Adventist University of Africa (AUA) recently hosted the leadership of the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventists, who visited to reaffirm the institution's role as a premier provider for theological education and leadership development in Africa.

The delegation included GC President Erton Köhler, GC Secretary Richard McEdward, GC Treasurer Paul Douglas, and Assistant to the GC President Magdiel P. Schulz.

This visit was described by church leaders as a sign of the global Church’s deep commitment to fostering a mission-driven, biblically grounded leadership pipeline in Africa. The officers were received with hospitality by Ademola Tayo, vice chancellor of AUA, and the entire university community.

During the visit, the GC officers planted trees on campus as a symbol of growth and service, each representing a commitment to nurturing future generations of church leaders and spreading the gospel of Jesus across nations. The delegation engaged in meaningful dialogue with the University Officers.

In his devotional message, Köhler emphasized the Church’s global mission to proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14 with clarity and boldness.

“Our mission is not just local; it is universal,” he declared. “We are part of a family called to reach every corner of the earth, and together, we can do this through unity and a shared focus on Christ’s coming.” 

McEdward and Douglas echoed the importance of academic excellence, mission focus, and spiritual grounding. The delegation also praised the university’s growth since its establishment. Tayo recounted that AUA was conceived in September 2003, when leaders from the three African divisions met with the GC to chart a new course for theological and leadership training on the continent.

The groundbreaking was held in 2006, and the same year, the first class began at Solusi University, which served as an extension campus. Today, AUA has graduated over 1,190 leaders from more than 49 countries, with alumni serving as presidents, administrators, pastors, scholars, and church leaders at every level of the Adventist structure. 

Tayo highlighted the university’s strategic initiatives, including the introduction of new programs in French and Portuguese to cater to Africa’s diverse linguistic communities, as well as its recent accreditation, which affirms its high academic standards. He also shared that AUA is expanding access through a state-of-the-art online distance-learning center, especially vital for reaching underserved communities across the continent. 

He reflected on the university’s history, emphasizing that its foundation was rooted in a divine vision to train leaders for the church’s mission.

“From those modest beginnings, today, we thank God that AUA has grown in leaps and bounds,” he said. “Grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission, AUA seeks to serve as more than a University. It is a missionary outpost, a leadership incubator, and a transformative engine for the church and society at large.” 

The GC officers expressed their confidence in AUA’s future, emphasizing that Africa holds a strategic place not only for the growth of the Church but also for its mission to reach the entire world. Köhler underscored this point, citing that nearly half of the global Adventist membership now resides in Africa.

“Africa is a powerhouse of mission,” he said. “Your university is preparing the leaders who will take this message to the least-reached regions of the earth.” 

Closing the visit, Köhler reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering support and called for unity in mission.

“Our collective effort must be grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission,” he stated. “Excellence in education, passion for evangelism, and unity in purpose are the keys to preparing a generation of leaders ready to proclaim Christ’s soon coming.” 

AUA leaders believe this visit underscores AUA's significance as a beacon of hope and a pillar of the Church’s mission in Africa. With God’s guidance and the support of the global Church, AUA leaders are committed to growing the institution into a missionary University that equips leaders for eternity. 

This article was provided by the Adventist University of Africa.