07/11/2025
LEGAL MATTERS IN MINISTRY: CHURCH FORMATION, REGISTRATION AND ASSEMBLY.
BACKGROUND
In Zambia a church is deemed, defined and described as a society.
As such church is regulated by law under the SOCIETIES ACT: CHAPTER 119 - the Laws of Zambia.
FORMATION
The law provides that after you form your church, you must register with the Registrar of Societies within 28 days of its formation or adoption of its constitution. In other words, there is no legal defined grace period during which you can legally hold church services in Zambia without being registered or having a formal application process underway. Except that you are required to register within 28 days of your church's formation.
Continuing to assemble, beyond 28 days from the day of your formation as a church without being registered, puts you in conflict with the law.
OFFENCE
If found (assembling without registration), you can be arrested, charged and taken to court.
Note that operating an unregistered religious group is a serious matter and is considered illegal. The law grants the government the authority to levy fines and impose prison sentences of up to seven years against unregistered religious groups and their members.
Imagine that, you the Pastor or you and your members go to jail for 7 years!!!!
ACT NOW
If you are planning to start or are currently running a church in Zambia, the most crucial step is to formally apply for registration with the Registrar of Societies IMMEDIATELY, to ensure you are operating legally.
Please, take care of this before you are arrested!
BLESSINGS.
Bilon K.Kalumbinga,
