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INTRODUCTION
The Mission and Evangelism Department of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has a rich history rooted in the Church’s commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and transforming communities.
The first Director for Evangelism was Rev. William Hicks from Canada, who served for over 20 years. He was succeeded by Rev. Donald Walker from Scotland, who also served faithfully for several years. The third Director, Rev. Alex Mwalilino, served from 1993 to 1999, during which time he played a key role in establishing the department under the Church’s restructuring exercise that gave birth to the Mission and Evangelism Department.
In 1999, Rev. Derek Suwilanji Silwenga was appointed as the first Mission and Evangelism Secretary (MES) and was sent for further studies, while Rev. Alex Mwalilino continued to serve as Acting MES until 2000.
MISSION AND EVANGELISM SECRETARIES
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Rev. Derek Suwilanji Silwenga – 1999 to 2006
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Rev. Sydney Sichilima – 2007 to 2008
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Rev. Dr. Richard Chimfwembe – 2010 to 2017
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Rev. Morgan Silwenga – 2018 to 2021
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Rev. Andrew Chulu – 2022 to present
FORMER DEPARTMENTS AMALGAMATED INTO MISSION & EVANGELISM
Before the Stewardship, Women’s, and Youth Departments were abolished and amalgamated into the Mission and Evangelism Department, the following officers served as Directors:
Stewardship Directors
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Rev. Kapongo – 1986 to 1990
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Rev. B. B. Sinyangwe – 1991 to 1995
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Rev. Kapongo – (served again)
Women’s Department
Youth Department
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Mr. Andrew Muwowo – 1988 to 1996
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Late Rev. Paul Matembo – 1996 to 1999
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Rev. Mulenga Mulumbwa – 2024 to present
VISION
The total salvation of humanity, with spiritual restoration and physical well-being fully reconciled in Christ, the only Saviour.
This vision is achieved through empowerment by training, facilitating, and encouraging members to participate in evangelism, discipleship, and community service by offering their gifts, talents, time, skills, resources, and professional experience.
MISSION STATEMENT
The United Church of Zambia is committed to spreading the Good News of Salvation to the Zambian people and all nations in fulfilment of Christ’s mission to the world.
The mission empowers congregations at grassroots level to actively participate in community development and in the implementation of all UCZ activities.
GOAL
The overall goal of the department, in line with the UCZ Synod Strategic Plan, is to:
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Increase the number of people saved
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Improve the quality of spiritual, social, economic, and physical well-being
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Strengthen organizational capacity for effective and efficient service delivery
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Promote meaningful Christian stewardship through prudent resource mobilization and utilization
LOCATION
The Mission and Evangelism Department offices are located in Ndola, at House No. 14, Chikola Crescent, Itawa Area.
ADMINISTRATION AND STAFFING
The department is staffed by both full-time and part-time personnel who support its wide-ranging mandate.
STAFF MEMBERS
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Rev. Andrew Chulu – Synod Mission and Evangelism Secretary
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Ms. Evelyn Mphande – Administrative Staff
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Mrs. Tiliya Manda Musukwa – Administrative Staff
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Benjamin Katebe – Part-time Bookkeeper
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Mission and Evangelism Department coordinates and oversees all mission-related work within the Church, including:
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Men’s Christian Fellowship (MCF)
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Women’s Christian Fellowship (WCF)
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Youth Ministry
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Stewardship Committee
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Doctrine, Worship and Evangelism (DWE) Committee
Key Responsibilities Include:
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Interpreting and implementing the UCZ Vision and Mission
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Facilitating evangelism, discipleship, and church growth
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Developing manuals, Bible study guides, and training materials
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Organizing conferences, retreats, seminars, and workshops
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Supporting stewardship, youth, women, and men’s development programmes
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Coordinating Synod committee meetings and preparing reports
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Managing Church property under the department’s care
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Promoting environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship skills
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Marketing UCZ mission programmes locally and internationally
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Facilitating children’s ministry and Sunday School training
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Planning and executing evangelism campaigns and church planting
COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY INTERNATIONAL (CBSI)
In collaboration with Community Bible Study International (CBSI), the department conducts Training of Trainers (TOT) programmes across the country. Over 1,000 people have been trained in various UCZ Presbyteries to effectively lead Bible study groups.
TEAM OF WRITERS
The department oversees a dedicated team of manual and lesson writers who produce teaching materials that support effective discipleship, pastoral care, and Christian education across the Church.
SYNOD WCF CHOIR
The Synod WCF Choir comprises members from all ten (10) Presbyteries. The choir serves as an outreach ministry, supporting rural congregations and UCZ institutions through ministry, donations, and mission visits.
UCZ UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SYNOD CAMPAIGNS
In partnership with UCZ University College, the department conducts annual Synod evangelism campaigns. These campaigns provide hands-on training in soul-winning for theological and diaconal students while contributing to church planting, especially in rural areas.
YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Sponsored by the Council for World Mission (CWM) and CEVAA, the Youth Exchange Programme promotes learning, exposure, and leadership development among UCZ youth, strengthening the Church’s mission capacity.
PRAYER, FASTING, AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES
The department facilitates prayer and fasting meetings, youth conferences, seminars, workshops, musical festivals, Sunday School conferences, and sporting activities across all Presbyteries—using holistic ministry as an effective evangelism tool.
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