Recruitment and training of literature evangelists in Mpika Mission district, Zambia

Abstract

Mpika mission district had only 2 full time literature evangelists, compared with other smaller districts in North Zambia field which had more than 3. The district is the largest in Zambia. The aim of this research project is to gain an understanding of the challenge in the recruitment and training of more literature evangelists in Mpika district, and propose a model for removing the challenge. Out of multiple methods which could have been used in this research project program development, the major method which was used for data collection was making arrangements with the local elders of the 4 churches used as pilot churches for the district. The sample focus was 40 members from Central church, 40 members from Lwitikila church, 30 members from Chitulika and 30 members from Shangai church, a total of 140 members. According to the findings of the research project many methods of recruitment and training of literature evangelists were used, but many of them left a negative impact on the recruitment and training of literature evangelists in Mpika district. Church members, elders and other leaders developed a negative attitude towards the literature evangelism work. After implementing the research project development program, it was concluded that it was possible to recruit literature evangelists by using the local church board members. By December 31st 2012 at the end of the research project the number of literature evangelists increased from 2 to 14 evangelists. The interest was created in the literature ministry among elders, church members and other leaders.