Last month I visited Malawi for the first time. I met pastors and educators in Lilongwe, the capital, and held three workshops for rural pastors about 2 hours north of the capital. One fruit of that trip was meeting Bester Phiri. Bester translated for me during the three workshops, and after multiple conversations while I was there and since, he was appointed Krapf Project Regional Representative in Malawi. He will translate The Pastor’s Study magazines, organise printing and distribution, hold regional workshops, and network with rural pastors.
Bester has hit the ground running: yesterday, he sent me an excellent piece about the needs of rural pastors in Malawi—and in Africa more broadly.
HOW THE KRAPF PROJECT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Pastors in Malawi, especially in rural communities, face challenges that hinder sound biblical teaching, effective pastoral care, and healthy church leadership. Though many are deeply committed to serving God’s people, they often lack the resources, training, and support to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
These challenges create opportunities to invest in pastoral development through biblical and theological training, mentorship, Christian literature, and cross-denominational partnerships. Major challenges facing pastors in Malawi include:
- Lack of Sound Biblical and Theological Content
Although many pastors faithfully answer God’s call, some lack the biblical and theological resources needed to preach and teach effectively. They may rely on others’ sermons without the foundation to assess their accuracy, exposing congregations to doctrinal error. Pastors therefore need sound biblical resources, theological knowledge, and the ability to handle Scripture faithfully.
- Limited Access to Theological Training
Many rural pastors lack access to formal theological education. Though eager to learn, they face several barriers: insufficient academic qualifications, unaffordable tuition and other costs, and limited access to scholarships or sponsorships. As a result, many serve without adequate theological preparation despite their willingness to grow.
- Barriers to fellowship and shared learning
Limited interaction across denominational boundaries can hinder fellowship, mutual learning and Christian growth. Pastors with strong Reformed theology and ministry experience often work mainly within their own denominations, reducing opportunities to share their knowledge and strengthen other church leaders. In the African context, the Reformed church must foster more proactive and patient engagement across denominations, sharing its theological resources and ministry experience to support Christian growth.
- The Influence of the Prosperity Gospel and Other Unbiblical Teachings
Prosperity-oriented teachings are a growing concern for Malawi’s Church. By prioritising wealth, success, and instant breakthroughs over biblical truth, they distort the Gospel. These messages often spread from influential urban preachers to rural communities, where pastors with limited theological training or resources may imitate them without critical evaluation. As a result, congregations risk embracing a distorted Gospel that downplays the cost of discipleship. Pastors urgently need stronger biblical discernment, a deeper grasp of the Gospel of grace, and training to teach the whole counsel of God.
- Lack of Pastoral Mentorship and Accountability
Many rural pastors lack consistent mentorship, spiritual guidance, and accountability. Isolated from experienced, theologically grounded leaders, they have few chances to learn. Pastoral ministry demands more than preaching and organizing church activities; it requires maturity, character, wisdom, and the ability to shepherd people through life’s seasons. Mentorship from experienced leaders can strengthen emerging pastors’ character, skills, and long-term effectiveness.
- Limited Access to Christian Literature and Learning Resources
Many rural pastors lack access to quality Christian literature, including study Bibles, theological books, commentaries, and systematic theology resources. Even those eager to deepen their biblical understanding often cannot afford or obtain these materials. Providing reliable, affordable resources would support their learning, sermon preparation, and biblical understanding.
- Socioeconomic Pressures on Pastoral Ministry
Many rural pastors lack sustainable financial support and receive little or no regular pay, making it hard to support their families. Some must balance ministry with income-generating work, which can limit their availability, focus, and long-term commitment. Sustainable support systems are needed to encourage responsible stewardship and self-reliance.
Opportunities for the Krapf Project to Strengthen Pastoral Ministry in Malawi
The challenges outlined above offer the Krapf Project an important opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting contribution to the Church in Malawi, especially in rural communities. Instead of focusing solely on occasional assistance, the Krapf Project adopts a strategic, sustainable approach to pastoral development through the following initiatives:
First, biblical and theological training: The Krapf Project provides accessible programmes that equip pastors to understand and faithfully interpret Scripture and communicate the Gospel accurately.
Second, scholarships and educational support: The Krapf Project can identify committed rural pastors who seek theological education but cannot meet the financial or academic requirements for formal training and explore ways to help.
Third, interdenominational learning and partnerships: The Krapf Project creates opportunities for pastors from different evangelical backgrounds to gather for biblical teaching, fellowship, mutual encouragement, and ministry collaboration.
Fourth, biblical discernment and Gospel-centred teaching: The Krapf Project equips pastors to identify and address false teachings, especially prosperity messages, and deepen their grasp of the Gospel of grace and God’s full counsel.
Fifth, pastoral mentorship: The Krapf Project connects experienced, biblically grounded pastors with emerging rural church leaders for ongoing guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
Sixth, Christian literature and resource distribution: The Krapf Project provides pastors in rural areas with affordable access to quality theological books, study Bibles, commentaries, and other biblical learning materials.
Seventh, pastoral welfare and sustainable ministry: The Krapf Project explores ways to help pastors overcome financial challenges, serve congregations effectively, and care for their families.
Conclusion: The most strategic way to strengthen Malawi’s Church.
The Church in Malawi does not need more pastors; it needs pastors who are biblically grounded, theologically equipped, and spiritually mature to shepherd God’s people. Investing in rural pastors strengthens the Church and communities. Equipped and supported pastors can teach sound doctrine, disciple believers, provide pastoral care, and develop faithful leaders. The Krapf Project is helping to address these needs through sustainable pastoral development. The goal is not simply more trained pastors, but healthy churches rooted in God’s Word, proclaiming Christ’s true Gospel, and making mature disciples.
Bester Phiri
Krapf Project Regional Representative, Malawi