Did the gathering have a theme or slogan, and if so, what was it?
“Spiritual Gifts for the Edification of the Church” (Ephesians 4:11–12)
Officiating bishop:
Bishop Owan Tshibang Kasap
Guest speakers and memorable points or quotes by speakers:
None officially invited as keynote speakers. The bishop emphasized church discipline, integrity and use of spiritual gifts in service.
Main actions enacted by the conference:
• Voted for regionalization
• Voted on three other petitions from the General Conference
• Voted to petition for Zambia to become an independent Episcopal Area
• Approved the legal registration of all church property under a trust
• Approved the appointment of new trustees and hiring of legal counsel
• Confirmed the creation of Mushindamo District
• Approved the establishment of a United Methodist medical clinic in 2025-2026
• Suspended in absentia former United Methodist clergy involved in violence
Is the conference planning any new initiatives? Yes
• Launch of an income-generating agricultural project on 250 hectares donated by Chief Shamanga
• Establishment of a conference medical clinic
• Plans to build trust-based legal ownership of church properties
Did the conference take any action related to the recent General Conference? Yes
• Voted for regionalization
• Ratified three other petitions transparently via Open Voting System
Did your conference approve redistricting?
Yes. The conference created Mushindamo District, split from Solwezi. This brings the total number of districts in the Zambia Annual Conference to 10.
Is your conference planning to merge with another conference or conferences?
No. The conference resolved that Zambia should not merge with any other region or conference due to its geographic, demographic and administrative readiness.
Number of churches that closed:
A total of 14 closings:
- Kasama
- Mbala
- Chimula
- Chambishi
- Manyama
- Kisasa
- Kanyama
- Mungwayanga
- Mukangala
- Keumba
- Mavuta
- Nyiishi
- Munwa
- Kasonga
One new church started in Zamtani.
Did your conference adopt a reaffiliation policy and, if so, did any churches return?
No formal policy was adopted, but some churches have returned voluntarily.
Any special annual conference set? No
What budget did the conference pass and how did it change from last year?
Conference voted to continue operating under the previous year’s budget
Other resolutions adopted by the conference:
• Suspension of clergy who left The United Methodist Church and committed acts of violence
• Resolution to host Central Conference in July 2025
• ZNBC and Congo government media to cover Central Conference
• Provision of transport, security and hospitality for international guests
Statistics
Seven people were ordained, average age 34, and 10 clergy retired.
Membership stands at 9,680, an increase of 494 from last year’s 9,186
Worship attendance stands at 6,230 (figure pending comparison for change)
Church school attendance stands at 6,130 (figure pending comparison for change)
Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2024 are 4,000 (comparison to 2023 not provided)
Adults and young adults in small groups for 2024 are 1,608, down from 1,894 in 2023
Worshippers engaged in mission for 2024 are 462, down from 849 in 2023
— Rapheal Mangatila Mwanakambowe, director of communications, Zambia Annual Conference