About Us
African Brethren Churches Network (ABCN)
Welcome to the African Brethren Churches Network (“the ABC Network”) also known as the PABCM, a movement dedicated to fulfilling the Mission of the Brethren Movement across Africa.
The Brethren Assemblies in Africa are an aggregate of independent and autonomous Evangelical New Testament churches, which are networked together through a set of shared Biblical doctrines and practices of the Plymouth Brethren that arose in the 1820s. They are the product of the work of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Each local assembly is independent in its administration and non-denominational under the stewardship of local elders who answer only to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for their stewardship. The assemblies do not accept any superior human spiritual authority on earth, holding that the HOLY SPIRIT is Christ's only Vicar on earth. Consequently, they adhere to the priesthood of all believers with Christ as the Chief Priest. There is no larger policy-making body or federation. The ABC Network or PABCM does not provide central control over the assemblies. It only provides, for expediency, the legal framework for the administration, control and management of the PABCM conferences and incidental proprietary and related rights and interests. Its scope is limited to the organisation and administration of the PABCM Conferences. It is not intended to, and does not control or attempt to guarantee the spiritual life and local administration of the assemblies, which is of necessity a matter for each assembly and its individual members before the Lord.
Our Purpose
The Pan African Brethren Conference on Mission (“the PABCM”) is the African Brethren Churches Network. The PABCM is a dynamic network of independent and autonomous Evangelical New Testament churches across Africa. Rooted in the doctrines and practices of the Plymouth Brethren, which arose in the 1820s, the assemblies are a product of the Lord Jesus Christ’s ongoing work in Africa. Each local assembly functions independently and is autonomous in its administration under the stewardship of local elders, who answer solely to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no superior human spiritual authority on earth. There is no centralised administration of the local churches. The Holy Spirit is Christ’s only Vicar on earth. The assemblies uphold the priesthood of all believers, with Christ as the Chief Priest.
The PABCM exists as a movement dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission through collaborative efforts that respect the independence and unique stewardship of each assembly. It provides a legal and organizational framework for conferences and related activities but does not exercise control over the spiritual life or local governance of individual churches. The core purpose is to facilitate cooperation, promote mission initiatives, and foster unity among believers across the continent. Nationally, each individual local church remains independent and autonomous with no central body or authority save to the extent strictly required by national legislation. The PABCM does not purport, nor does it intend to to have any control and administrative or spiritual authority whatsoever, of every nature and description, over the assemblies.
The mission of the PABCM is:
1. To glorify Jesus Christ by promoting the Great Commission through evangelism, spiritual revival, holistic ministry, and genuine partnership among independent African Assemblies.
We are committed to fostering a united, prayerful, and mission-driven community that upholds the priesthood of all believers, the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit, and the equality of all believers in Christ.
2. To serve as a catalyst for mission initiatives that transform lives, communities, and nations across Africa, always in accordance with biblical truths and the independence of each local assembly.
Our foremost aim is to ignite and sustain a passion for evangelism across Africa. We seek to inspire churches and believers to actively engage in outreach efforts that lead souls to Christ. Simultaneously, we desire to see a widespread spiritual renewal that awakens the church and individual believers to their calling in Christ. This involves ongoing revival meetings, prayer initiatives, and personal evangelism training.
While respecting the independence of each assembly, PABCM endeavors to foster a sense of unity among diverse churches and denominations. We believe that collaboration enhances the effectiveness of mission work. Therefore, we promote joint mission projects, conferences, and shared prayer initiatives that strengthen bonds of fellowship, mutual support, and shared purpose.
In our pursuit of effective evangelism, we emphasize the importance of contextualized, innovative, and culturally sensitive mission strategies. PABCM aims to facilitate the exchange of successful practices, provide training, and develop resources that equip churches to reach unreached and underserved communities with the Gospel
The mission extends beyond spiritual salvation to addressing pressing social issues such as poverty, illiteracy, health disparities, and social injustice. We advocate for holistic ministry approaches that combine evangelism with community development, education, and health outreach, thereby transforming lives in practical and sustainable ways.
Recognizing the vital role of trained and committed leaders, PABCM commits to providing training programs, leadership development, and resource support for missionaries—both local and international. We aim to empower emerging leaders to take ownership of mission initiatives within their communities and beyond.
In a continent characterised by religious diversity, we promote respectful dialogue and understanding among different faith groups. While holding that there is no other Name save that of the Lord Jesus Christ by which a sin stricken world can be saved, the PABCM seeks to be a peacemaker, encouraging believers to work towards social cohesion, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
We advocate for a comprehensive model of mission that integrates evangelism, social justice, education, and health care. Recognizing that the Gospel addresses both spiritual and physical needs, we seek to serve communities holistically, demonstrating Christ’s love in practical ways.
To continually improve our mission efforts, the PABCM encourages research into mission trends, challenges, and opportunities. We aim to document success stories, lessons learned, and best practices to inspire and inform future initiatives. To this end, steps are underway to establish the African Brethren Research and Documentation Trust.
We believe that true partnership and friendship among churches and mission organisations is grounded in the equality of all believers before Christ. Therefore, the PABCM seeks to collaborate with like-minded organisations, concluding formal agreements rooted in mutual respect, shared faith, and the priesthood of all believers—regardless of race, colour, creed, place of origin or social standing.
The PABCM is committed to advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ across Africa and beyond through prayer, partnership, and practical action. We uphold the biblical principles of independence, local stewardship, and the priesthood of all believers, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide and empower our collective efforts. Our ultimate goal is to see transformed lives, thriving churches, and healthy communities that reflect the glory of Christ.
We invite all like-minded churches, organisations, and believers to join us in this noble mission to serve Africa for Christ’s glory.
Featured Events
The 6th Pan African Conference
We have announced the keynote speakers and the conference presenters. The complete conference details are now available. We invite all to be part of this transformative journey as we seek to deepen our faith and connection within the Brethren community. Your involvement helps fuel our vision, and we look forward to embarking on this mission together, promoting the teachings of Christ and strengthening our call to serve.
Pan-African Conferences
Over the years, the PABCM has convened and coordinated several landmark Pan-African Conferences, further enhancing our mission work:
2004
The inaugural conference took place in Johannesburg with over 100 representatives from 14 African countries as well as participants from four Western nations.
2009
Held in Kabwe, Zambia, this gathering, themed “Toward a Life of Integrity,” was seen as a benchmark for the Brethren Assemblies in Africa.
2013
In Nairobi, Kenya, we focused on “The Local Church as Agent for Change in our Community,” conducting various sessions to empower local churches in mission and social action.
2017
With 170 participants from 22 countries, this significant event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, emphasized “Towards a Biblical Stewardship Mindset.
2022
The most recent conference was in Kigali, Rwanda, themed “The Word of God: The Lens Through Which We See the World,” inspiring participants through insightful teachings.
Looking Forward
We are excited to announce that, in the Will of the Lord, the 6th Pan African Brethren Conference on Mission will be held in the Republic of Zimbabwe. Join us from August 11th to 15th, 2025, in Harare under the proposed theme “Approved to Proclaim – 1 Thessalonians 2:4.” This youth-centred conference aims to provide mutual encouragement and inspiration as we gather with a shared purpose.
News & Updates
Dear Esteemed Participants, As we eagerly anticipate the 6th Pan…
Our Partners
