Living Waters Theological Seminary Transforms Pastoral Training Across Southern Africa

By EduNews Reporter

The Living Waters Theological Seminary (LWTS) continues to strengthen pastoral training across Africa through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives that are transforming church leadership within AFM member countries.

A landmark milestone was reached in 2018 when the AFM in Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AFM in Mozambique, paving the way for Living Waters Theological Seminary to provide structured theological training for pastors serving in Mozambique.

Before the partnership, many pastors in AFM Mozambique were appointed into ministry without formal theological training, resulting in doctrinal inconsistencies and variations in church practice. The agreement sought to address this gap by ensuring that all serving pastors without formal pastoral training enrolled for theological education through LWTS.

The initiative has yielded remarkable results. Since 2018, more than 200 pastors have graduated with a Diploma in Theology from Living Waters Theological Seminary, significantly strengthening the church’s doctrinal foundation and ministerial leadership in Mozambique.

The programme has attracted leaders from the highest levels of the church. Graduates include former AFM Mozambique President Rev. Chirasha, current President Rev. Badza, Vice President Rev. Macome, a former National Treasurer General, and 15 Overseers. Despite their many years of pastoral experience, these leaders successfully completed the rigorous three-year Diploma in Theology programme, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning and sound biblical leadership.

The importance of the programme has also been underscored by the participation of AFM in Zimbabwe President, Bishop/Dr. A. D. Madawo, who has officiated at two graduation ceremonies held in Chimoio over the past two years, 2024 and 2025.

Building on the success of the Mozambique partnership, Living Waters Theological Seminary has expanded its regional footprint by establishing two new campuses in Burundi—one in Bujumbura and another in Mtala. The Bujumbura Campus has enrolled 49 students, while the Mtala Campus has registered 25 students.

The Burundi initiative is being implemented in line with the AFM Mission-Based Approach Policy, through which member countries with established institutional capacity assist those that are still developing. As part of this commitment, Living Waters Theological Seminary funded and facilitated the mission to Burundi.

The Seminary’s Academic Dean, Rev. G. Nhembo, arrived in Bujumbura on 6 July 2026 to officially establish the campuses and was welcomed by AFM in Burundi President Bishop Desire. To support effective learning, the seminary translated its learning materials into French, Kirundi and Swahili, ensuring that students can study in languages widely spoken in Burundi.

The seminary is also preparing to launch the AFM Tanzania Dar es Salaam Campus at the end of July 2026, with all learning materials already translated into Swahili.

Meanwhile, Mozambique continues to make significant progress towards self-sufficiency. Since January 2025, LWTS has implemented a programme to identify, train and mentor local pastors to become lecturers. As a result, from April 2026, the number of visiting lecturers was reduced from six to one, with the curriculum now being delivered by local lecturers under the supervision of a local academic committee. Living Waters Theological Seminary continues to provide academic oversight through timetables, course outlines and digital lecture materials.

Students from the Mozambique Campus are expected to graduate alongside their counterparts from the Tynwald Campus during the 2026 graduation ceremony, reflecting the successful integration of the regional programme into the seminary’s academic system.

These achievements demonstrate Living Waters Theological Seminary’s unwavering commitment to developing sustainable, home-grown theological education systems that equip pastors, strengthen church leadership and advance the AFM’s mission across Africa.