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Where Else Is Left?
April 2024 Nazarene Journal During my nightly research, I couldn’t help but ask myself, Where else is left?
This thought crossed my mind as I reflected on the growth of the Church of the Nazarene in Zambia, a country located in Southern Africa and part of the Africa Southeast Field. The church has been present in Zambia since 1961, when it was still known as Northern Rhodesia. Over the past 64 years, the Church of the Nazarene has grown tremendously, spreading the message of holiness to both urban and rural areas.
Take Itezhi Tezhi Cotin, for example. The church, which started between 2017 and 2018, was officially organized on April 25, 2022, about 330 km from Lusaka. Under the leadership of Pastor Godfrey Siachobe, this congregation has flourished, showing that no place is too far for the message of holiness to reach.Where else is left?
On August 15, 2023, a new preaching point was launched in Mumbwa, 160 km from Lusaka, under the leadership of Pastor Dennis Choza. This preaching point is already making an impact in the community, bringing hope and transformation.
It wasn’t the only one. This year (2024), Power of Faith Church of the Nazarene was also organized, further expanding the church’s reach. With churches also springing up in Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi, the list keeps growing. Zambia now has 388 Nazarene churches with a total membership of 67,264 According to the global Ministry center of the church of the Nazarene.
A Growing Network Across Zambia
The Church of the Nazarene in Zambia is divided into four districts, each led by a district superintendent:
- Zambia South District – Rev. Neld Nkunika
- Copperbelt District – Rev. Wilfred Yambayamba
- Northwestern District – Rev. Chinyundu
- Northern and Luapula District – Rev. Francis Mwansa
These districts serve as hubs for ministry, outreach, and leadership development, ensuring that the church’s mission is carried out effectively across the country.
Expanding Beyond Borders
The Church of the Nazarene’s growth in Zambia is part of a larger movement across the Africa Southeast Field, which also includes Malawi and Zimbabwe. Together, these three countries have a combined membership of 112,363 and are home to 388 churches in Zambia, 547 in Malawi, and 231 in Zimbabwe. This regional growth reflects the church’s commitment to making Christlike disciples in every community.
Africa-wide Impact
Across Africa, the Church of the Nazarene is transforming lives with a total membership of over 867,670, spanning 44 countries. The church serves through 4,989 organized churches, with countless congregations still developing. The Africa Region continues to grow steadily, demonstrating its dedication to holistic ministry and urban-rural outreach.
Global Reach of the Church of the Nazarene
Globally, the Church of the Nazarene has a membership of 2,783,731 as of 2024. With 231,084 conversions and 155,183 new members joining the church in one year, the mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations is thriving.
Across six world regions, the Church of the Nazarene operates over 30,000 churches, supported by 19,990 ordained elders, 895 ordained deacons, and 10,803 licensed ministers.
To all our pastors and leaders who have devoted themselves to taking the message of holiness to every corner of Zambia, we say thank you.
Your dedication and hard work are the driving force behind this rapid expansion. From rural villages to bustling towns, the Church of the Nazarene is truly entering new areas and transforming lives.
The rapid expansion of the Church of the Nazarene in Zambia, especially in rural areas, is admirable.
To all the pastors, lay pastors, church leadership, district leaders, and the Africa Southeast Field Church of the Nazarene, we say: Kanabesa Nakale balika—thank you and may God bless you.
Where Else Is Left?
As the Church of the Nazarene continues to grow, one can’t help but wonder:Where else is left?
With God’s guidance and the dedication of His people, the answer is clear—there is no place too far for the message of holiness to reach.@Image Cutesy Church of the Nazarene, Zambia
