Special Report by Ngqobizitha Donga, Stefanie Kotze and Ryan Smit
In a generation where success has been intertwined with neglecting individual identity in Christ and conforming to worldly stereotypes, Wilberforce Academy seeks to engraft an understanding of how Christ is the centre of everything, hence building effective ambassadors who will excel in their careers while fulfilling their call to disciple nations. — Ngqobizitha Donga
From November 21 to 23 Wilberforce Academy (‘Wilberforce’) presented a pilot programme in Zimbabwe, the second event beyond the borders of SA in 2024. The gathering signalled another chapter in Wilberforce’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of Christian leaders across Southern Africa to live out their faith in their vocations.
The pilot event consisted of a shortened two-day programme distilled from the full five-day Wilberforce programme. The third annual Wilberforce Academy Week will be held next month at a conference facility near Hermanus in the Western Cape.
Held at Agape Mission Church facilities in Bulawayo, 30 emerging leaders were equipped on how they can be Kingdom builders in the spheres the Lord has placed them. Over the course of three days, attendees gathered for corporate devotions and worship, plenary sessions and electives/seminars presented by Wilberforce faculty members, panel discussions, as well as opportunities to engage with presenters and fellow attendees in vocational discussion groups.
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Attendees engaged with thought-provoking talks on topics like “Biblical Foundations: Thinking Christianly”, “Gospel and Culture”, “The Value of Life”, and “Legislating Morality”. Seminars tackled timely issues, including “Overcoming a Resource Scarcity Mindset” and “Christian Witness in Africa.”
Zimbabwe’s own socio-cultural, spiritual and moral crossroads became a focal point on the final day of the programme. Sessions such as “Counting the Cost: When Nations Abandon God’s Pattern for Life, Family, and Freedom” and “Zimbabwe’s Call to Be Faithful and Fruitful” encouraged attendees to consider their nation’s pressing needs and how a practical and active commitment to Christ as Lord of all of life could address them.
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The pilot programme not only fostered insightful dialogue and meaningful relationships but also laid a strong foundation for a growing Wilberforce community in Zimbabwe. It exemplified Wilberforce’s commitment to equipping leaders to impact their spheres of influence for God’s glory and the good of their families, communities, cultures, societal institutions and nations.
Reflecting on the value of the programme for Zimbabwean attendees, local organising team leader Ngqobizitha Donga, noted: “Attendees of the pilot programme were reminded of their role to teach nations to observe God’s command to love as He loves us, including proclaiming and holding to the truth of the Trinity. The Scriptures assures us that all things were created by God, whether they be thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities (Colossians 1 vs 15-20). Hence attendees learnt that, WHERE they are placed is not an irredeemable stronghold, as long as they cling to and draw from the right source that is Christ.”
“One of the key take-aways was the importance of integrating both truth and love. Often Christians are keen to rebuke societal norms, trends, and other aspects of culture. However, a loveless approach has contributed in building schizophrenic ambassadors instead of effective ambassadors of Christ. Delegates learnt about the significance of standing in truth that fully correspond with reality, and reality being the death and resurrection of Christ for our redemption.”
“Above all, we were reminded that our authority is in total reliance on God’s Word.”
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Wow, blessed to read how Zimbabwe also has piloted the Wilberforce Academy program! Thank you Ryan and Donga for your leadershup!