The Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements is co-sponsoring a Consultation in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18–21, 2013. Entitled, “New Cities, New Jerusalems: Emerging Patterns of Christian Identity in Urban East Africa,” the Consultation opens with a lecture by Emeritus Professor Paul Gifford of the Center for Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. The heart of the Consultation then consists of two days of intensive work by international, interdisciplinary teams of scholars and practitioners who will examine five case studies on current renewal movements in Nairobi (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), and Bunia (Democratic Republic of Congo). The event will conclude with a gathering of Christian leaders from around the region to discuss the implications of the Consultation’s findings. Thus the goals for the Consultation consist not only of gaining in-depth understanding of the dynamics of Christian renewal in urban East Africa, but also of drawing upon that knowledge to foster and strengthen other such movements on the African continent and beyond. The Center for World Christianity at Africa International University (AIU) in Nairobi is the co-sponsor of the event. AIU is a strategic global partner institution with Asbury Theological Seminary.

Funded by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, this Consultation will be the first of four such research/consultation projects conducted by the Revitalization Center in non-Western regions of the world. The Center will conduct a similar project in northern India in 2014, the Philippines (2015), and Costa Rica/Latin America (2016). Jim Miller, Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and New Testament and Director of the Revitalization Center, serves as the Director for the Luce grant project.