A bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies for Ugandan Pastor Mafabi has protected against the government possibly closing his church, more fully equipped him to teach biblically, and given him leadership skills that help him lead more effectively.  

Pastor Mafabi is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies, which is only possible through the generosity of Hope Church in Springfield, Missouri.  Pastor Mafabi is not the only Ugandan pastor to receive a scholarship because of Hope Church.  Numerous other pastors and Christian leaders in Uganda are pursuing online bachelor’s degrees at the Fully Equipped Bible Institute, including Biblical and Theological Studies, Pastoral and Christian Ministry, and Christian Leadership bachelor’s degrees.  

What makes the generosity of Hope Church’s donation of academic scholarships so important is that it has a three-fold impact.  Legislation has already passed in Rwanda, and over 10,000 churches were closed because their pastors did not have bachelor’s degrees.  Currently, fourteen African nations have either passed or have legislation pending that requires pastors to have bachelor’s degrees or the government will close their churches.  Uganda has pending legislation, and the pastors that Hope Church is sponsoring will be protected from their church doors closing, which impacts thousands of people these pastors serve in their local communities.

A second key impact that Pastor Mafabi referenced was how much he is learning about how to study God’s Word in biblical context and then apply it to his life, his ministry, his teaching, and preaching.  False doctrine is rampant in Africa, where most pastors have no access to theological training, leaving them vulnerable to error in understanding and teaching God’s Word to His people.  In Uganda, Christians are being converted to Islam using the strategy of twisting God’s Word.  Without the training to combat the false teaching, the enemy is robbing the Church of her sheep.

A third impact is the replication effect.  As Pastor Mafabi’s church remains open to minister, and the people who attend benefit from biblical teaching and training, they more fully embrace and align their lives to God’s Word.  As they reach out to others with a deeper understanding of God’s Word, disciples then make disciples, and replication occurs – a very biblical model for the Church.  

It all started with the generosity of one church recognizing the value of investing in pastors instead of buildings or wells (all wonderful, but not ministry multipliers).  One scholarship for one pastor, earning one Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies, can transform lives, communities, and cultures.  Just think about what can happen when other churches and individuals grasp how crucial it is to equip pastors with solid biblical education that keeps church doors open and multiplies ministry.  Interested?  Learn how to join the ministry multiplier movement for churches  HERE .  

Not a church? We need individuals as well!  Learn more HERE.