Contribution of Rwankuba Bible Institute Graduates to the Extension of Grace Community Churches in Rwanda between 1991-2005

Abstract

This study explored the contribution of "Institut Biblique de Rwankuba" (IBR) graduates to the extension of Grace Community Churches in Rwanda. Selected stakeholders were national leaders, regional leaders, and local church leaders of the towns of Kigali, Ruhengeri, and Gisenyi. Data were collected through open-ended questions and face-to-face interviews with twenty-one participants. Responses from the participants were noted down and read back to the participants for confirmation purposes. Observations were done during data collection period. The findings revealed that the contribution of the IBR graduates to the extension of Grace Community Churches in Rwanda was wide and significant. The study revealed that Grace Community Churches grew and extended from one local church to twenty fives local churches, from one geographical area to different geographical areas in Rwanda. This extension had happened due to the Rwankuba Bible Institute graduates' involvement in the interrelated activities of evangelism, preaching, teaching, leadership development, discipleship and pastoring local churches. A visual theory of the interrelated and interdependent Christian ministerial activities in the extension process of Grace Community Churches was advanced and explained. Recommendations to the IBR graduates and to Grace Community Churches in Rwanda were made for increasing IBR graduates' contribution to the extension of Grace Community Churches in Rwanda in the context of post-war in Rwanda and in the region.