa programmes
• Effective and efficient management of CMS-Africa programmes
• Effective coordination and leadership of projects.
Finance and grant management
- Timely reporting and disbursement of funds for the CMS- Africa Programmes
Communication and documentation
• Effective communication between the secretariat and field staff
• Enhanced visibility of CMS-Africa in its evangelical and transformational work in Africa
• Enhanced communication with the CMS-Africa stakeholders
Technology – Increased adoption of technologies across CMS-Africa operations