 |
| |
|
GOD'S DESIGN FOR THE CHURCH: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders
CONRAD MBEWE with Foreword by Glenn Lyons
What Is the Church? Foundational Truths from God’s Word
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.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword by Glenn Lyons
Acknowledgments
Introduction
What Is the Church?
Who Is the Church’s Founder and Head?
What Is the Church’s Task in the World?
Why Is the Gospel So Important to the Church?
Who Should Be in the Church’s Membership?
What Is the Role of Church Members?
Who Should Lead the Church?
Why Practice Baptism and the Lord’s Supper?
What Should Happen during Worship Services?
How Should the Church Raise Its Money?
Should Your Church Be Involved in Missions?
Should Your Church Be Involved in Training Pastors?
What about Church Discipline?
Does It Matter What Your Church Believes?
How Should Your Church Grow Spiritually?
How Should Your Church Grow Numerically?
How Should Your Church Relate to Other Churches?
How Should Your Church Relate to the State?
How Does the Church Offend or Please God?
How Can You Help in Reforming Your Church?
Epilogue
Index of Scripture References
ENDORSEMENTS
“This book is Conrad Mbewe’s equivalent of Paul’s pastoral letters. It is the wisdom of the Scriptures steeped in decades of personal experience. It is delivered in fresh African illustrations and applications that help even this North American pastor understand God’s Word better. Having known Mbewe for a quarter of a century, having been in his church and he in mine, I could not think of a better person to write such a volume. This book well reflects the teaching of the Bible in ways that both encourage and challenge today’s readers. Mbewe’s writing is clear and simple, elegant and gospel-celebrating. This book is delightful. Enjoy and be edified. The last chapter is gold.” Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC
“It’s the subtitle of this book that explains its vision: Conrad Mbewe is not only laying out a biblical and practical exposition of the church but is doing so for ‘African pastors and ministry leaders.’ Mbewe, longtime pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, points out that he writes as ‘a son of the African soil,’ and therefore he has earned the right to challenge his fellow Africans in frank ways that missionaries could never deploy without being dismissed as foreigners. In twenty short but probing chapters, Mbewe writes with such clarity and prophetic faithfulness that the book deserves wide study not only in Africa but around the world.” D. A. Carson, Cofounder and Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition
“I love Conrad Mbewe, and I love this book! This is a faithful, readable, and practical exploration of the doctrine of the church. As a Presbyterian, I might quibble with a Baptist point here or there, but that doesn’t take away from my overall enthusiasm. Mbewe has written an excellent book that is attuned to the cultural dynamics of Africa but beneficial for Christians everywhere. I hope this wise and accessible work finds a wide audience.” Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina; Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte
“With biblical insight and down-to-earth illustrations, Conrad Mbewe’s God’s Design for the Church takes us on an insider’s exploration of the nature, character, and challenges of the rapidly expanding church in Africa. His comprehensive but easy-to-read analysis confirms much of what is visible and does not shy away from often hidden ‘hot potatoes,’ such as money matters, issues of discipline, and other trends that define, enhance, or undermine the life and witness of the church. His perspective has implications for the future of the body of Christ, not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world.” Femi B. Adeleye, Director, Langham Preaching Africa, Ghana
“This is a timely book! It addresses with clarity the confused identity and practices of the church in Africa. As a grace carrier, and as a bold, honest, and effective communicator, Conrad Mbewe has vindicated the concerns of the leaders of the church on our continent by addressing the elephant in the room. He has called by name what appeared to be a no-go area and described it as unacceptable. But he has also demonstrated that there is still a remnant who have not ‘bowed their knees to Baal.’ Above all, Mbewe has offered practical, Bible-based solutions to the current weaknesses and problems of the church. A thoroughly readable and thought-provoking book, it has left me with renewed hope for the church in Africa. I enthusiastically recommend it to all church leaders on our continent and especially to our leadership training institutions.” Paul E. Mususu, President, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia
“The church is the bride of Christ. It is God’s plan ‘A’ in his work of redemption. As such, it is paramount that we know and understand God’s design for the church. In this volume, Conrad Mbewe has done yeoman’s work in that regard. In an age when pragmatism and innovation are held in higher esteem than doctrine and theology, this book is a breath of fresh air. With the accuracy of a theologian and the tender heart of a shepherd, Mbewe weaves a tapestry that combines timeless truths and contemporary insights into a helpful resource for Christians of every stripe. In this time of biblical and ecclesiological illiteracy, the usefulness of this book cannot be overestimated.” Voddie Baucham Jr., Dean of the School of Divinity, African Christian University
CWNS dsfc cwnp
BRAND NEW TITLE - 50% OFF
 SGCB Price: $10.00 (list price $20.00)
|
