Zambia Hunt

Through the years, I have articulated time and again to our team nine biblical keys for us to achieve our mission of training a new generation of leaders in Africa. These key principles have proven essential to successful gospel ministry throughout the centuries, grounded firmly in clear teaching of Scripture. Ministries often fail in their mission not because they loose their way theologically, but because they loose their way in daily biblical disciplines.

Understand and Embrace Our Purpose
At the core of our endeavor is a clear understanding and collective embrace of our purpose. At Central Africa Baptist University, our mission is to train the next generation of servant leaders committed to the Great Commission. This means our team must fully buy into this vision, making it more than just a lecture topic but a lived reality. Discipleship is about “life on life”—modeling what it means to be passionate disciples of Christ. 

2 Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Rely on Prayer
As Samuel Zwemer observed, “The history of missions is the history of answered prayer.” We must commit to seeking wisdom through persistent prayer, for our leaders, ourselves, and our students. Nothing of significance will be achieved without the realization that God must do a work that we cannot do!

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Foster Teamwork
Willingly playing our individual roles and supporting one another is essential. We must pull together, encouraging and assisting each other for the good of all and the glory of God. We must recognize that we are part of something greater than ourselves, and that God must receive the glory, and is sovereign over the work.

1 Corinthians 12:25-26 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Embrace Humility
Cultivating a spirit of “servant-leadership” is key. It is not about personal agendas or egos, but about humbly submitting to God and to one another. We must guard against pride and anger, which are destructive to relationships.

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Submit to God’s Authority
Submitting to God’s leadership and the authority He has established is critical. This involves living Spirit-filled lives and following the guidance of our appointed leaders. We are free to express our disagreement with decisions, but at the end of the day, we will submit to God by submitting to the godly leadership over us.

Hebrews 13:14 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you

Pursue Unity
External enemies rarely destroy ministries; more often, it’s internal disunity. We must avoid gossip, slander, and critical speech and instead choose to forbear with one another, avoiding separation over minor issues. God is able to move the heart and mind of my fellow worker, or leader, I will joyfully pursue unity with all humility and patience.

Ephesians 4:2-3 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Commit Wholeheartedly
As the saying goes, “Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” We must be willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and energy to see this ministry succeed. Livingstone’s words ring true: “If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.”

Hebrews 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Maintain Flexibility
Recognizing that there are often multiple ways to achieve a goal, we must be willing to adapt and consider alternatives, rather than stubbornly insisting on our own approach.

Philippians 2:7-8  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Cultivate Transparency
Open communication, no hidden agendas, and a genuine, non-manipulative approach will foster trust and unity.

1 Corinthians 12:1 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Embracing these principles will be essential as we strive to remain faithful to God’s call at Central Africa Baptist University. May we diligently pass these truths on to the next generation of leaders who will serve alongside us.