Rev Dr Master Matlhaope, the CEO of AEA, with Daystar University VC Prof Laban Ayiro (right) during the DLGI Launch.
Daystar University has launched a new institute aimed at strengthening leadership, governance and institutional management in churches and other Christian organisations.
The Daystar Leadership and Governance Institute (DLGI), which replaces the former Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI), was launched in Nairobi on August 26 during a breakfast attended by more than 90 bishops, senior clergy and university leaders.
The institute will offer training and develop curricula focused on leadership, governance, ministry formation, technology and institutional excellence.
Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof Laban Ayiro said the university decided to move away from offering the church separate and disconnected courses and instead develop a coordinated curriculum based on its Daystar Leadership Model.
The model, known as DLIM, brings together faith, character, cognition, technology and execution, alongside what the university calls the design-for-delight (D4D) management model.
Ayiro said the institute's broader aim is to strengthen the leadership capacity of churches across Africa.
"The purpose of DLGI is to re-engineer the leadership DNA of the Church in Africa through a coherent ecosystem of ministry formation, governance, technology and institutional excellence through curriculum development, delivery, and partnerships," he said.
“We are hoping that through Daystar University, the kingdom of God will truly stand the challenges of 21st century”, remarked Prof. Ayiro.
He said DLGI builds on Daystar's previous work in ministry formation and professional development, while drawing on the university's academic standing and relationships with churches.
The launch brought together representatives from a wide range of churches and Christian organisations, including the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Life in Abundance, Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM), Parklands Baptist, Deliverance Church and the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi.
Others included Africa Inland Church (AIC), Africa Gospel Church (AGC), Gospel Centres International (GCI), Jesus Celebration Centre (JCC), City Lighters Church, Loving Faith Church, Lord’s Alter International, Kenya Christian Professional Forum, Mavuno Church, Lifepoint Ministry, Kenya Church of Christ, Prevailing Word Church and Life Church International.
FOCUS Kenya, the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), Myogenic Excellent Music Award (MEMA) Africa, Cathedral of Praise Ministry, Lukenya Community Church, Eagle Rise, World Relief and World Vision were also represented.
Daystar University co-founder Rev Prof Donald Smith urged the institution to remain focused on its Christian foundation as it expands its role in leadership development.
Smith said the university's purpose went beyond producing graduates who simply participate in church activities.
He said Daystar should seek to produce people who reflect the life and character of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives.
He challenged the university leadership not to lose sight of its foundational purpose of transforming lives through education, faith and Christian values.
Smith said the institution's mission was not only to see students accept Jesus Christ and receive salvation, but also to support deeper transformation in their lives.
Daystar University Chancellor Dr Florence Muindi said visionary leadership and the university's long-term impact were among the factors that distinguished the institution.
She stressed the need to equip young people with leadership skills to enable them to take up leadership roles in their generation.
Muindi said the university's work could also have a wider impact on the African Church through the graduates it produces.
Daystar Council Chair Prof George Njoroge said universities had a responsibility beyond passing information to students.
He said they should also generate new knowledge that can help address problems facing society.
Njoroge said research into challenges and developments within communities was important in finding solutions and improving people's lives.
"Research facilitates problem solving so as to improve people’s lives and make communities better," he said.
The Secretary General of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, Rev Dr Master Mathlaope, said leadership should be guided by God's purpose.
Citing Acts 13:22, Mathlaope said God was deliberate when choosing leaders.
“Because leadership is ordained by God, every leader must pursue God’s vision,” he said.
He added that such a vision was universal, far-reaching and extended beyond personal interests.
Rev Dr Patrick Musembi, director of the Daystar Leadership and Governance Institute, called on clergy and Christian organisations to work together in developing leadership and governance.
He urged them to embrace collective responsibility, partnership and cooperation in pursuing a shared future.
Closing the launch, Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya Bishop Peter Njao described DLGI as an initiative with potential beyond Kenya, saying it was not only a Kenyan but also a global initiative.
