Missionary profile – Dr. Conrad Mbewe

By Mercy Kambura

Dr. Conrad Mbewe

Zambian Missionary and Pastor

I’m a missionary great-grandkid; my great-grandfather was a missionary in the mission society that brought David Livingstone to Zambia. Centuries later, on the 30th of March, 1979, the faith they brought to my country reached me, and I got born again.

After my salvation, I went to study for a degree in mining engineering. I worked in the copper mines for three years, and then Kabwata Baptist Church called me. I have been pastoring the church for the last 35 years. I’ve been a missionary and hold a Ph.D. in missions.

Initially, my church was not primarily thinking about missions. In 1994, a church that was almost dying called us to help them to be revitalized. At the same time, some individuals reached out to us to help them get their churches off the ground.

As elders, my colleague and I went to the committee to seek permission from the church to do this. Unexpectedly, we were met with a resounding “no” and myriad reasons why this was impossible. The explanations ranged from understaffing to lack of money and other resources.

However, as leaders, we were convinced to do it, so we began. We’ve since sent more than 30 missionaries and planted over 30 churches across Zambia and Africa. It’s been great seeing the church warming up to the missions agenda.

Is the African Church focused on missions? Are the pastors supporting the missionaries in the field? Is there a clash between the Church and missionaries, and what can be done about it?

We’re not taking over the mission baton and running with it—that should change.

Watch my interview with AfriGO Conversations as we talk about how pastors can shepherd a sending church and what roles the church and the missionary should play to create symbiosis. https://youtu.be/as5SSWmN2MM?feature=shared