"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom. 12:2)
African Christian University (ACU) is transitioning from the initial planning and vision phase and is entering into its first capital campaign. The Reformed Baptist Churches of Zambia initiated the goal of establishing an indigenous, Christ-centered university. We believe that God is calling the extended church to assist in the development phase and work alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. The goal of the 425 campaign is to have 400 partners donate $25 per month (400 @ $25/mo = 425 campaign) toward the initial development of ACU in Zambia. The money raised will be used to embark on the initiation phase of construction at the proposed campus site, and for expenses related to the advancement of the project as we move forward. This will be the first step toward development of the ACU campus and will enable application for additional grants that will allow the construction project to be fully engaged. Read More
ACU: Biblical Motive for Whole Life Education
Kalifungwa USA Tour
To be on the receiving end of substantive discourse is always a privilege and such was the case for all who recently observed the impassioned exposition of Pastor Ronald Kalifungwa, of Lusaka Baptist Church (Lusaka, Zambia), as he shared the ACU vision. Read More
Current Status
ACU is transitioning from the initial planning and vision phase and is into its first capital campaign. ACU will proceed as God enables according to this rough timeline.
By God's grace we have seen the following important milestones:
2008 December
ACU united with the Reformed Baptist Churches of Zambia (RBCZ)
2009 May
ACU-Zambia Board of Directors formed
2009 July
First Conference presentation on ACU made by Dr. Ken Turnbull at IICS
2009 August
ACU presentation by Dr. Ken Turnbull at U.S. Center for World Missions
2009 October
ACU-USA Board of Directors formed
2009 November
Concept drawing of the ACU campus completed
2010 February
501(c)3 charity status granted to ACU-USA
2010 March
Incorporated in Zambia as company limited by guarantee (501(c)3)
Lusaka Baptist Church agrees to lease ACU land N. of Lusaka
2010 September
425 Campaign launched
2010 November
Pastor Conrad Mbewe initiates ACU promotion in USA Midwest tour
2011 April
Pastor Ronald Kalifungwa shares ACU vision touring the Eastern USA
2011 May
A non-profit company, ACU-RSA, established in South Africa to assist
2011 June
Dr. Ken Turnbull and family arrive in Lusaka to help initiate the project
2011 August
ACU Update shared at the Reformed Family Conference in Lusaka
2011 September
ACU Update shared at the Sola 5 Association of Churches in Livingstone
2011 October
Entrepreneur Trevor Thompson declares intent to serve as Student Labor Discipler
2011 November
ACU article by Dr. Ken Turnbull published in Mission Frontiers Journal
2011 December
ACU and Sovereign Grace Theological Seminary (SGTS) combine
New appointments to ACU's Board made to better focus toward development
2012 January
Strategic Planning Meetings to refine approach toward academic programs
2012 February
Entrepreneur Antonio Oliveira commits to serve as a Student Labor Discipler
2012 April
Christian Educator Ray Warwick commits to serving with ACU as Academic Dean
2012 May
ACU is offered traditional land Southeast of Lusaka for main campus
2012 July
Dr. Cheryl Snider & Gary Cloud visit to explore medical education possibilities
2012 August
Bruce Button is replaced by David Wegener as Interim Dean of the ACU Seminary
2012 October
ACU Board Development Workshop is facilitated by Dr. Victor Nakah (O.C. Africa)
2012 November
Anonymous USA donor offers $50,000 to initiate ACU campus construction
ACU: God's Ordained Time and Place
ACU Vision and Purpose
African Christian University (ACU) seeks to transform Africa through a biblical worldview based education to the glory of God.
ACU, operating under a group of Reformed Baptist Churches in Zambia, is committed to glorifying God, our sovereign Creator, displaying His grace through love in serving the church and larger community by equipping students to whole-heartedly serve God through developing the spiritual, physical and intellectual gifts that He has given them. We affirm that all knowledge, to the highest levels, begins with a true understanding of God in relation to mankind, and that knowledge is based on one's re-creation through Jesus Christ from serving oneself in pride to serving God in humility, resulting in loving your fellow man in word and deed. Fruitful knowledge requires discerning truth from error, freeing one to push the highest boundaries of investigating and discovering the knowledge of God and His creation. Fruitful deeds require disciplined labor integrated with intelligent application of resources to address fundamental needs and challenges of neighbor, community and nation.
ACU Four-fold focus
Holistic Transformation Whole-life education transforms intellect, ef-fort & will to God's glory
Mentor Emphasis Dedicated professors & staff mentor through Biblical worldview
Benchmark Opportunity Academics & programs facilitate the develop-ment of servant-leaders
African Distinction Promoting passion for benevolent works for African transformation
Get Involved!
ACU is dependent on the faithful prayer support that it receives from the international body of Christ. We acknowledge and rejoice in our complete reliance on our heavenly Father as our desire is for the Father to be glorified through the work of His Son as we pray together in the name of Jesus and see the Father accomplish His purpose. Please sign up to receive regular prayer updates about ACU.
ACU has a support arm for the university, ACU USA, which is a registered, non-profit, tax-exempt organization (501(c)3) in the United States to receive donations for African, Christ-centered higher education. If you are faithfully giving to your local church as God would direct you, and have sought God in prayer as to whether or not He would have you support African Christian University, then we would welcome your fellowship with us in giving financial support for ACU.
ACU is a steady incarnation of a dream that seeks to contribute to the progress of Zambia and Africa at large, not through the provision of the usual insignias of learning that have made little difference to the life of the African, but through being a shaping influence that will both challenge the African mindset and also seek to ennoble it via a sanctified imposition of an education that is bathed in Biblicism. We therefore eagerly wait to see the Lord perfect this plan through his people in Zambia and America.
