Building the Bridge for the Next Generation:

But the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance (APLA) Leadership Retreat, held from June 4–6, 2026, at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky, was more than that for me.

The retreat gathered 12 African Presbyterian leaders, pastors, scholars, and ministry practitioners to reflect on the journey of the African Presbyterian Leaders Association and to prayerfully think about its future.

Participants included Rev. Princeton E. Abaraoha, Rev. Bobby Musengwa, Rev. Dr Moses O. Biney, Rev. Martin Osae, Dr Rene Anita L. Chombeng Sama Ambe, Elder Grace Atanga-Fuh, Rev. Dr Ochuba Ochuba, Pastor Gach Kur, Pastor Helen Gwanfogbe, Elder Mary Kiriaku, Elder Bakeni Lubunga, and me, Dr Ayodele John Alonge. Our shared experiences and commitment helped shape the retreat outcomes and the APLA Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

I was listening to the story of African Presbyterian leaders who have carried faith, culture, struggle, hope, and calling into a new context. I was listening to people talk about where APLA started, what has been difficult, what God has done, and what still needs to be done.

The retreat theme was “Building the Bridge for the Next Generation”. That theme was not just a title. It became the heart of the whole conversation.

We talked about leadership. We talked about representation. We talked about spiritual formation. We talked about young people. We talked about mission, finance, structure, and the need for stronger community among African Presbyterians.

One thing that touched me was the openness of the conversation. People spoke freely. They shared from their experiences. Some of the stories were painful, but they were necessary. Some were encouraging. Some made us laugh. Some made us think deeply.

There was also this strong sense that APLA did not come by accident. It came out of need. It came out of struggle. It came out of the desire for African Presbyterian leaders to have a voice, a place, and a community within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

As I was taking notes, some words kept coming up again and again: community, belonging, representation, leadership, heritage, formation, collaboration, and mission.

Those words later helped shape the strategic plan.

One of the images that stayed with me was the idea of God’s mission bus. The point was simple: God is the driver. The mission belongs to God. We are only invited to get on the bus and join what God is already doing.

That really stayed with me because sometimes we think the work belongs to us. But the retreat reminded me that APLA is part of God’s larger mission.

By the end of the retreat, we had developed the foundation for the APLA Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The plan focused on eight major areas:

1. Leadership Development and Succession Planning
2. Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
3. Youth and Young Adult Engagement
4. Financial Sustainability and Resource Development
5. Organizational Structure and Sustainability
6. Representation, Advocacy, and Visibility
7. Mission Partnerships and Global Engagement
8. Strengthening Community and Belonging

These are not just points on paper. They are the things APLA must take seriously if we want to prepare the next generation.

Another phrase that stood out was the following:

“Nothing about Africa without Africa.”

For me, that statement says a lot. It means African voices must be present when decisions are being made about African people, African churches, African missions, and African communities. It also means we must not wait for others to speak for us. We must organise ourselves, prepare ourselves, and take our place.

Serving as rapporteur gave me a unique perspective on the retreat. I was listening, writing, organising, and at the same time learning. I saw how stories can become strategy. I saw how honest conversations can become a direction. I saw how a group of people can sit together and begin to imagine a better future.

When I left Louisville, I left with gratitude. Gratitude for the leaders who came before us. Gratitude for those who are still carrying the work. Gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the process. And gratitude for what APLA can still become. The retreat is over, but the work is just beginning.

If we are serious about building the bridge for the next generation, then we must now move from talking to action.

We must mentor.
We must train.
We must include young people.
We must strengthen our structures.
We must support one another.
We must speak with one voice when it matters.
That is the future I saw in Louisville.

And by God’s grace, I believe APLA can build that bridge.