What do you think?
Rate this book
Pastoral Preaching: Building a People for God
More and more pulpits are occupied by motivational speakers rather than preachers.Church congregations are not being given a comprehensive, biblical understanding of the faith. Drawing on his own experience as a pastor in Zambia, Conrad Mbewe tackles issues such as the content of pastoral preaching, how pastoral preaching relates to church life, finding the time to prepare pastoral sermons, and dealing with discouragement. Throughout the book, it is clear that the author’s conviction is to see preachers grow strong churches, to build a people for God.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2017
12 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Mbewe
46 books21 followersSince 1987 Conrad Mbewe (pronounced em-bay'-way) has been pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia. He is widely known as the Spurgeon of Africa for both his preaching and devotion to the ministry. His church is presently overseeing the start of more than twenty Baptist churches in Africa, often reaching out in communities where there is little or no evangelical witness. In recent years he has been in high demand as a conference speaker and missions adviser. He writes two articles every week for national Zambian newspapers, edits the Reformation Zambia magazine, is President of a small Reformed Baptist seminary, and recently spoke at the national conference for The Gospel Coalition in Chicago, IL, USA. As a churchman, he has been interviewed by Tim Challies of challies.com, by Mark Dever of 9Marks ministries, and D.A. Carson of The Gospel Coalition. To this day the influence of his ministry continues to deepen and expand. Conrad Mbewe has a unique ability to convey the truth of God's Word through clear, fresh, and powerful exposition. His pastoral and administrative experience in church matters situates him uniquely among evangelical leaders in the world. You can learn much more about Conrad and his ministry at this website: resources.grantedministries.org/found...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 4, 2017
A refreshingly practical look at the task of those who are called by God to be Heralds of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mbewe helpfully distinguishes the differences between "Evangelistic" preaching and "Pastoral" preaching - the lines are often blurred between the two. Mbewe emphasises that both types of preaching are necessary in a local congregation, but the purpose & goal of each is quite distinct. This book obviously focuses on how evangelistic preaching must lead in to the work of pastoral preaching, and he masterfully unpacks what the latter looks like in the life of the pastor or elders tasked with caring gor the local flock of God.
Mbewe covers a lot of ground divided into 7 different sections, each section consists of three relatively short, easy-to-read, power-packed-practical chapters. Of significance is that all the lessons in this book are not one mean's idea of what pastoral preaching is, but lessons drawn directly from the teaching of the Bible.
Personally I found chapter 10, "Preaching & praying as spiritual warfare" exceptionally helpful and convicting; section E ("Using the whole Bible for Pastoral Preaching") contains three chapters which every serious preacher seeking to 'build a people for God' will benefit from.
Mbewe covers a lot of ground divided into 7 different sections, each section consists of three relatively short, easy-to-read, power-packed-practical chapters. Of significance is that all the lessons in this book are not one mean's idea of what pastoral preaching is, but lessons drawn directly from the teaching of the Bible.
Personally I found chapter 10, "Preaching & praying as spiritual warfare" exceptionally helpful and convicting; section E ("Using the whole Bible for Pastoral Preaching") contains three chapters which every serious preacher seeking to 'build a people for God' will benefit from.
July 28, 2025
In Pastoral Preaching, Conrad Mbewe gives a blueprint from the pulpit on building a people for God.
The book begins by distinguishing between pastoral preaching and evangelistic preaching. Both use the analogy of a shepherd to describe what a pastor does. While evangelistic preaching brings sheep into the fold, pastoral preaching aims at maturing the sheep through the preaching and teaching of God‘s Word. Pastoral preaching is done in the context of a local church.
From Your Heart to the Church
I was most moved to read that a primary implication of the church–pastor relationship is that pastoral preaching should flow out of a heart that dearly loves the people of God in the church. The pastor will get involved with the lives of the people, develop relationships with families, and pray for them. The book goes into detail about how pastoral preaching is both learned by modeling and by training.
After a section on teaching what it means to use the whole Bible for pastoral preaching, the book examines how to find power for pastoral teaching. While the pastor’s study life is important, so is the pastor’s prayer life. A godly life is the fruit of both study and prayer, and this is the heart of the pastor’s power.
For the World to Hear
What sets this book apart from other books on preaching—or even pastoring—is that the author is from Africa. His examples and illustrations show that pastoral preaching is a universal and biblical concern.
As a layperson, I found Pastoral Preaching both humbling and inspiring. Mbewe’s perspective reminded me that faithful pastoral ministry isn’t limited by geography or culture—it’s a global calling rooted in Scripture and empowered by love for God’s people.
I received a media copy of Pastoral Preaching and this is my honest review.
The book begins by distinguishing between pastoral preaching and evangelistic preaching. Both use the analogy of a shepherd to describe what a pastor does. While evangelistic preaching brings sheep into the fold, pastoral preaching aims at maturing the sheep through the preaching and teaching of God‘s Word. Pastoral preaching is done in the context of a local church.
From Your Heart to the Church
I was most moved to read that a primary implication of the church–pastor relationship is that pastoral preaching should flow out of a heart that dearly loves the people of God in the church. The pastor will get involved with the lives of the people, develop relationships with families, and pray for them. The book goes into detail about how pastoral preaching is both learned by modeling and by training.
After a section on teaching what it means to use the whole Bible for pastoral preaching, the book examines how to find power for pastoral teaching. While the pastor’s study life is important, so is the pastor’s prayer life. A godly life is the fruit of both study and prayer, and this is the heart of the pastor’s power.
For the World to Hear
What sets this book apart from other books on preaching—or even pastoring—is that the author is from Africa. His examples and illustrations show that pastoral preaching is a universal and biblical concern.
As a layperson, I found Pastoral Preaching both humbling and inspiring. Mbewe’s perspective reminded me that faithful pastoral ministry isn’t limited by geography or culture—it’s a global calling rooted in Scripture and empowered by love for God’s people.
I received a media copy of Pastoral Preaching and this is my honest review.
September 20, 2022
3.5
Conrad Mbewe has written a pastoral theology/homiletics book that he sees meeting a need in his African context, where ministerial books written by westerners can be unhelpful or lacking perspective. As such he warns against concerning trends that I don't observe in my context (largely around viewing pastors as good witch doctors) and gives advice for being productive in settings that are not well resourced and don't value punctuality. That aside, there wasn't really anything in the book I hadn't come across before. Even still, the book did give me a good goading. I appreciated immensely what he said on "double listening." This is so key for preaching and if more pastors take him up on this, our pulpits will be way less boring. I'd maybe push back on his hard and fast distinction between "evangelistic preaching" and "pastoral preaching." Insisting on them always being together seems to me at least to be Pauline, and I would push back a little against separating what God has joined together (though to be sure, Mbewe does acknowledge that there is overlap).
Conrad Mbewe has written a pastoral theology/homiletics book that he sees meeting a need in his African context, where ministerial books written by westerners can be unhelpful or lacking perspective. As such he warns against concerning trends that I don't observe in my context (largely around viewing pastors as good witch doctors) and gives advice for being productive in settings that are not well resourced and don't value punctuality. That aside, there wasn't really anything in the book I hadn't come across before. Even still, the book did give me a good goading. I appreciated immensely what he said on "double listening." This is so key for preaching and if more pastors take him up on this, our pulpits will be way less boring. I'd maybe push back on his hard and fast distinction between "evangelistic preaching" and "pastoral preaching." Insisting on them always being together seems to me at least to be Pauline, and I would push back a little against separating what God has joined together (though to be sure, Mbewe does acknowledge that there is overlap).
January 16, 2022
Conrad Mbewe has pastored the Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia for over three decades. This book is a passionate warm-hearted address from pastor-to-pastor. It is addressed to the African context with illustrations and advice to African preachers.
Mbewe has given his readers a very practical book on what he calls "pastoral preaching" (as distinguished from evangelistic preaching, cf. p. 2f.). If you are looking for a book on homiletics, this is not it. If you are looking for a "how-to-manual," this is not it. It is, however, biblical and practical instruction from the heart of a pastor.
He defines pastoral preaching, its context, the training for pastoral preaching, its challenges, the sources for pastoral preaching, and the power and rewards for pastoral preaching. I recommend it, especially for ministers beginning the journey of preaching. I will require theology students at Africa Nazarene University to read portions of it for my course in homiletics.
Mbewe has given his readers a very practical book on what he calls "pastoral preaching" (as distinguished from evangelistic preaching, cf. p. 2f.). If you are looking for a book on homiletics, this is not it. If you are looking for a "how-to-manual," this is not it. It is, however, biblical and practical instruction from the heart of a pastor.
He defines pastoral preaching, its context, the training for pastoral preaching, its challenges, the sources for pastoral preaching, and the power and rewards for pastoral preaching. I recommend it, especially for ministers beginning the journey of preaching. I will require theology students at Africa Nazarene University to read portions of it for my course in homiletics.
July 13, 2021
An excellent primer on preaching!
Admittedly a beginner's book, Pastoral Preaching is a surprisingly comprehensive book on the ins and outs of preaching and pastoring. Whether you are a beginner looking for help in getting started or a long-experienced pastor looking to refresh your pastoral tools, this book will provide practical help, tips, and reminders.
Mr. Mbewe writes from an African perspective specifically for African pastors. Thus, Pastoral Preaching is aimed at helping those who don't already have plenty of help (training) available. Incidentally, Westerners are given an outside perspective on preaching as well as a glimpse into life as a majority world pastor. Through Mr. Mbewe's humble and expert advice here, the church is strengthened, pastors sharpened, and the Word of God advanced globally.
Admittedly a beginner's book, Pastoral Preaching is a surprisingly comprehensive book on the ins and outs of preaching and pastoring. Whether you are a beginner looking for help in getting started or a long-experienced pastor looking to refresh your pastoral tools, this book will provide practical help, tips, and reminders.
Mr. Mbewe writes from an African perspective specifically for African pastors. Thus, Pastoral Preaching is aimed at helping those who don't already have plenty of help (training) available. Incidentally, Westerners are given an outside perspective on preaching as well as a glimpse into life as a majority world pastor. Through Mr. Mbewe's humble and expert advice here, the church is strengthened, pastors sharpened, and the Word of God advanced globally.
October 26, 2022
A very good book on the preaching ministry of pastors, which would be an especially good read for people preparing for pastoral ministry. Conrad Mbewe helpfully puts preaching in its wider pastoral ministry context, and includes chapters on the personal life of the pastor, which were helpful (and convicting!) It's also a surprisingly comprehensive book, which includes (for example) chapters on preaching different genres of Scripture. The author is writing primarily for an African context, but the content is relevant for anywhere the Word of God is preached. Overall, a lot of wisdom and encouragement, all in under 200 pages.
I do have some points of disagreement, and I think Conrad Mbewe perhaps unhelpfully elevates the role of pastor above other elders. But this is definitely a book I’m thankful for, and wish had been published when I was training for ministry.
I do have some points of disagreement, and I think Conrad Mbewe perhaps unhelpfully elevates the role of pastor above other elders. But this is definitely a book I’m thankful for, and wish had been published when I was training for ministry.
October 14, 2019
The trio of chapters towards the end on ‘The Pastor’s study life, prayer life, and own life’ were particularly compelling and convicting.
May 12, 2025
This is definitely a must read for every pastor in Africa! May God use this book for pastors to take preaching very seriously, as God‘s holy Word being proclaimed.
July 8, 2025
The book's greatest strength is its simplicity. The average pastor in Africa will find Conrad Mbewe to be a clear and helpful guide for understanding and improving their preaching.
July 24, 2023
Would serve as an excellent introductory text to preaching. Also has encouragement and things to learn for the more seasoned.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews