4 Core Values

Here are our 4 Core Values that are critical to our vision and mission. [Spelled out in the easy to remember acronym C.A.R.E. ]

1. Church and Kingdom
2. Authentic Relationships
3. Reproducing Disciples
4. Empowering Indigenous Africans

1. Church & Kingdom –

The Kingdom is the redemptive reign of Christ in all things. The Kingdom is made manifest through God’s people, through their witness of God’s rule in them; love, mercy, compassion, truth etc. The Church is the bride of Christ and Body of Christ in this world.  AR submits itself to the establishing of this Kingdom and the advancing of God’s Church. Our vision, mission and focus are all subject to and shaped by this reality.

The Church (Ecclesia)

We aim at connecting those in the global Church with God’s churches in Africa so that together they can advance the cause of Christ more effectively. AR takes seriously its role in coming alongside the local church. Believing that the Church is the bride of Christ and we seek to support her efforts. Coming alongside solid local fellowships of believers, we partner to do what a local church cannot do on its own; providing infrastructure, networking and resources. We seek to also bridge the cultural divide and play an instrumental role in facilitating the relationships between churches. We cannot overstate the importance of the Church in our efforts. This quote by Tim Keller says it best.

“Only the ministry of the church of Jesus Christ, and the millions of “mini-churches” (Christian homes) throughout the country can attack the roots of social problems. Only the church can minister to the whole person. Only the gospel understands that sin has ruined us both individually and socially. We cannot be viewed as individualistically (as the capitalists do) or collectivistically (as the Communists do) but as related to God. Only Christians, armed with the Word and Spirit, planning and working to spread the kingdom and righteousness of Christ, can transform a nation as well as a neighborhood as well as a broken heart.” – Tim Keller

The Kingdom (Basileia)

The Kingdom is mentioned over 140 times in the New Testament. It is the redemptive reign of Christ in all things. His Kingdom will come in glory, in all it’s fullness at the end of this age. Yet Jesus has already began establishing it hear on earth through Himself and through his Church. The Kingdom is made manifest through God’s people, through their witness of God’s rule in them; love, mercy, compassion, truth etc. AR submits itself to the establishing of this Kingdom. Being a part of it is critical in our motivation and purpose. Our vision, mission and focus are all subject to and shaped by the establishing of this Kingdom. We feel privileged to be invited into, and being a tinny part of, the establishing of God’s redemptive Kingdom.

2. Authentic Relationships-

We seek to have deep and meaningful relationships with our partners, donors and those whom we serve. This is an important part of the foundation for all that we do together.  We believe God is calling His Church to respond to the immense suffering in the world, but we are convinced that this desperately needed help must come in the vessel of relationships. God does not just want money ministering to people; He wants people ministering to people. In this context it would require the global Church to be in deep relationship with the Church in Africa. The synergy created by relationship fuels us to care enough to do something and also helps us empathize and understand first hand the complex problems that plague the people. When we enter into relationship, suffering now owns a face and action soon follows. Images of poverty seldom carry a person beyond temporal sympathy but a relationship with the poor will demand that we act. Equally true is that we also begin to see our own poverty and together find that we are to be interdependent and in deep and authentic  relationship.

3. Reproducing Disciples-

Disciples who makes disciples is our goal.  Personal discipleship is key to transformation.  Foundational to “how we do” is making disciples as Christ commissioned us to. We believe in intentionality of making disciples.  Investing in the right individual today will transform the community tomorrow and the next day.

4. Empowering Indigenous Africans -

We believe in the abilities of the local people to lead and to do the work of the ministry. We understand the importance of intentionally nurturing this.  In this way we avoid unhealthy dependency and paternalism and sustainability is ensured.  Indigenous literally means “generated from within”.  Not only was AR founded and is directed by an African whom was born and raised in Zambia and South Africa, but the direction of Africa Revolution is subject to the wisdom and leadership of our indigenous partners in Africa.  AR strives to have a marked spirit of humility and submission in this area.