This mainly historical study is a PhD thesis describing in great detail the activities of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) since its creation in 1966 to the mid-1990s. Part One of this thesis is entitled History and Structure. It deals firstly with an historical account of the creation of the AEA from its roots in the North American evangelical missionary movement, with biographical sketches of its major leaders in three periods characterised as Foundation (1966–1973), Expectancy (1973–1977) and Expansion (1978–1996), and an account of the six General assemblies from 1969 to 1993. The study then describes the organisation and structures of the AEA, including its various departments, officers and committees, and commissions and special projects. It proceeds to give details of the various national bodies throughout Africa which constitute AEA’s full members, associate members and other members. The last chapter in Part One describes the projects of AEA, with particular attention given to theological education and the two graduate schools under AEA’s auspices, Bangui Evangelical School of Theology and Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology.

Part Two of the thesis is shorter, more systematic and interesting, entitled External Relations and Message. It begins by discussing the relationship and the debates between AEA and other international evangelical movements, Pentecostals and Charismatics, the ecumenical movement, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches and the second Pan African Leadership Assembly (1994). The second chapter focuses on the theology of AEA’s General Secretaries Byang Kato and Tokunboh Adeyemo, and that of Associate General Secretary Daidanso ma Djongwe. Reasons for the quite significant differences between Kato and Adeyemo are suggested, although these differences are minimised. The study then sketches various AEA periodicals and other publications. The final chapter consists of a summary of the thesis with some reflection on its main characteristics and suggestions for further research. The last 150 pages deal with twelve appendices of official AEA documents and addresses, and a full bibliography with bibliographies of its main leaders (Downing, Kato, Adeyemo, Diadanso and Tienou), lists of AEA Publications and other sources and literature.

One could hardly wish for a more extensive study of this organisation or one more meticulous in its information, and this book is bound to be definitive in this regard. The author has succeeded in gathering every conceivable piece of information on the AEA, and the book serves as a useful reference work for further research. The thesis, however, suffers from three main drawbacks. (a) It is far too long, with too much unnecessary detail. (b) The author’s use of English has not been adequately edited. (c) There is little theological or missiological reflection and interaction, as the study tends to get bogged down in descriptive details instead of looking at the wider issues with which AEA is involved. It is for this reason the Dr Adeyemo comments in his Foreward (p. xviii): ‘One does not get such a forceful dimension of AEA’s holistic ministry in Breman’s book. Perhaps the author’s serious sickness at the time might have accounted for the inadequacies of this enormous study, a veritable goldmine of information.’ The four years of field study and other research work done in Africa was considerably extensive, spanning three countries and including interviews with many people and organisations. This is an original and exhaustive study which breaks new ground in helping our understanding of the complexities of the Christian church in Africa.

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