Between 17-21 February 2025, the Burundian Discipleship Programme (BDP) launched its first two Facilitator training conferences. These sessions marked a significant milestone in the delivery of grassroots discipleship training in Burundi, a growing focus area for the Relay Trust, in its partnership with the Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi (PEAB). Doug Ingram, Chief Operating Officer of the Relay Trust, and Rev Steve Muneza from Cranmer Hall, Durham, attended the events to offer their support and mentorship.
The BDP is set to become one of the most substantial long-term investments in discipleship training for the Trust. With Dr Sam Jones stepping back from his leadership role to focus on his studies, Chris Hyliger has taken on the responsibility of Relationship Manager for the region, in addition to his work with the Province of the Indian Ocean. His first visit in this role will take place in March, during the next round of facilitator training.
The Relay Trust’s goal in all its partner regions is to support the Anglican Church in discipling its rapidly growing membership. In Burundi, church growth is outpacing even the national population increase, making it essential to train sufficient leaders to guide and shepherd congregations. A recent study estimated that the Anglican Church in Burundi currently has 1.3 million believers. Based on projected growth, this number could rise to around 3 million by 2050.
To meet the needs of this expanding church, the Relay Trust and the Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi have set an ambitious goal: to train at least 20,000 congregational leaders over the next 25 years. This will ensure that every 150 believers has a well-equipped leader to support their spiritual growth and discipleship.
The first two BDP training sessions were held at the Provincial Compound in Bujumbura and the diocesan hall in Rutana. Each participating diocese selected one diocesan coordinator and nine facilitators. The first session in Bujumbura, from 17-19 February, trained facilitators from the dioceses of Bujumbura, Rumonge, and Matana, and was opened and closed by the Bishop of Bujumbura, Eraste Bigirimana. The second session, held from 20-21 February in Rutana, brought together facilitators from the dioceses of Rutana, Makamba, and Gitega. It was opened by Bishop Seth Ndayirukiye, the BDP Board Chairman and Bishop of Matana, and closed by Bishop Pontien Ribakare of Rutana.
The training was conducted by two instructors from SEAN Africa, an organisation with whom the Relay Trust has built a strong partnership over a number of years. The enthusiasm of the facilitators was clear throughout the sessions, and the training was deemed a great success.
With their training now complete, the 60 facilitators will return to their dioceses to establish three groups of 15 congregational leaders each. These leaders will undergo a structured two-year training programme using SEAN materials, Timothy Leadership Training, and Evangelism Explosion. By the end of this period, they will be fully equipped to lead congregations of 150 people, greatly expanding the reach of pastoral care and discipleship.
If all facilitators successfully train their designated groups, 400,000 more believers in Burundi will have a trained congregational leader. This transformative effort will play a critical role in preparing the Anglican Church of Burundi for the future, ensuring that its rapid growth is matched by strong, biblical leadership.
We ask for your prayers for this vital ministry, particularly as the church prepares for the next facilitator training in early March. Please pray for the SEAN instructors travelling from Uganda, for the BDP Board as they provide governance, and for the BDP executive team as they oversee the programme. Pray also for the facilitators as they train new congregational leaders, for the Anglican Church of Burundi as it continues to grow, and for the wider nation of Burundi. Finally, we ask for prayers for stability in the region, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in Eastern DRC, that this beautiful part of God’s creation may remain a place of peace and flourishing. May God continue to bless the work of the BDP and the Church in Burundi.