Title: God’s design for the Church
Subtitle: A guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Author: Conrad Mbewe
Year: 2020
I want to start by saying I highly recommend this wonderful book on the Church. As someone who has benefited from the ministry of Conrad Mbewe and Kabwata Baptist Church, I will confidently say that the principals of this book are by no means just theoretical or an abstract idea. I have seen them in practice during my time there. Kabwata Baptist Church is a good example of a Biblical Church in the African Context. The aim of this book is to give a biblical blueprint of the church in the African context from an African perspective.
This is what the author, in a nutshell, says about the purpose of the book; “This book is written to give the biblical foundations of what the church is meant to be. Many people who make up the church in Africa – including church pastors and ministry leaders – simply inherited the church. They have adopted what they found in the church without really knowing why they do what they do. Without being anchored in the Bible’s teaching about the church, they have been at the mercy of the winds that are blowing and the waves that are beating against the church, consequently, they sometimes take the church in directions that hurt its spiritual life. This is because they are simply flowing with the tide. This zeal that lacks knowledge sometimes results in the church finding itself in seriously unbiblical practices. There is a desperate need for a book that explains God’s design for the church so that those who lead the church can do so in accordance with God’s mind. This is the positive goal of this book.” Page 19.
I won’t go into much detail concerning the content of the book, but I will point out some key elements that are woven in the fabric of the book.
Biblical
Every chapter of the book is grounded on scripture. The ideas presented are clearly defended from the Bible. I read this book with peace, knowing that it is thoroughly biblical. There might be areas that you disagree with, but it’s going to be difficult since you will be taking on something well defended from scripture.
Clear
One of the reasons why Conrad Mbewe is called the African Spurgeon is because he communicates the truth in a clear and simple manner. This comes through as you read every chapter of this book. Again, you might disagree with what he is saying, but you won’t misunderstand what he is saying because he is clear. His illustrations have a way of bringing the point home and making it real for the reader.
Practical
This book deals with the different topics on the church in a practically helpful manner. Conrad Mbewe is a balanced writer who also helps you learn how to think practically about a particular subject. He brings out practical steps that will help you as you seek to apply the principles of this book. This can be noticed throughout the book and particularly in the chapter on how to help in reforming your church. I do not have to guess what I must do in response because it is clearly laid out.
Contextual
As I mentioned earlier, this book is a biblical blueprint for the church in the African context. The illustrations at the beginning of the chapters are very African and help an African reader to be fully engaged. This makes it easier to process the content. Not just the illustrations, but the applications are also very contextual. As someone who has read a lot of good and sound books written from a western perspective, I sometimes must think hard on how I can apply the principles in my context and sometimes I am even confused. But God’s design for the church is very African in its application, and I know exactly what to do after I have read a particular chapter.
Baptistic
Kevin DeYoung in his recommendation of this book says this “As a Presbyterian, I might quibble with a Baptist point here or there, but that doesn’t take away from my overall enthusiasm.” This book although written with a broader audience in mind has a Baptistic bent at some points. Which might deter people from other denominations from diving deeply into the book for the fear of being persuaded. That is one of my critics, although as a Baptist I must say that it is quite accommodative of other denominations on so many levels. In fact, Conrad Mbewe did a four-part presentation on the book at the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church (REACH) South Africa Synod 2022.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this book is a rare gem. It is a wonderful gift for the African church and as the subtitle states, for pastors and ministry leaders. For a Christian, if you have been wondering what a biblical church looks like in the African context, buy a copy, and read it. For churches that have internship programs, make it a required reading for your interns. I would highly recommend it as a textbook on the doctrine of the church for seminaries. I would also recommend that church leaders should each own a copy and read it together as a group and discuss it because will be extremely helpful. I would also recommend that if your church has a bookstore, make sure you order as many copies as possible. The church should make sure that every member has it on their bookshelf. Churches can also work through this book in Bible Study groups or Adult Sunday Schools etc. The church is God’s chosen means to fulfil his purposes here on earth and this book helps us understand how we can be effective in that.
Grace to the Nation 