Reflections from the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance Conference in Colorado
Practical theology is a never-ending journey. It evolves, grows, and adapts. This time, it brought me to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, where I went to learn and reflect after Rev. Princeton E. Abaraoha invited me as a theology student from Africa to the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance (APLA) 2025 Annual Conference and Retreat.
The retreat, held under the theme “Bridging Worlds, Building Tomorrow: African Leadership Reimagining Presbyterian Global Partnerships,” brought together African Presbyterian leaders from across the United States and beyond to reflect, connect, and advance meaningful African participation in the global mission of the Church.
A Servant-Leadership Heart: Seeing Grace Through the Lens
During the retreat, I took a few practical initiatives, moments that Rev. Princeton later described as reflecting a “servant-leadership heart.” What an encouraging remark! I was simply doing what came naturally to me, serving where I saw a need. In a recent keynote address, I urged young graduates to “
Look for Problems and become part of the solution.” I decided to live out that same counsel by volunteering to photograph the sessions and to compile the conference communiqué.
At first, I thought of these tasks as simple duties. But the camera soon became a way to notice grace in action. Each photo showed people coming together and wanting to make a difference. The lively group talks, shared laughter over meals, and quiet times of reflection all became special moments, showing a community ready to serve God and make a positive impact.
As I compiled the notes from the breakout group discussions, I realized theology is not confined to the pulpit or doctrine. It also lives in the stories of God’s people as they show their faith with conviction, joy, and purpose.
Belonging, Leadership, and Becoming Visible
The group discussions I helped record explored deep questions of cultural identity, belonging, and leadership within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). One comment stayed with me:
As one participant shared during the discussion, “Belonging is not automatic; it is something we create by showing up, by volunteering, by participating in the life of the church.”
I see from this statement that the participants value what it means to be an African Presbyterian in the diaspora: moving from being unseen to being recognised, from feeling like a guest to becoming a full participant.
From their discussion, I can see that they see Leadership not as holding a position, but as being present and involved. Participants noted that African immigrants enrich the PC(USA) through service, prayer, and community spirit, demonstrating resilience and generosity shaped by shared challenges. Another participant noted,
“We must not wait to be invited; leadership begins when we take initiative.”
These words captured the essence of practical theology: faith that initiates, acts, and serves.
Food, Fellowship, and the Theology of Togetherness
Leaders shared stories of how food became more than sustenance—it became a language of love, inclusion, and identity. They described how introducing African meals at joint fellowships and PC(USA) events turned shared meals into sacred spaces of worship and friendship.
As one participant beautifully observed in a group session,
“Food, language, and music are powerful tools of cultural expression and fellowship. Churches that host potlucks, multicultural festivals, and community meals build bridges between African, Asian, and Western congregants.”
Another leader added with deep insight during the discussions,
“When African traditions are honored, through worship, food, or fellowship, it strengthens the sense of belonging and mutual respect across cultures.”
Listening to these reflections, I saw that unity grows when people eat, sing, and share together. Around the table, differences were included, not erased. Each meal became a special moment of connection and togetherness.
It reminded me that in Christ’s fellowship, every meal can minister, and every act of hospitality can be a sermon of grace.
A Vision Beyond the Mountain
As the retreat ended, our focus shifted to the future. Participants hoped African worship traditions, music, dance, storytelling, would become part of church life, enriching the global Presbyterian community.
They called for greater representation in leadership, mentoring for young African immigrants, and a stronger APLA presence in the global church. As one participant summarized,
“We are not guests in the PC(USA); we are part of its future.”
These words stayed with us long after the final benediction.
Practical Theology as a Phoenix-like Journey
As I descended from the mountains, my mind returned to the thought of practical theology as a Phoenix-like journey, a journey that keeps renewing itself, ever rising in new forms. It grows, transforms, and manifests differently in every context where faith meets life.
At Estes Park, I saw theology come alive, not in abstract theory, but in the rhythm of African dance and music, in the beauty of diverse languages, and in the shared meals that united people across cultures within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It was theology not confined to the pulpit but expressed in motion, sound, and community. Through my camera lens, through the words spoken and written, and through the warmth of shared worship, I witnessed theology unfolding before my eyes, alive, embodied, and real. Perhaps, practising theology is simply that: to live it, to share it, and to keep walking faithfully wherever it leads.
Album 2025 APLA Annual Conference
__________________
Ayodele John Alonge
Tuesday October 21, 2025, 12:30pm (EST)
Marcia Riggs Commons (MRC),
701 S Columbia Decatur, Atlanta Georgia
This was a great article well written beyond imagination! Thank you so much for representing us. Each word was calibrated to articulate a powerful message from the African way of life. This was very impressive to say the least.