Eswatini is a nation with deep spiritual roots and a rich cultural heritage, yet it faces profound social and economic challenges that have left many communities in dire need. While 80% of the population would claim to be Christians, the broad majority of churches in Eswatini include a mixed faith approach that blends Swazi Traditional Religion with the Christian message, distorting the gospel and bifurcating spiritual practices. In response, the Challenge Ministries ICBC (In Community By Community) Church Planting and Pastoral Training Program is dedicated to evangelizing and discipling the nation by demonstrating love in action. With an approach that integrates meeting basic needs, sharing the undefiled gospel, and raising up local pastors who can lead their communities with strength, integrity, and a deep commitment to Christ-centered transformation. The following article describes how Challenge Ministries is evangelizing and discipling Eswatini.
Challenge Ministries’ ICBC Church Planting program is at the heart of their mission to be within a walking distance of every rural family and child in Eswatini, sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ.
Challenge Ministries believes in a holistic approach to evangelism—one that not only proclaims the gospel but also meets people's basic needs, empowers transformation, and confronts false teachings with truth in love. To do this effectively, the ministry believes this transformation needs to be led by individuals who belong to the communities themselves. That is why the search for a pastor in a new community always begins with an assessment of the current spiritual leaders within a target community. Committing the ministry to years of preparation, the team identifies influential Christ-followers, people of integrity, and a good reputation with the community. If they feel called to ministry and desire to partner with the ICBC program, Challenge Ministries trains them to become an ICBC pastor.
The church plants serve as community hubs where physical and spiritual needs are addressed simultaneously. In many rural areas poverty, hunger, and lack of access to education and healthcare create barriers to human flourishing. The ICBC churches actively work to break down these barriers by:
By meeting these basic needs, we demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways, opening doors to share the gospel with those who have yet to hear it. This love in action builds trust within the community, allowing our pastors and volunteers to engage in meaningful conversations about faith.
While addressing physical needs is essential, the core of Challenge Ministries’ mission is evangelism and discipleship—bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard it, and bringing truth to misunderstandings and mixed doctrines. The church plants are strategically placed in rural areas where access to the gospel is limited and ancestral worship and animism is the norm. Through regular outreach programs, community events, and personal relationships, ICBC pastors and church members reach out to their neighbors, sharing the message of salvation with a focus on:
Through this holistic approach, Challenge Ministries is not only making converts but also raising up disciples who are equipped to share their faith and impact their communities for Christ.
Central to the Challenge Ministries vision of transforming Eswatini is the development of strong, well-trained pastors who can lead their communities with wisdom, compassion, and biblical integrity. The pastoral training program is designed to equip pastors not only for church ministry but also to be agents of transformation within their communities.