At the beginning of the twentieth century, there were approximately nine million Christians in Africa. By the end of the century, that number had grown to over 380 million. As the number of Christians continues to grow, African pastors are often overworked and in desperate need of guidance.

Drawing on three decades of pastoral work in Zambia, Conrad Mbewe has written a comprehensive handbook specifically for African pastors and church leaders. This helpful resource, structured around 20 frequently asked questions about God's design for the church, covers topics ranging from the definition of the church and the role of its members to the importance of doctrine. Through this book, the author aims to equip pastors and church leaders with biblical principles that will permeate the landscape of Africa and transform its churches for generations to come.

Author

Conrad Mbewe (Ph.D., University of Pretoria) is pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, and founding president of African Christian University. Conrad is the author of more than nine books and has contributed to many others. He and his wife, Felistas, have three biological children and three adopted children.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1 What is the Church?

2 Who is the founder and head of the Church?

3 What is the mission of the Church in the world?

4 Why is the gospel so important to the Church?

5 Who should be a member of the Church?

6 What is the role of Church members?

7 Who should lead the Church?

8 Why practice baptism and the Lord’s Supper?

9 What should happen during worship?

10 How Should the Church Raise Funds?

11 Should Your Church Get Involved in Mission?

12 Should Your Church Get Involved in Pastoral Training?

13 What About Church Discipline?

14 Does What Your Church Believes Matter?

15 How Should Your Church Grow Spiritually?

16 How Should Your Church Grow Numerically?

17 How Should Your Church Relate to Other Churches?

18 How Should Your Church Relate to the State?

19 How Does the Church Offend or Please God?

20 How Can You Help Reform Your Church?

Epilogue