By the end of our lifetimes, Western Christianity might be a footnote to God’s work in Africa. About 9 million Christians lived in Africa at the beginning of the 20th century. But that number reached 380 million by the year 2000. And it’s still growing.

Conrad Mbewe has served as pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, since 1987. And he’s become one of the continent’s most widely respected church leaders. He’s a senior lecturer at African Christian University, founding Council member of TGC Africa, and past keynote speaker for The Gospel Coalition National Conference.

This week on Gospelbound I talked to him about his new book, God’s Design for the Church: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders, published by TGC and 9Marks with Crossway. It’s not that Africa needs a different kind of Christianity. But many common challenges for ministry in Africa simply don’t arise in books published in the West. You’ll hear in the interview Conrad’s appreciation for the unique strengths of African churches. And you’ll also get his clear-eyed analysis of their particular weaknesses.

I especially appreciated his observations about why we need these kinds of conversations between Christians across the oceans. And why we need books going to and from both directions. The West can still play a beneficial role in encouraging our brothers and sisters in Africa.