General Conference
- Organized Free Methodist Churches: 821
- FMC Membership: 96,437
- Ordained Ministers: 268
- Ministerial Candidates: 147
- Bishop: Elie Buconyori
Origins
In 1935, missionary J.W. Haley opened the work in Equatorial Africa at Muyebe, Burundi. Other missionaries soon joined the Haleys. Hundreds came to the Lord, so that within twenty years Burundi became Free Methodism’s largest conference. Tragedy hit the church in 1972 during inter-tribal conflict within the country when many of the church leaders were killed during a retaliatory move against intellectuals and scholars. Another uprising in 1993 caused loss of many members. The church began almost immediately to rebuild and has continued to grow steadily in spite of continuing political unrest. It was given full General Conference status in 1999. Present Ministries
The church ministers to the whole man through medical ministry, public health education, plus maternity and nutritional centers. The hospital at Kibuye is highly respected all over the country. The training of children, youth and ministerial students is given priority. All churches are pastored by trained nationals. The Mweya Theological Institute, founded in 1950, has trained a steady stream of leaders year after year. Theological Education by Extension (TEE) also trains pastors. Hope Africa University, a FM liberal arts institution, moved from Kenya to Burundi in 2004. Its goal is to prepare Christian scholars and professionals to effectively apply economic, political and social principles into Africa society. Opportunities to support Burundi ministries Learn more about Burundi
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