Training Pastors In Zambia
An update from McDonald Chanda, Dean of the Copperbelt Pastors College and Pastor in Christ Community Church, Ndola, Zambia…
We are thrilled to share with you the exciting developments and future plans of our mission endeavors at the Copperbelt Pastors College.
In the wake of the passing of the Late Pastor Wilbroad Chanda, the Copperbelt Pastors College has admirably continued its mission to train men for leadership and ministry in Zambia. Pastor Chanda's legacy of dedication and passion for nurturing leaders has inspired the ongoing work at the Pastors College.
Previously, the College had a broad focus, extending its training to leaders outside the church who lacked theological training. However, the leadership team at the Copperbelt Pastors College underwent a careful reevaluation of its mandate, resulting in a refined focus. The new emphasis is to identify and equip men from within the local church for future leadership and church planting of Sovereign Grace Churches in Zambia and possibly Southern Africa.
This strategic refocus marked a pivotal moment for the Copperbelt Pastors College. The new approach guided the training of a fresh intake in the academic year 2022/2023, comprising a total of 6 students. These dedicated individuals completed their training in December of last year, and we are delighted to announce that their graduation ceremony is scheduled for the 16th of March, 2024. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and dedication to ministry.
Looking ahead, the 2024/25 intake, consisting of 8 students, represents a continuation of our commitment to develop leaders with a specific focus on potential church leaders and church planters. Among the current intake, we are blessed to have individuals like Mulinda Mundia and Bright Nalubambe, who not only excel in their studies but also actively serve within the church, particularly in the Youth Ministry and Missions. Additionally, we have promising individuals like Jackson Kabosha and Jeff Zulu, who show great potential as future church leaders and planters.
Our immediate goal in the next 24 months is first to focus on providing comprehensive training and hands-on experience to our current students and former students to ensure they are well-prepared for ministry both within the local church and for future church planting. We are also focusing on establishing a solid tutor base, as we currently have a shortage of tutors to facilitate the training of these men. Only one tutor is fully involved with one of the elders at Christ Community Church who comes in to teach a course or two. Therefore, having a consistent flow of tutors is one of our immediate goals. Thankfully, the 2024/25 intake was blessed to have Joseph Stigora from Covenant Fellowship church coming to teach the first class of this intake. Also, we look forward to having Steve Bice come to teach a class in March and subsequently Dave Taylor and Kyle Huber who are coming through to teach classes this year.
Beyond our immediate goals, our vision extends to the next decade, with plans to establish church plants in all 10 provinces of Zambia. Also, we are hoping for the establishment of a Pastors College Campus (the piece of land is already available for this cause), as this will foster an environment that nurtures growth, collaboration, and community among those we train.
Further, as part of our commitment to regional collaboration, we are enthusiastic about intensifying missions to support churches within the Southern Africa region. This extension of our reach aims to contribute to the vitality and strength of sister churches within the region, creating a network of shared vision and support.
In closing, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, prayers, and commitment to our mission. Together, we honor the legacy of Pastor Wilbroad Chanda by continuing to build a foundation for future leaders who will carry the torch of faith into every corner of our nation and beyond.
May God's grace continue to guide us on this journey of purpose and service in preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
