Full time Church workers include Ministers, Deaconesses, Evangelists and Youth Workers. Stipends are paid at the central office, which is Synod Headquarters. Manse visitation help in sustaining the minister's livelihood.

The main responsibilities 'of the Reverend is to preach the word and to administer the sacraments; the minister is also the administrator of the congregation and is assisted by the lay that are trained to fulfill certain functions. The Deaconesses are social workers, the Evangelists are supposed to concentrate on evangelism but they too are assigned congregations due to shortage of personnel, Youth workers work with the young people.

The Church is growing at a fast rate so one of the other functions of a minister if to train the Lay to take up certain responsibilities. Most of this training role is done by Theological Education by Extension, which is a body of various Denominations. In rural areas, the Minister is required to cover as many as 10-2O Congregations, rural ministry involves traveling long distances in order to reach and minister to the members, and this means that the Church worker is expected to spend nights away from home.

MINISTRY IN KITWE/ CHIMWEMWE

Kitwe is the third largest town in Zambia. I am the Consistory Chairperson in charge of thirteen other congregations apart from Chimwemwe, which is my main congregation with a membership of 2300. I also help out on the other congregation with a membership of 700.

All congregations are expected to have Elders, Deacons or Stewards to manage the life and work of the districts or sections as we call them. The Elder is responsible for pastoral life of members within her section; any matters needing Minister's attention are brought by the elder. The Minister is expected to visit all members in the company of Elder and Deacons; confidential Matters are dealt with during vestry hours. I have two vestry hours in a week.

The Congregation has got groups, which are very active these include the Women Christian Fellowship, Men Christian Fellowship and Youth. Sunday school, BB, GB, Choirs and Youth Fellowship, most of these groups have got uniforms. Apart from the groups there also Committees which undertake various ministries such as Doctrine, Worship and Evangelism committee, responsible for planning worship and organize Evangelism Campaigns, Christian Training, Constitution Rules and Regulations, Communication, Projects, Social Services, Church Planning and Development, Helping People to Act (CWM), HIV AND AIDS, and since we have Community High School, there is also a Management Board .We have introduced Computer Classes and the department is run by William.

My role as a minister is to direct the operations of these groups and committees with the help of office bearers that is the secretaries and treasurer of the congregation.