By Catherine Male
American pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren has issued a stirring call for African churches to take the lead in global mission, declaring that “Africa is now the most Christian continent on earth.”
Speaking via livestream to evangelical leaders at the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) General Assembly in Nairobi on May 22 2025, the Purpose Driven Life author urged the continent’s Church leaders to rise to their calling. “The Church in Africa must be leading the churches on other continents,” he said.
With over 430 million Christians, Warren stressed that Africa is not just an emerging force, but a present-day leader in global Christianity. “Africa holds the key to the future of the Church,” he said.
Recalling a formative visit two decades ago to a remote South African village where a small church operated without electricity or beds, but abounded in compassion, Warren shared how the experience transformed his view of ministry. It was in that moment, he said, that he sought divine guidance—leading to the creation of the P.E.A.C.E. Plan: Proclaiming the Gospel, Equipping Servant Leaders, Assisting the Poor, Caring for the Sick, and Educating the Next Generation. The model has since been adopted by churches worldwide.
Warren directly challenged African leaders to embrace their role. “You are not just the future; you are the present. I believe with all my heart that God has called the Church of Africa to lead. The task is urgent, and Africa is ready,” he said.
