About Us
The historical background of the church
The United Methodist Church (UMC), Burundi Annual Conference.
The foundation for the United Methodist Church of Burundi was laid as early as 1937 when American missionaries from the World Gospel Mission arrived in Burundi. Over the next forty years, the World Gospel Mission run by foreign missionaries expanded its activities in the country. However, not until 1980, when the leadership of this church was handed over to Burundian nationals, innovations such as holistic ministry and African traditional music were introduced, did the organization really begin to flourish. And, when these changes, including the instruction of a new church name, the Evangelical Episcopal Church, were not accepted by the World Gospel Mission, local leaders began to negotiate with United Methodist Church in order to become a part of it. The fruit of three years of international negotiations was the 1984 incorporation of the Evangelical Episcopal Church of Burundi by The United Methodist Church.
The Leadership of the United Methodist Church in Burundi
From 1980 to 2005 the church was under the dynamic leadership of late Bishop Jean Alfred NDORICIMPA and the church became a major force in Burundi. Currently, bishop Daniel Wandabula is the resident bishop of Burundi Annual Conference while Honourable Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera is the Legal Representative of United Methodist Church of Burundi and the Secretary of the Burundi Annual Conference, and Rev. Bankurunaze Lazaro, the Deputy Legal Representative
Church Growth and Programs
Burundi Annual Conference is divided into eleven districts. It’s membership has grown from just over 6000 when the missionaries left to 256,219 in 2019. In order to better meet the needs of this growing body, the new church leadership under Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera has promoted five major programs areas, including community development, education, health, stewardship, evangelism and church planting. Also, because more than half of its membership is under the age of 30 years, the church has begun to develop a specialized youth program to prepare these young people for their roles as future leaders in Burundi. In addition, the church in Burundi enjoys close ties with other Burundi – based Christian’s communities and is a member of the Burundi National Council of Churches.
