Pastors' School

The first session of Kafakumba Pastors’ School was held in 1963 at a small compound that had recently been built on the shores of Lake Kafakumba in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The school grew out of a situation that developed in the DRC where the United Methodist Church opened a large number of congregations in villages throughout the southern area of the country; however, there were few trained clergy to work in these villages.

Each small congregation would have a leader, but the leader often had no training at all. Kafakumba Pastors’ School allowed these lay leaders to come for 4-6 weeks a year over an 8 year period and receive education that would allow them to lead their congregations better, as well as become ordained as ministers in the United Methodist Church. It was also soon recognized that these village pastors held an important position within the community and were able to share information concerning health, agriculture, development, and other needs in their village environment. The Kafakumba Pastors’ School broadened its curriculum to incorporate some training in these areas also. 

The school was held at Lake Kafakumba, DRC every year until 1998, with the number of students growing to about 120. Half of the students (those who had attended the school for at least four years) were allowed to bring their wives and young children. A complete program was set up for the wives and children as well. In 1998, major political unrest erupted in the Congo and continued until 2005 and beyond. During that time the school opened a new campus in Ndola, Zambia, which lies near the Zambia/Congo border. 

A facility was purchased in the Fisenge area (near Ndola, Zambia), and after only a one year break, the Kafakumba Pastors’ School resumed under John Enright’s leadership. Students come from the DRC, Zambia, Namibia and Tanzania (with occasional students from other countries). That program continues today at the Zambia location with approximately 100 pastors, as well as at the DRC location with about 100 pastors. In addition, many of the pastors’ spouses and children attend.

The annual Pastors’ School is the premiere event at the Kafakumba Training Center. It is the means by which we equip and train pastors to carry the Good News of the Kingdom throughout Central Africa. Pastors’ School is also an expensive activity, requiring annual funding of about $70-80,000 from friends and donors as well as many volunteer hours from teachers and helpers.