ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSITY The University of Choice!

Strengthening ties for global academic excellence.

The serene environment of the St. Paul’s University (SPU) main campus in Limuru recently set the stage for a significant step forward in international collaboration. We were honored to host a visiting delegation from Nelson Mandela University, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between our two esteemed institutions.

The visiting team was warmly received by a high-level team from SPU, reflecting the importance we place on this partnership. The hosting team included key leadership figures instrumental in driving our academic and corporate vision: Dr. John Muhoho, Director, Board of Postgraduate Studie, Dr. Wanjugu Wachira, Coordinator, Partnerships and Collaboration, Prof. Milka Ajuoga, HOD, Department of Education, Michael Mungai, Head of Corporate Affairs Department, Dr. Teresia Wamuyu, Senior Lecturer, School of Education & Social Sciences

This visit was not just a courtesy call; it was a strategic session designed to deepen an existing partnership. St. Paul’s University and Nelson Mandela University have a shared vision of transformative education, and this meeting provided the perfect platform to explore how we can better serve our communities together.

Key areas of discussion included:

• Staff and Student Exchange: Broadening horizons by creating pathways for our students and faculty to learn, teach, and research across borders.

• Community Engagement: Exploring joint initiatives that extend beyond the classroom to create tangible impacts in our respective societies.

• Academic Collaboration: Identifying new avenues for joint research and program development.

As we move forward, the fruits of this engagement promise to bring exciting opportunities for the SPU family. By strengthening our ties with Nelson Mandela University, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing a globally competitive education and fostering a community that is locally rooted yet internationally connected.

CALL FOR PAPERS

AFRICAN WORSHIP: Rethinking our Theologies, Reshaping our Practices

St. Paul’s University, Limuru (Chapel, 3^rd Floor, School of Theology Building)

19^th to 20^th March 2026

Call for Papers Download Link (PDF)

Introduction

African expressions of worship remain a vibrant facet of Christianity in Africa, where the Christian faith is often practiced and embodied (Getui 1998; Asamoah-Gyadu 2018). These expressions are also diverse in nature, from the more conservative use of hymnology to the wide usage of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) especially in emerging and urban churches, which sometimes generates debate within the worship practices in congregations. While hymns may strengthen spiritual formation and piety, CCM seems to connect with the emerging generations. On the other hand, there are several gaps in connecting hymnology to indigenous African religious life and cultural practices. Following this argument, there is still a continued need of indigenizing and inculturating liturgical practices within African communities (Letšosa 2019). The practice of CCM may also be approached from post-colonial and decolonial lenses, with a critical look at how it may either support or inhibit Christian life in a variety of African contexts. Lastly, worship is often dichotomized and separated from public life, and other aspects of Christian life and witness such as mission, climate change, and social justice (Baron and Letšosa 2021). What liturgical reflections and renewals are required to deal with some of these contemporary public issues in African contexts? What liturgies need to be crafted to help congregants deal with mental health challenges or perhaps to foster ecumenical dialogue in a service of public worship in a public university or in a significant national event? How might burial practices and liturgies shape communal aspects of African culture while offering sensitive pastoral care to bereaved families of suicide? This theme of African Worship: Rethinking our Theologies, Reshaping our Practices seeks to explore some of these critical areas.

About the Workshop

This worship workshop is part of the project Gĩkũyũ Hymnology as an Indigenous Expression of Presbyterian Piety and Spiritual Formation: An Ethnographic and Liturgical Analysis of Women’s Voices supported by the Afua Kuma – Dora Yu Paper Prize. The Kuma – Yu Paper Prize is dedicated to the study of lived theology and Christ-like formation in the contexts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. The purpose of this prize is to seed and grow research into the Church’s lived experiences of discipleship and formation in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania and to translate them into contextually rich theological accounts of what it means to be “Christ-like” amidst the diverse contemporary challenges and opportunities of the world Christian movement. The Afua Kuma – Dora Yu Award is funded by the Overseas Ministries Study Center at Princeton Theological Seminary (OMSC@PTS), in collaboration with the Global Spiritual Formations Project funded by the Templeton Religion Trust and administered by the Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity.

Paper Themes

As such, abstracts and papers are welcomed on any of the following themes:

• Orality in African Worship practices
• Old Testament perspectives on African worship
• New Testament perspectives on African worship
• Worship in African Church History
• Inculturation, Indigenization and Contextualization of Worship practices
• Gendered perspectives on African worship
• Worship and Mission in African Churches
• Worship and African Independent Churches
• Pentecostalization of African worship
• Decolonial and postcolonial approaches to Christian worship
• African Liturgies for Special Occasions

Research paradigm

Research projects should include a grounded component that connects theological principles with the lives of the church in the world. This can include, but are not limited to:

• Historical studies of individuals or communities of worship that exhibited Christ-likeness in the social and cultural conditions of their time.
• Qualitative studies of contemporary communities or institutions negotiating and expressing their faith through connecting worship with public life.
• And/or quantitative studies that highlight trends and patterns in worship formation and discipleship. Contexts of study should be specific to regions, cultures, and/or traditions from Africa, and the diaspora.

Deadlines

• Submission of Abstracts: 20^th December 2025. Submit your abstract on the ONLINE Form here: https://forms.gle/6RYczD1GkY56UeVNA
• Announcements of Successful Abstracts: 12^th January 2026
• Full papers required by: 30^th Feb 2026
• Workshop presentation 19^th to 20^th March 2026.
• Workshop organizers will provide workshop presenters with initial peer-review and guidance on submission to the Special Journal Issue with Acta Theologica, but will be in charge of individual submission.
• Other interested external contributors from African scholars will also be welcomed to submit after the workshop.
• Correction of article after workshop comments 20^th April 2026.
• Initial editorial work of the collection of papers by special issue editors: 30^th May 2026 to 30^th Aug 2026
• Preparation of final articles by authors: 1 Sep 2026 to 30^th Dec 2027
• Submission date of manuscripts to Acta Theologica:  31^st January 2027. 

Publication of Workshop Papers

The South African journal Acta Theologica have accepted to publish successful articles in a special journal issue comprised of the workshop papers. Acta Theologica is an internationally established peer-reviewed academic journal listed in various indices, including the Web of Science and SciELO South Africa. Hosted by the Faculty of Theology & Religion at the University of the Free State, the journal embraces both its rootedness in the African continent and the global public sphere of theological research. The publishing of innovative, interdisciplinary, and contextual theological knowledge with a significant edge is thus of the utmost importance. The paper presenters will be expected to include the workshop feedback as they work on their papers and are welcome to submit them for consideration of publication. The papers will be subjected to the peer review process of the journal house, and acceptance for the workshop presentation does not necessarily mean the paper will be published.

Registration Fees

Upon acceptance of proposals, you can register for the workshop by paying the registration fee by 30^th Feb 2026. Workshop registration includes the following: entrance to the workshop, daily lunches, tea breaks and snacks, conference materials and a certificate of participation.

• Regular rate: KSH 2,000
• Student rate: KSH 500

After 30^th Feb 2026, the above fees will increase by KSH 500. Registration will close on Mon 16^th March 2026

Contact

For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Kevin Muriithi Ndereba This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Writing Guidelines

• Manuscripts should be prepared according to the author’s guidelines and language edited.
• Length: 4,000 to 7,000 words.
• Other editorial policies worth noting: click here
• Authors can make use of the extensive “Worship and Liturgics” bibliography developed by the African Theology Worldwide (Compiled by Leon Kooijmans and Willeke Warner-Zigterman Rustenburg).

Publication Fees

The normal reviewing process and page fees of ZAR 250 per page for Open Access will ONLY apply for authors affiliated to South African Higher Education institutions. Academics from other African institutions will be published at no cost.

References

Asamoah-Gyadu, J. K. 2018. “Signs, Tokens, and Points of Contact: Religious Symbolism and Sacramentality in Non-Western Christianity.” Studia Liturgica 48(1–2), pp. 127–46.

Baron, E, and Letšosa, R. 2021. “Liturgy as an Anti-Racist Praxis for Reformed Churches in South Africa.” In Die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 55 (2), pp. 1-10.

Getui, M. N., ed. 1998. Theological Method and Aspects of Worship in African Christianity. Nairobi: Acton Publishers.

Letšosa, R. S., and Klerk, B. D. 2019. “A Liturgical Comparative Study of Sotho Initiation and Christian Baptism.” In Die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 53 (1)

Faith, Fun, and Fellowship in the Main Hall.

The St. Paul’s University Chaplaincy is rolling out the red carpet! As we approach the end of the year, it is time to pause, reflect on our journey, and celebrate the people who make our community vibrant. You are cordially invited to the 2025 Chaplaincy Dinner & Awards.

This isn't just a dinner; it is an evening dedicated to building bonds, celebrating talent, and enjoying the company of friends and colleagues in an atmosphere of warmth and elegance.

What to Expect

The Chaplaincy has curated a lineup of activities designed to engage everyone. Whether you are there for the food or the fun, there is something for you:

• Food & Drinks: Enjoy a delightful meal and refreshments as we break bread together.

• Awards Ceremony: A moment to recognize and honor outstanding contributions within our community.

• Modelling: Watch our talented students showcase their style and creativity on the runway.

• Networking: Connect with peers, mentors, and staff in a relaxed setting.

• Team Building: Participate in engaging activities that strengthen our unity.

Save the Date

Clear your schedule for this Thursday evening. You don't want to miss out on the memories!

• Date: Thursday, 27th November 2025

• Time: Starting at 5:00 PM

• Venue: Main Hall, Limuru Campus

Ticket Information

Access to this night of celebration is incredibly affordable, but you need to secure your spot early.

• Ticket Price: Ksh 100

• How to Pay: Payments should be made to Shalom Akola.

• Payment/Inquiries Number: 0714 702 041

Get in Touch

Stay updated and see behind-the-scenes content by following the Chaplaincy on social media:

• Socials: @spu_chaplaincy (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X)

Karibu! Let’s make this a night to remember at the Main Hall. See you at 5 PM!

"Driven by values, empowered to serve."

Calling all graduates of St. Paul’s University! It is time to return to the cool, serene hills of Limuru. The St. Paul’s University Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, this is your opportunity to reconnect with old friends, network with fellow professionals, and play an active role in the future direction of our Alumni Association.

Event Details

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of camaraderie and decision-making.

• Date: Saturday, 29th November 2025

• Time: From 12:00 NOON (EAT)

• Venue: SPU Main Campus, Limuru

The Business of the Day

This year’s AGM is particularly significant as it involves the election of new leadership and the establishment of vital welfare structures. We aren't just meeting to catch up; we are meeting to build.

Here is the official agenda for the 2025 Edition:

1. Opening and Welcome Remarks: Setting the tone for the day and welcoming members back home.

2. Adoption of the Agenda: Formalizing the proceedings.

3. Confirmation of Previous Minutes: Reviewing the record of our last gathering.

4. Chairperson’s Report: A comprehensive update on the Association's activities, achievements, and milestones over the past year.

5. Audited Financial Report: Presented by the Treasurer to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the Association’s funds.

6. Election of New Auditors: Selection of auditors for the upcoming fiscal period (2025/2027).

7. Ratification of The St. Paul’s University Alumni Welfare: A crucial step in formalizing support systems for our members.

8. Elections of Office Bearers: This is your chance to vote for the leaders who will steer the Association forward.

9. AOB (Any Other Business): An open floor for members to raise other pertinent issues.

Why You Should Attend

Aside from the official business, the AGM is the heartbeat of our community.

• Shape the Leadership: With the election of office bearers on the schedule, your vote counts. Help choose the team that will represent your interests.

• Launch the Welfare: The ratification of the Alumni Welfare is a major step toward supporting one another. Be there to see it come to life.

• Network: Connect with fellow alumni who are making strides in various industries across the globe.

Inquiries

For more information regarding the meeting or directions to the Main Campus, please reach out to our team:

• Glory: +254 702 784 571

• Rev. Njagi: +254 727 654 830

• John: +254 717 054 040

Let us gather in Limuru on November 29th to celebrate our shared history and plan for a prosperous future. See you there!