God's Design for the Church

A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders

What Is the Church? Foundational Truths from God’s Word

The church in Africa is growing rapidly, but it has come at the expense of depth and maturity. Because of this, there is a dire need for a biblical understanding of what the church should be. Conrad Mbewe details what a biblical church looks like in a way that is relatable to African contexts, by focusing on relevant topics such as family and tribal ties, the influence of African traditional religion, and more. Mbewe uses African illustrations to bring home vital truths touching on some of the most pressing issues facing the church in Africa.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Christians in Africa numbered approximately nine million—by the end, that number had grown to more than 380 million. As the number of Christians continues to grow, African pastors are often overwhelmed and in desperate need of guidance.

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

Published in partnership with the Gospel Coalition and 9Marks.