Malawi means “flame” in the national language of the land, Chichewa. Certainly the Spirit’s fire can be witnessed at work in the Lutheran Church of Central Africa – Malawi (LCCA-M). Since WELS started the mission in 1963, the LCCA-M has grown to more than 44,000 members in 133 congregations served by 29 national pastors. The good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in both rural and urban communities from the north to the south of the country. In addition, five resident WELS missionaries based in Lilongwe serve the needs of our sister synod partners across Africa. Learn more about WELS mission history in Malawi.

An extensive pastor training program works to provide more national pastors for the future. The Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI), located in Lilongwe, Malawi, prepares members of both the LCCA-M and Lutheran Church of Central Africa-Zambia (LCCA-Z) for their seminary studies. After three years of training at the Lutheran Bible Institute, students move on to the Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia, for three additional years of seminary studies. Students from both Zambia and Malawi are then called to work in the Lord’s harvest fields in their home country.

Fast Facts

• Congregations: 133
• Baptized national members: 44,000+
• National pastors: 29
• National evangelists: 1
• Vicars: 4
• Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) students: 10
• Seminary students: 8
• Missionaries: 5