The Implementation of Henry Venn's Three-self Mission Model in Contemporary African Church: A Case Study of the Assemblies of God Ghana's Vision 3000 Initiative (2015–2019)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study analyses Henry Venn's Three-Self Mission Model's influence on the Vision 3000 church planting initiative of the Assemblies of God Ghana (2015–2019). Rooted in AOGG's historical commitment to the 3S mission model, also applied to Vision 3000's operation. Through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and thorough archival analysis, the study examines how the principles of self-governance, self-propagation, and self-support shaped both the achievements and limitations of this church planting program. The research reveals that the model facilitated significant growth with 2117 new churches established (70% of the target) of the initial target of 3000 churches. It also highlighted the complex tension between centralised oversight and local autonomy. The study demonstrates that Venn's model effectiveness varied significantly across different socio-economic contexts, with resource disparities and leadership development emerging as critical challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic's impact further exposed vulnerabilities in the 3S mission framework, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. This research contributes to ongoing discussions about contextualising mission models in African Christianity, suggesting the need for hybrid approaches that balance Indigenous empowerment with flexible support mechanisms. The findings provide insights for church planting initiatives in similar contexts, emphasising the importance of adaptive implementation strategies that consider local economic and social realities.
Authors: Mishael Donkor Ampofo, Peter White
Institution: Stellenbosch University
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W4412022723