Seventh-day Adventism in Africa unofficially began in the early 1860s in Sierra Leone and Liberia before the arrival of the first official missionaries in South Africa.
West Africa
Despite working as a missionary for a different denomination, Hannah More, a Christian American antislavery activist and missionary in Sierra Leone and Liberia, was the first to bring the Sabbath message to West Africa between 1862 and 1866. More was an unofficial Adventist missionary before Michael Czechowski, who introduced the Sabbath message in Europe in 1864, long before J. N. Andrews, who arrived in Europe in 1874 as the first official Adventist missionary sent outside of North America. After meeting Stephen Haskell in 1861 and learning Bible teachings from him, More had a wealth of experience in missionary work. More was not only the first Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath keeper in Africa, but she was also instrumental in introducing the Sabbath message in Australia. Her first convert was Alexander Dickenson, who later returned to Australia to become the first Seventh-day Adventist on the continent.
South and East Africa
Efforts to establish the Seventh-day Adventist Church within Africa became more visible in the late 1870s in South Africa. In 1878, William Hunt, a North American gold miner, shared his faith with J. H. Wilson in South Africa, who quickly accepted it and shared it with others. Two Dutch farmers, George Van Druten and Peter Wessels, became convinced that the actual day of worship was Saturday, not Sunday, and William Hunt informed them about the Seventh-day Adventist organization in America.
By 1887, the first official Adventist missionaries were sent to South Africa to establish the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a result, efforts led to sending Adventist missionaries to West Africa, particularly in Ghana in 1894, and East Africa, particularly in Tanzania in 1903. Within three decades from the arrival of the first Western Adventist missionaries in South Africa, the Church experienced rapid expansion throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Western missionaries collaborated with local pioneers, whom they trained, to propagate the Adventist faith across the continent. The missionaries bountifully sowed, but the local pioneers developed strategic plans for harvest. They took the Christian message to the remote African bush and desert areas. They sat with their people on the ground while they gathered around the trees to listen to the good news of Jesus’s redeeming grace from their brethren, who taught them in their own local languages.
The Challenges
The early Adventist missionaries in Africa faced numerous challenges as they endeavored to spread the gospel and establish the SDA Church on the continent. One of the primary challenges was the harsh and unfamiliar environment. Many missionaries succumbed to tropical diseases such as malaria, dysentery, and typhoid fever, which were prevalent in many parts of Africa. Another significant challenge was the language barrier. With over 2,000 languages spoken in Africa, missionaries had to learn local languages and dialects to effectively communicate with the people. This was a daunting task, especially for those who were not linguists. Cultural differences and traditional practices also posed a significant challenge. Many Africans were deeply rooted in their traditional beliefs and practices, which often conflicted with Christian teachings. Furthermore, early Adventist missionaries in Africa faced opposition from colonial authorities, other Christian denominations, and even some local communities. Some were persecuted or even forced to flee for their lives.
Despite these challenges, early Adventist missionaries, their early converts and the local pioneers persevered to champion the Adventist faith within Africa. They were driven by their passion for sharing the gospel and establishing the Adventist Church. Their selfless dedication and sacrifice paved the way for the growth and expansion of the church in Africa.
Today, the SDA Church in Africa has over 10 million members.[1] However, the church faces several challenges, including polygamy, church politics, dual allegiance (syncretism) resulting from the influence of the African Traditional Religion, and the rampant growth of Pentecostalism. To address these issues, the church must focus on contextualizing the gospel message and demonstrating cultural sensitivity. This may involve adopting worship styles, evangelistic approaches, and community outreach initiatives that align with local customs and values. Empowered local leaders can develop contextualized evangelistic strategies, promote meaningful community engagement, and provide pastoral care that meets the needs of African church members.
Strategies
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Africa should also respond to socio-economic challenges such as poverty and HIV/AIDS. This response involves integrating evangelism with community development initiatives, such as healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. The Church should prioritize training its members and leaders in areas such as health education, counseling, and community outreach. Furthermore, the Church, through its organ: the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), should nurture partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and other faith-based organizations to amplify its impact. By doing so, the Church can alleviate the suffering of affected communities and demonstrate the gospel’s relevance and transformative power, ultimately enhancing its mission and operation in Africa.
Youth engagement and education are crucial for the growth of Adventism in Africa. By providing relevant and holistic education and engaging youth in meaningful ministry, the Church can foster a sense of belonging and purpose among young people, increasing retention, engagement, and evangelistic zeal.
The strategic use of technology and media is also crucial for the church’s growth. Social platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, online evangelism, and digital broadcasting can significantly increase the church’s reach and impact. By embracing technology and media, the church can bridge geographical divides, engage younger generations, and accelerate its mission to spread the Three Angels’ Messages to all African peoples.
In conclusion, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Africa has transformed from a small beginning in the early 1900s to a leading center of global Adventism in terms of membership. The church’s growth in Africa is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the face of cultural and social challenges. As African Adventists take on leadership roles within the global church, new strategies for mission and leadership that address the realities of the Global South will be essential for the church’s continued growth and unity.
For further read:
- Masfa, G. (2023). Seventh-Day Adventism in Africa: A Historical Survey of the Interaction between
Religion, Traditions, and Culture (1st ed.). Routledge. - General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Office of Archives, Statistics and Research, https://documents.adventistarchives.org/default.aspx. Accessed February 17, 2025.
[1]Combined statistics of the three Divisions of Seventh-day Adventists in Africa. See, Office of Archives, Statistics and Research, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, https://www.adventistyearbook.org/entity?EntityID=10010&highlight=General|Conference|of|Seventh-day|Adventists, accessed, January 20, 2025.
Article by Gabriel Masfa, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Historical and Theological Studies, Adventist University of Africa
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