The Perceptions of the Apostolic Churches towards Formal Education: A Case Study of Paul Mwazha’s African Apostolic Church

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of apostolic churches towards the importance and role of formal education using the African Apostolic Church as a case study. This paper qualitatively explored The Divine Commission of Paul Mwazha of Africa, a two volume foundational text of the African Apostolic Church, an African Independent/Initiated Church (AIC) led by Paul Mwazha. Document analysis was employed as the main data collection instrument while critical discourse analysis and qualitative inductive content analyses were used for data analysis. The study found that formal education was highly regarded in the African Apostolic Church and considered an asset that was worth investing in. The Church also perceived formal education as a necessary instrument for understanding scriptures, community development and social transformation. Based on the findings, the study recommendations include that the African Independent Churches ought to consider establishing formal education institutions, initiate leadership training and development programs and raise funds to contribute to the education of the less privileged within their communities.