Celebrating a Milestone of Hope: Our Third Graduation in Kenya

This April, Discipleship Works will celebrate a moment that fills us with deep gratitude and joy—our third pastoral graduation in Kenya. Twenty-seven students, including church leaders and pastors from the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya (ECCK) as well as leaders from several other denominations, will walk across the stage as trained, confident, and equipped ministers of the gospel. For us, this is far more than a ceremony. It is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of accessible theological education.

Since 2015, Discipleship Works has been committed to empowering Christian leaders in underserved communities through the Theological Education by Extension (TEE) model. This approach allows students to learn within their own churches and communities, integrating biblical study with real-life ministry. Over the years, we have seen firsthand how this method strengthens not only individual leaders but entire congregations. Today, many of our graduates serve as pastors, church planters, and denominational leaders—including members of the current ECCK leadership team.

This year’s graduating class represents a beautiful cross-section of Kenya’s Christian community. Some are seasoned pastors seeking formal theological grounding. Others are emerging leaders stepping into ministry for the first time. All of them share a deep desire to serve faithfully and to lead with wisdom, humility, and courage. Their perseverance is especially meaningful in light of Kenya’s evolving legal landscape. With new government requirements mandating formal theological credentials for church registration—and even stricter laws anticipated—this training is not only spiritually enriching but essential for the future of their ministries.

As we prepare for this celebration, we are reminded that each graduate carries a story of resilience. Many have balanced full-time work, family responsibilities, and ministry commitments while studying. Some have traveled long distances for in-person classes. Others have relied on borrowed internet access to complete online coursework. Their determination reflects the very heart of Discipleship Works: empowering leaders who are rooted in their communities and committed to transformation from within.

This graduation is also a reminder of the power of partnership. Through collaboration with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya, SEAN International, and The Hispanic Center for Theological Studies (CHET), we are able to offer theologically sound, culturally relevant, and accredited pathways for pastoral training. These partnerships make it possible for leaders in underserved areas to receive high-quality education at no cost to them.

As we celebrate these 27 graduates, we also look ahead with hope. More than 20 additional students are currently in the pipeline, for our next cohort.

We invite you to rejoice with us in this milestone. Every graduate represents a strengthened church, a transformed community, and a future filled with possibility. Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, and supporting this mission. Together, we are raising up leaders who will shine the light of Christ in places where it is needed most.

Melvin Ardón

Executive Director