A most encouraging development in recent years has been the opportunity to get Pastors and other Church leaders together for fellowship and teaching. This started with one conference in 2003 and quickly expanded to two annually, one of which is held at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi.
	The speakers have included Rev Abraham Folayan, Rev Saul Mateyu, both lecturers at EBCoM, Rev Timothy Alford of Stowmarket, who has attended all the conferences, Rev. Andrew Docherty, now pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church, Ipswich and Rev Richard Underwood, General Secretary, FIEC.

The conferences, which last for 4-5 days, consist of both plenary and group sessions with participants completing a workbook on the topics studied.

During the closing session each person is presented with a set of study and devotional books to help them in their personal life and wider ministry. These, like the costs of the speakers and the venues, have been kindly sponsored by friends in the UK.

Tim Alford presenting booksets during the 2005 conference
held at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi, July 2005.

Comments from 2005 participants

“This week has been a personal blessing to me and a challenge to my ministry. It is my prayer that these conferences should continue because it is not only us who lack such opportunities for learning; there are many, many pastors who are lacking this same grace. Thank you all.”
John Lufani, Baptist Pastor.

"We have been greatly enriched by the sound teaching on so many topics. The generosity of our UK friends and the gift of Christian books will not be forgotten."
CCAP Presbyterian pastor

"The conference was extremely useful and all the teaching helpful. I'’m looking
forward to using the books, and to putting the teaching into practice, in my ministry."
Anglican minister

"The teaching and fellowship were a tremendous encouragement. This conference came at just the right time to refresh and equip me for my ministry. It was a powerful and practical help for the Church leader."
Zambesi Evangelical Church pastor

We hear lots of comments that no one pastors the pastors and many are struggling with great needs. These conferences are helping to fill the gap. One pastor attending this year has been in the ministry for 7 years with no training whatsoever. He was greatly excited to receive some books".
ZM's Rev Abraham Folayan, Conference Co-ordinator

“The spiritual perception of these dear people must not be underestimated, and we should not hesitate to provide them with the best resources to enhance it. I really believe that British believers could learn much from the spiritual hunger, understanding, and relish for the things of God evident here. What a privilege it is to know, love, learn from and serve such people.”
Rev Timothy Alford, Conference Speaker.

John Lufani (Baptist, Alfred Banda (Salvation Army)
and Makweya Chanza (Anglican) gratefully display
the booksets received at the 2005 EBCoM Conference