Most influential churches in Zambia.

Is Living waters international the richest church? Zambia is a predominantly Christian country, and many churches play a significant role in the nation's spiritual, social, and cultural life. 

list of churches in Zambia


Here are some of the most influential churches in Zambia:

1. United Church of Zambia (UCZ)

  • Significance: One of the largest Protestant denominations in Zambia, formed through the union of several missionary churches.
  • Impact: Known for its community outreach programs, schools, and hospitals.
  • Reach: Extensive presence in rural and urban areas.

2. Catholic Church

  • Significance: The largest single Christian denomination in Zambia.
  • Impact: Operates many schools, hospitals, and charity programs; often speaks on social justice issues.
  • Notable Figures: Influential Catholic leaders like Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe.

3. Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAOG)

  • Significance: A prominent Pentecostal denomination with a growing following.
  • Impact: Known for its vibrant worship services, youth engagement, and social programs.

4. Bread of Life Church International

  • Leader: Bishop Joe Imakando.
  • Impact: A key player in Zambia’s Pentecostal movement, focusing on spiritual growth and community development.
  • Programs: Known for its conferences, television ministry, and large gatherings.

5. Seventh-day Adventist Church

  • Significance: A major Protestant denomination in Zambia.
  • Impact: Operates schools, clinics, and health programs; promotes holistic health and education.
  • Key Feature: Observes the Sabbath on Saturdays.

6. Winners’ Chapel International

  • Leader: Bishop David Oyedepo (Nigeria-based founder).
  • Impact: Strong influence through its Lusaka branch, focusing on prosperity teachings and community outreach.

7. Christian Missions in Many Lands (CMML)

  • Significance: Known for its evangelical focus and community programs.
  • Impact: Active in rural development and spreading Christian teachings.

8. Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ)

  • Significance: One of the oldest Protestant churches in Zambia.
  • Impact: Engages in education, healthcare, and rural outreach.

9. Jehovah’s Witnesses

  • Significance: Known for its distinctive door-to-door evangelism and literature distribution.
  • Impact: Operates large conventions and community education programs.

10. Anglican Church

  • Significance: Part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
  • Impact: Influential in education, healthcare, and community leadership.

Other Influential Churches

  • Grace Ministries Mission International (GMMI): Focuses on evangelism and community development.
  • Prophetic Ministries: Emerging churches led by charismatic leaders like Prophet Shepherd Bushiri have a growing influence.

Factors Contributing to Influence

  1. Community Development: Churches that engage in education, healthcare, and charity tend to have a broader impact.
  2. Media Presence: Churches with strong media ministries, such as TV and radio programs, influence a wider audience.
  3. Leadership: Charismatic and visionary leaders often attract large followings.
  4. Youth Engagement: Churches with active youth programs resonate with Zambia's young population.

Richest churches in Zambia

The wealth of churches in Zambia often stems from their large congregations, extensive networks, real estate, and contributions from members. While exact financial figures are rarely disclosed, the following churches are considered among the wealthiest due to their infrastructure, programs, and influence:

1. Catholic Church

  • Wealth Sources: Contributions from a vast membership, real estate, schools, hospitals, and international funding.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Operates numerous schools, hospitals, and parishes across Zambia.
  • Influence: As the largest single denomination in Zambia, the Catholic Church has significant resources.

2. Bread of Life Church International

  • Leader: Bishop Joe Imakando.
  • Wealth Sources: Large congregation contributions, television ministry, conferences, and real estate.
  • Notable Infrastructure: The Blessing Centre in Lusaka is one of the largest church buildings in Zambia.

3. Winners’ Chapel International

  • Leader: Bishop David Oyedepo (Nigeria-based founder).
  • Wealth Sources: Tithes and offerings from its growing Zambian branch, tied to the global Winners’ Chapel network.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Large worship centers and programs promoting prosperity theology.

4. United Church of Zambia (UCZ)

  • Wealth Sources: Contributions from its extensive membership and investments in schools, hospitals, and other properties.
  • Notable Infrastructure: One of Zambia’s oldest and most established denominations with widespread real estate holdings.

5. Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAOG)

  • Wealth Sources: Tithes, offerings, and support from international Pentecostal networks.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Many churches, schools, and training centers across Zambia.

6. Seventh-day Adventist Church

  • Wealth Sources: Contributions from members, investments in schools, hospitals, and global support from the Adventist network.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Extensive presence with numerous educational and health institutions.

7. Christian Missions in Many Lands (CMML)

  • Wealth Sources: Donations, international missionary funding, and local support.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Rural development programs, schools, and churches.

8. Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ)

  • Wealth Sources: Tithes and offerings, along with long-standing real estate investments.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Many churches and community outreach projects.

9. Grace Ministries Mission International (GMMI)

  • Wealth Sources: Contributions from members and international evangelical networks.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Large worship centers and a growing media presence.

10. Mount Zion Christian Centre

  • Leader: Bishop Dr. Bernard Nwaka.
  • Wealth Sources: Member contributions, conferences, and media ministry.
  • Notable Infrastructure: Large congregation and community projects.

Factors Contributing to Wealth

  1. Tithes and Offerings: Regular contributions from large congregations.
  2. Real Estate: Ownership of valuable properties, including schools, hospitals, and church buildings.
  3. Media Ministries: Revenue from TV, radio programs, and online platforms.
  4. International Support: Many churches receive financial aid from their global networks.
  5. Conferences and Events: Income from hosting large gatherings, such as crusades and seminars.

These churches not only have significant financial resources but also play vital roles in Zambia’s spiritual and social development . All churches are regulated by council of churches in Zambia. Churches act as uniting social institutions including marriage counseling.