The African Leadership Journey

Godly and competent kingdom-minded global leaders

What is the Journey?

The Journey's Mission

Beginning with a cohort of university-age professionals, the African Leadership Journey is a life-on-life mentoring journey over a 10-year period focused on intentionally nurturing the competencies needed for godly, kingdom-minded global leadership.

A Vision of the Future

In 2018, Africa became the world's most Christian continent^[1]. With around 718 million Christians^[2], Africa is becoming a missional powerhouse. As the African church grows in its vision for and participation in global mission, there is an increasing need for well-trained and competent leaders. From church and marketplace leaders to national and global leaders, an increased number of visionary men and women are needed who serve with humility and confidence, regardless of position; servant leaders, who faithfully model healthy mentoring relationships, especially when in senior roles of responsibility.

The African Leadership Journey (ALJ) desires to train emerging leaders in Africa to serve well at the highest levels of international organizations. Confident in their identity, and possessing a passion for developing others, these men and women will competently shepherd organizations populated with diverse cultures and nationalities. The ALJ is committed to developing godly and competent kingdom-minded global leaders.

^[1] According to a study conducted by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity: View reference

^[2] As of 2023. View reference

Overview of the Ethiopian Journey

Ethiopia is the birthplace of Christianity on the continent. Of its nearly 130 million people, 65% are under the age of 25^[3]. The ALJ, being launched with a small group of "Associates" in Addis Ababa, provides a life-on-life mentored process over a 10-year period. In the ALJ, God's Kingdom values and ends are supreme. The ALJ is characterized by high intentionality, both in the leadership outcomes desired and in the developmental journey needed to obtain those. The ALJ is also contextually driven. Ethiopia has a unique cultural, historical, social, and religious context that informs what 'healthy leadership development' looks like for Ethiopians.

^[3] View reference

The Associates

High-potential young men and women will be selected to participate in a cohort of approximately 15 men and 15 women.

Be Mentored and Mentor

The ALJ will help establish a developmental network of mentors that will facilitate mentoring relationships for each participant throughout the journey. Each Associate will, in turn, establish their own mentor-mentee relationships.

Diverse Input

Associates will be provided, or encouraged to participate in, a diverse range of developmental experiences including nonformal (especially mentoring), informal, and formal training.

Global Leadership Competencies

Leadership formation will focus on developing the character, capacity, and skills needed to serve effectively in multi-cultural, global contexts. Emphasis will be given to processes, capacities, and practices that catalyze leadership development and act as gateways to deeper growth.

Evaluation, Feedback, and Reflection

A key element of the ALJ is providing ongoing evaluation and feedback to the participants concerning desired growth areas, and encouraging reflective practices that nurture development.

The Journey's Guiding Principles

Biblical and missional

The timeless wisdom of God's Word, including its images of shepherd, servant, and steward, will serve as our primary guide for developing effective leadership. This initiative will only succeed as all involved maintain an intimate relationship of prayer with the Heavenly Shepherd. This journey's goal is to develop missional leaders who understand God's call on their lives and want to impact the world for His kingdom purposes, especially its remaining Unreached People Groups.

Holistic

We believe leadership starts with an identity grounded in Christ and character formed through an intimate relationship with Him. Integrity, authenticity, servant heartedness, and humility are the foundation of a godly leader's life.^[4] Leadership development must be holistically integrated, combining knowledge, character, competency, and discernment of calling.

^[4] More than a thousand Christian leaders from seven continents were asked how they define Christ-centred leadership. They repeatedly highlighted four qualities: integrity, authenticity, servant heartedness, and humility. p. 87, Multiplying Leaders in Intercultural Contexts: Recognizing and Developing Grassroots Potential by Evelyn & Richard Hibbert, 2023.

Developmental and Generative

In addition to scripture, we will use the wisdom of grounded leadership development stages and processes as our guide. Further, since good leadership reproduces itself in others, passing on one's life and learning through mentoring, coaching, teaching, and training are central to this journey. Finally, knowing that learning happens best when approached with delight rather than duty, we are committed to fostering an environment of joy in discovery.

Relational and Church Connected

We believe that developmental relationships along with active service in the local church and community are fundamental to good leadership development. Coaching and mentoring form the heart of this journey. Encouragement and accountability will foster a focus on "we" rather than "I." The ALJ is designed to serve God's community of faith, not just the developing leader.

Globally and Contextually Relevant

The ALJ will use contextually relevant leadership paradigms, content, and proposed practices.

Essential Commitments

Recognizing the investment required to make this Journey possible, the ALJ is looking for highly motivated, humble candidates with a passion to grow who are committed to doing what's necessary to travel this journey with their fellow-Associates. If the ALJ does not seem like a good fit for the Associate, if an Associate consistently demonstrates a lack of commitment to the Journey, or if they engage in unethical behavior, they will be asked to step out of the Journey.

Authenticity

The Journey of growing as a leader is filled with challenges and failings. We are looking for people who will be honest with themselves and with others about their challenges and weaknesses.

Confidentiality

Because of the above, we require confidentiality regarding personal details shared in the context of the ALJ cohort.

Attendance

Attendance at occasional day-long trainings and regular meetings with your mentor and fellow-Associates are required. Attendance at special events like Lunch and Learns are highly encouraged.

Preparation

There is some reading associated with the Journey. We expect each Associate to have reflectively read through any readings or other preparation material by the date required.

Humble teachability

Humility is both the path to learning and the primary ingredient for healthy relationships in community. It is essential you come to this Journey as a fellow journey-er, willing to learn and to walk with your fellow Associates in an attitude of authentic transparency.

Actively engaged in ministry

Each Associate is expected to be actively engaged in ministry in their home church and community.

What Does It Cost?

Expenses for Associates will be nominal. Their primary investment will be demonstrated in their commitment to timely preparation and whole-hearted participation in the learning journey. They will also be responsible for their own conveyance getting to scheduled meetings. Per diem for events will not be provided.

Apply Now

To apply for the African Leadership Journey, you must:

Be between the age of 19-25

Be a graduate or undergraduate student

Be presently residing in Addis Ababa

Have thoroughly read the information above about What is the Journey and feel that it aligns with your vision and calling

Join a community of emerging leaders dedicated to making a kingdom impact across Africa and beyond.

Start Your Application

Applications remain open until September 15, 2025

For more information, contact us at

africanleadershipjourney@gmail.com