Who are the Fulani? Q&A with Jon Banke, SIM's Fulani expert

The Fulani value humility.  Those who come with a preconceived plan to help or save the Fulani are not respected, though the Fulani’s politeness may imply otherwise. 

In my experience, it’s not about the gospel being hard for them to accept. I think the idea that they’re unreachable is a myth. It just takes time to see results. Ultimately, we have to remember that it’s God who is doing the work. 

The Bible has been translated into the Fulani language, and a number of dialects, like Borgu Fulfulde in Benin, have their own translations. How can the Bible become more treasured by the Fulani? 

The complete Bible has been translated into Cameroonian Fulfulde, one of eight key dialects with translation projects.  Yet, this translation is often seen as old-fashioned, like reading the King James Version. A lot of work is being done to improve literacy. When Fulani people hear the Word in their own language, it deeply moves them. 

Several dialects have radio programs and broadcasts to share the Word. 

Hearing the Bible spoken directly has a special power — no middleman is needed. Orality is an important tool for communicating with Fulani. It’s very important to use idioms, proverbs, and vivid imagery when sharing the message. 

Ultimately, we have to remember that it’s God who is doing the work. 

From your perspective, what’s the best way to reach the hearts of Fulani communities? 

Making an effort and sacrificing the time to get to know them and learn their language is one of the best ways to connect. When you learn their language, you also begin to understand their culture. It’s not easy and can take years, but it’s worth it. 

I wouldn’t want to be too rigid, but for me, the most effective approach is simply being with them. It’s what I call the “ministry of hanging out” — sitting with them, sharing time, and building relationships. This opens the door to talk about God, read the Bible together, and explore it with them. 

Learning their language requires time and commitment. This kind of ministry is not a sprint; it is a marathon. But if you earn trust within a Fulani community, you can truly be welcomed into a Fulani family. 

The Fulani Church is becoming more mature and growing in both numbers and understanding of its mission.  

You’ve been SIM’s Fulani Ministries Coordinator since 2016. How many mission workers are currently working among the Fulani? 

As coordinator, my role is to act as a consultant to those working with the Fulani. I am also involved in mobilising and training new missionaries to join in this work. 

Are there any positive developments? 

The Fulani church is becoming more mature and growing in both numbers and understanding of its mission.  Mobilisation of the Fulani Church is a strategic and ongoing effort. 

In Benin, there is an association of Fulani churches. Fulani pastors are being trained, though this is still a rare occurrence in the Sahel. 

Tell us about a ministry that’s particularly close to your heart. 

One ministry that stands out to me is the work of a family who ran a programme from 2016 to 2020. This family had a wonderful way of living alongside the Fulani. They built simple, rustic homes, cultivated a small field, and spent time with the people. 

Today, about 10 people in the village are Christians, including the village chief, who was the first to come to Christ. This is a perfect example of the kind of ministry I believe is really effective. 

This article was first published by SIM France-Belgium in French.