The Bible Society of Rwanda is honored to host the Joint Cluster Forum and Bible Engagement Conference at Kigali Serena Hotel, bringing together leaders, General Secretaries, programme managers, and youth ministry practitioners from Bible Societies across Africa to reflect on Bible engagement and develop a shared vision for the next generation. The gathering forms part of ongoing conversations emerging from the Patmos research journey and the development of an Africa-wide Youth Strategy.
The conference was opened by the Legal Representative of the Bible Society of Rwanda, Bishop Celéstin HAKIZIMANA who welcomed all participants and thanked the organisers for allowing BSR to host this important conference. The meeting proceeded with reflections on the findings from the Patmos research, which revealed encouraging levels of Bible engagement among young Christians in Clusters 1 and 7. Participants learned that many young people across Africa continue to view the Bible as relevant to their lives, engage with Scripture regularly, and demonstrate strong confidence in understanding and sharing God’s Word. At the same time, delegates acknowledged emerging challenges facing young people, including social pressures, economic hardship, identity struggles, declining mentorship structures, and the weakening influence of traditional institutions such as family, church, and community.
A major focus of the gathering has been the development of an Africa Youth Strategy that will help Bible Societies strengthen their ministry among young people. Discussions emphasized that young people must not only be recipients of programmes but active contributors to their design and implementation. Participants repeatedly echoed the principle that meaningful youth ministry requires listening to young people, understanding their realities, and creating pathways that lead them toward deeper engagement with Scripture.
The conference also reviewed successful initiatives already taking place across Africa, including discipleship programmes, leadership development projects, trauma healing initiatives, children’s Bible engagement activities, and innovative digital platforms designed to help young people interact with Scripture in relevant and engaging ways.
During the conference, the Rt.Rev.Dr.GahimaManasseh, Primate of the Anglican Church in Rwanda, encouraged participants through the account of Philip and the Ethiopian official in Acts 8, reminding attendees that the Bible remains God’s transformative instrument for changing lives and communities. He challenged Bible Societies to continue making Scripture available and understandable while serving as faithful witnesses of its life-changing message.
As discussions continued, participants were working toward a shared regional framework that will strengthen collaboration across Africa while allowing individual Bible Societies to respond effectively to their unique national contexts. The anticipated outcome is a practical and sustainable strategy that equips young people to become disciples, leaders, and witnesses who will carry God’s Word into future generations.
The Joint Cluster Forum has reaffirmed a common conviction among Africa’s Bible Societies: that meaningful engagement with Scripture remains essential for transforming lives, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation to live out their faith with confidence and purpose.
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