In this series, those involved with CLC foreign missions profile one aspect of our overseas endeavors.
United in His Word
The Good Shepherd Brings His Zambia-CLC Flock Together
Time and again, the Lord opens doors for the Gospel in places and ways we never planned. A recent visit to Zambia was another reminder that Christ gathers His flock according to His gracious plans, not ours.
The story of the Zambia Confessional Lutheran Church (ZCLC) did not begin through a single coordinated effort. Instead, the Lord worked through two separate ministries that He would later unite in His own time.
About seventeen years ago, Pastor Lumbala of the CCLC, our sister church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, began outreach across the border in northern Zambia. Around twenty independent pastors gathered to study God’s Word, and over time four remained steadfast in the Scriptures. Through the study of His Word, the Lord prepared these men to form the first district of what would become the ZCLC.
At the same time, the Lord was working in another part of the country. In 2009, Pastor Ibrahim, a student of the CLC-affiliated seminary in Tanzania, moved to Lusaka and spent four years doing evangelism and starting a congregation. Recognizing an opportunity in Zambia’s Southern Province, he began outreach in Livingstone, training two local pastors and several evangelists. Over the next several years, despite many health and immigration challenges, the Lord blessed the preaching and teaching of His Word as the work expanded into two other provinces.
Although separated by hundreds of miles and having never met, these pastors and leaders were brought by the Holy Spirit to a unity of doctrine through the study of Scripture.
In May 2026, the Lord brought all these men together in Lusaka for the first official Zambia CLC Pastoral Conference. As we studied God’s Word, pastors who had labored independently for years sat side by side, asking thoughtful questions, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and rejoicing in the unity the Lord had given them. Together they also began organizing their work as a confessional Lutheran church body to serve our Savior’s Kingdom more effectively.
Watching these pastors and church leaders discuss the care of Christ’s flock brought to mind Jesus’ words: “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16 NKJV)
While Jesus is speaking here of gathering all believers into His Holy Christian Church, His promise also reminds us that He continues, through the work of His Holy Spirit, to unite like-minded Christians in true fellowship around His Word. This is a joy to behold! As the psalmist writes, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 NKJV)
The Lord’s timing is often hidden as He works behind the scenes. For years these pastors labored in apparent isolation, yet Christ was quietly gathering His flock and preparing them to serve together in one fellowship built on the foundation of His Word. What appeared to be scattered efforts were, in reality, part of the Lord’s good and gracious plan.
The joy of the conference was made even greater when news arrived that the ZCLC had received official government registration. This important milestone provides legal recognition and stability, allowing congregations to own property, train leaders, conduct marriages and baptisms, and continue proclaiming the truths of God’s Word, all without interference.
Seeing these faithful servants of Christ rejoice was a moving reminder of God’s faithfulness. The Gospel continues to bear fruit in Zambia, encouraging and reminding us that our Good Shepherd is faithfully gathering His sheep through His Word in every corner of the world. What a privilege it is to witness His work!
is a full-time visiting missionary for the Church of the Lutheran Confession.