The role of churches in communities and nations has long been a subject of deep consideration and debate. Churches often serve as pillars of moral guidance, social support, and spiritual nourishment, influencing societies in ways that go beyond mere religious practice. In many countries, the church’s impact extends into education, health, charity, and conflict resolution.
Yet, the effectiveness and relevance of churches can vary significantly depending on leadership, societal context, and alignment with genuine spiritual purpose.
The recent presidential decree by Paul Kagame in Rwanda, aimed at regulating the establishment and operation of churches, brings this discussion to the forefront. Kagame’s stance challenges churches to prove their value and relevance to Rwandan society. This move has sparked conversation about the authenticity and social impact of religious institutions.
At the same time, Malawi’s political and religious landscape offers a contrasting narrative, especially when reflecting on the journey of Lazarus Chakwera, former leader of the Assemblies of God and current political figure.
To understand the complexities involved, it is helpful to turn to the biblical foundation referenced by many believers—specifically, the early church as described in the Book of Acts, chapters 1 through 6. These chapters provide a blueprint of what the first church looked like, how it functioned, and what it prioritized.
The early church was marked by unity, shared resources, prayer, teaching, and active care for one another’s needs without the institutional layers we see in many churches today. This model raises questions about the proliferation of churches and whether modern religious organizations are meeting the spiritual and societal needs they claim to serve.
In Acts 1, the disciples are gathered in anticipation of the coming Holy Spirit, showing a community deeply rooted in faith, waiting together with a clear mission.
Chapter 2 describes the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, catalyzing a movement characterized by bold preaching, conversion, and communal living. Acts 3 and 4 highlight the early believers’ commitment to healing and sharing resources despite opposition.
By chapter 5, the community faces internal challenges and external threats, but the apostles remain steadfast in their mission. Chapter 6 deals with the appointment of the first deacons to ensure that care is equitable, demonstrating a practical approach to leadership and service.
This biblical narrative suggests that churches should be centers of genuine faith, practical service, and unity.
The early church’s success was built on authenticity, accountability, and deep community engagement. When contemporary churches stray from these principles, focusing instead on institutional growth, political power, or personal gain, their value to the community can diminish.
Kagame’s decree in Rwanda, which demands that churches undergo rigorous processes to establish themselves, seems to be an attempt to realign religious institutions with a model that truly benefits society.
It is a call for churches to prove their relevance and to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Turning to Malawi, the story of Lazarus Chakwera provides a poignant example of the challenges that emerge when religious leadership and political ambition intersect.
Chakwera, once a respected leader of the Assemblies of God church, left his pastoral role to pursue politics. His departure from the church to the political arena was seen by some as a betrayal of spiritual duty, and by others as a necessary step to serve the nation in a different capacity.
Between 2020 and 2025, Chakwera’s political leadership has been scrutinized for both achievements and shortcomings.
Critics argue that his tenure has been marked by unmet promises, governance challenges, and a loss of confidence among many Malawians. His failure to deliver transformative change has led to increasing resistance within his own party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), and skepticism about his future political ambitions.
After losing recent elections, Chakwera’s intention to contest again in 2030 is met with mixed reactions—some see it as perseverance, others as an unwillingness to yield to new leadership.
From the perspective of his former church, questions arise about the impact of his departure. Under Chakwera’s leadership, the Assemblies of God had a period of growth and influence, but some feel that his shift to politics left the church without strong spiritual guidance.
The church, like many institutions, requires consistent and dedicated leadership to thrive, and political pursuits can distract from that mission. While Chakwera’s political career reflects a desire to serve the broader community, his failures in both arenas illustrate the complexity of balancing spiritual and secular responsibilities.
The contrasting approaches of Kagame and Chakwera highlight broader themes about the role of churches and leaders in society. Kagame’s insistence on accountability and relevance for churches challenges religious bodies to return to the core values exemplified by the early church in Acts.
It emphasizes that churches must be more than buildings or titles; they must be active agents of positive change, rooted in faith and service.
Malawi’s experience with Chakwera further illustrates the dangers of conflating religious leadership with political ambition without clear evidence of effective service in either domain.
His journey suggests that leadership, whether spiritual or political, demands authenticity, humility, and results. Without these qualities, both churches and governments risk losing the trust and support of their communities.
The biblical chapters from Acts 1 to 6 provide timeless guidance on how churches should function—as communities of faith devoted to teaching, prayer, fellowship, and meeting the needs of others.
Kagame’s decree in Rwanda can be seen as a modern call to return to these foundational principles, ensuring that churches contribute meaningfully to national development and social cohesion.
Meanwhile, the story of Lazarus Chakwera in Malawi serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of leadership and the importance of aligning one’s calling with genuine service and accountability.
For believers and leaders alike, there is a clear message: true spiritual leadership is inseparable from a commitment to the well-being of the community.
As Matthew 24:13 reminds us, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
In these times of change and challenge, may all who call themselves leaders, whether in church or state, strive to be rooted in faith, service, and perseverance—just as the early church was in those first formative years.
