Core Values
Core values explain the principles that guide your church's decisions and actions:
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Biblical Authority: We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word and the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
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Authentic Worship: We cultivate genuine encounters with God that transform hearts and lives.
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Intentional Discipleship: We create clear pathways for spiritual growth at every stage of faith.
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Relational Community: We foster meaningful connections where people experience belonging, care, and accountability.
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Compassionate Service: We demonstrate Christ's love by meeting needs and advocating for justice in our community and world.
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Family Ministry: We equip and support families as the primary environment for spiritual formation.
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Dignity of Life: We honor the sacred value of human life in all its stages and circumstances.
Our Story: Church on the Rock
Church on the Rock was founded in 1997 in Kitwe, Zambia, by Edward and Barbara Mwansa. Their vision emerged during their time at Bible College, where they developed a profound conviction about the need for a Bible-based church committed to two fundamental principles: reproducing disciples and training church leaders.
The Mwansas began with a simple gathering in their home, where they opened God's Word with a small group of believers who shared their passion for authentic faith. These early meetings were characterized by deep scriptural study, heartfelt worship, and a growing sense that God was calling them to establish something that would impact generations to come.
As attendance grew, the congregation moved to a rented school classroom, where the church began to develop its distinctive approach to ministry. Edward and Barbara emphasized personal mentorship, believing that spiritual growth happens most effectively through close relationships rather than programs alone. This philosophy shaped the church's structure from its earliest days, with small groups
becoming the primary vehicle for discipleship and leadership development—a practice that continues to be central to our identity today.
Throughout our journey, Church on the Rock has weathered challenges that tested but ultimately strengthened our faith. During an economic downturn in the early 2000s, the congregation rallied together, sharing resources and supporting one another in practical ways that demonstrated Christ's love in action. This period cemented our commitment to being a church that serves beyond Sunday gatherings, reinforcing our belief that transformation happens when faith is lived out in community.
A significant milestone came in 2023 when we reached the halfway point in constructing our current sanctuary. This building project, progressing debt-free through the sacrificial giving of our members and support from our partners, stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the congregation's unity of purpose. Each brick represents our collective journey of drawing closer to Jesus and creating space for others to do the same.
Over the years, our ministry focus has expanded to include community outreach initiatives, leadership training programs that serve churches throughout the region, and mission partnerships that extend our impact globally. We've established satellite churches in neighboring communities through small groups, each maintaining our core commitment to Bible-based teaching and relational discipleship—fulfilling the vision of reproduction that inspired our founders.
Today, Church on the Rock continues to build on the foundation laid by Edward and Barbara Mwansa. While our methods may adapt to reach new generations, our fundamental purpose remains unchanged: cultivating a community where every person experiences transformation as they draw closer to Jesus. We look forward with anticipation to what God will accomplish through our church family in the years to come, as we guide people into life-changing relationships with Christ through authentic Biblical teaching, meaningful small group connections, and compassionate community service.
The story that began in a living room more than two decades ago continues to unfold. We invite you to become part of this unfolding narrative as together we honor God's work in the past while embracing His calling for our future.