Theme Scripture: Deuteronomy 9:1–3A year of faith, advancement and purposeful action
The year 2026 is declared by Assembly for All Nations (AfAN) as “The Year of Taking Over.” It is a year of faith, advancement, courage, spiritual growth and purposeful action.
Inspired by Deuteronomy 9:1–3, this theme reminds us that there are moments when God calls His people to rise, move forward, cross new boundaries, confront challenges and enter the opportunities He has placed before them. Israel stood at a decisive moment before crossing the Jordan. Ahead were obstacles that appeared greater and stronger, yet God assured His people that He would go before them.
In the same way, AfAN enters 2026 with the conviction that this is not a year for remaining in the same place. It is a season to move beyond limitations, overcome barriers, strengthen our faith and boldly pursue the vision and assignments God has entrusted to us.
Taking Over Through Faith
Taking over begins with faith in God. There may be challenges that appear impossible, doors that seem difficult to open and territories that appear beyond our ability. Our confidence is not based merely on our own strength, resources, experience or influence; our confidence is in the God who goes before His people.
Throughout 2026, AfAN members are encouraged to strengthen their personal relationship with God through prayer, the Word, worship, fasting, obedience and faithful Christian living. Spiritual victories must come before visible victories.
Taking Over Through Spiritual Growth
2026 will be a year of deeper spiritual maturity. AfAN will encourage believers to move beyond spiritual infancy and become mature disciples of Jesus Christ who understand Scripture, walk in holiness, demonstrate Christlike character, exercise their spiritual gifts and become effective witnesses wherever God has placed them.
Taking over therefore includes overcoming fear, doubt, spiritual weakness, discouragement, compromise and every limitation that prevents believers from fulfilling their God-given purpose.
Taking Over Families and Communities for Christ
The vision of taking over extends beyond the individual believer. AfAN desires to see stronger marriages, healthier families, empowered young people, responsible men and women and children raised in the knowledge and fear of God.
Churches should become centres of transformation within their communities—bringing hope to the discouraged, compassion to the vulnerable, guidance to young people, support to families and the message of salvation to those who have not yet encountered Christ.
Our influence will be demonstrated through service, love, integrity, compassion, discipleship and the transforming power of the Gospel.
Taking Over New Territories for the Gospel
The Great Commission remains at the heart of Assembly for All Nations. During 2026, AfAN will intentionally strengthen evangelism, missions, church planting, discipleship, leadership development and outreach to communities and nations.
The Year of Taking Over calls us to look beyond the boundaries of our local congregations. We must reach villages, towns, cities, nations and communities where the Gospel needs to be proclaimed.
What new territory is God calling us to reach in 2026?
Taking over may mean planting a new church, beginning a new ministry, entering a new community, reaching a new generation, establishing a new national chapter, developing new leaders or using technology and media to take the Gospel beyond traditional geographical boundaries.
Taking Over Through Leadership Development
The expansion of the Kingdom requires strong, accountable and spiritually mature leaders. AfAN will therefore place significant emphasis on identifying, training, mentoring, equipping and releasing emerging leaders.
Experienced leaders must intentionally raise the next generation. Young ministers should be given opportunities to learn, serve, lead and grow. Taking over means that leadership does not end with one generation; the vision must be transferred faithfully from generation to generation.
Taking Over Through the Rising Generation
Children and young people are central to the future of Assembly for All Nations. 2026 will therefore be a year of deliberately empowering young people to discover their identity in Christ, develop their gifts, pursue education and excellence, embrace leadership responsibilities and become courageous ambassadors of the Gospel.
AfAN believes that a generation is rising that must be prepared not merely to observe what God is doing, but to participate actively in it.
A Generation is Rising to Take Over.
Taking Over Through Excellence
Taking over also requires excellence in the way we serve God. Our churches, ministries, programmes, administration, finances, leadership structures, communication, worship, outreach and development initiatives should reflect integrity, accountability, order, creativity and responsible stewardship.
AfAN will seek to strengthen its organisational systems so that spiritual growth is accompanied by sustainable institutional development. Excellence honours God and enables the Church to serve people more effectively.
Taking Over Through Prayer
Every significant spiritual movement must be sustained by prayer. Throughout 2026, prayer will remain one of the central pillars of AfAN’s activities. Churches and believers will be encouraged to establish stronger prayer cultures through personal prayer, corporate prayer, fasting, intercession and special seasons of seeking God.
Before we enter new territories physically, organisationally or geographically, we must first prepare ourselves spiritually. Prayer prepares the way.
Taking Over Through Unity
No great vision can be accomplished through isolated individuals. The Year of Taking Over therefore calls AfAN members across local churches, districts, regions, nations and international structures to work together in unity.
Pastors, leaders, men, women, youth, children, professionals, entrepreneurs, missionaries and ministry workers all have an important role to play.
Our diversity should become a source of strength as we unite around one mission: to proclaim Christ, make disciples, strengthen churches, raise leaders, transform communities and reach nations.
Taking Over Every God-Given Opportunity
The language of taking over should not be understood merely in terms of geographical territory. It also represents faithfully entering the opportunities God gives His people.
In 2026, believers are encouraged to pursue growth in education, ministry, entrepreneurship, leadership, family life, professional development, community service, innovation, missions and personal development, becoming examples of integrity and excellence wherever God sends them.