Reaching the amaZioni in Southern Africa.

ZEMA, is an international missions agency that ministers to the African independent churches in Southern Africa.

ZEMA primarily ministers to the Zionists of the African independent churches(AICs). ZEMA is not planting new or Western churches. Rather, ZEMA ministries focus on evangelizing and discipling often syncretistic church leaders who lack Bible training. We are equipping self-proclaimed pastors to bring Biblical truth into the African context.

In South Africa, many AIC churches are referred to as “amaZioni,” a Zulu word meaning “the people of Zion.” The amaZioni are 80% of the African Indigenous Church movement. The 6000+ denominations range in size from 50- to 10 000’s congregants. Working with the amaZioni, we are together becoming mature disciples of Jesus Christ, serving Him as He grows His kingdom in Southern Africa.

Most often syncretistic, the amaZioni have combined African traditional religion with Christian practices. The integration of Christian belief and indigenous African beliefs makes the amaZioni one of the largest new religious movements on the planet. There are estimates of 15–18 million members throughout Southern Africa.

ZEMA understands and shares the history of these “people of Zion.” Understanding their roots, ZEMA missionaries support the African church without compromising Biblical beliefs. With this as our foundation, ZEMA missionaries affirm what it is to be both African and Christian in the local context. ZEMA’s unique connection to the original Zion “mother church” that was established in 1896 in Zion, Illinois, makes ZEMA missionaries amaZioni serving amaZioni in Southern Africa! And through ZEMA, even missionaries from other countries can share “the true teachings of Zion” (the Bible) with amaZioni!

The amaZioni have a desire to study and follow the Bible. But many amaZioni do not have access to either formal (pastoral, seminary) or informal (Sunday school, church small group) Bible teaching. Depending on location and ethnicity, amaZioni might have limited access to any Christian resources.

The Word of God is powerful. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) When amaZioni get access to Bible teaching, it changes everything! It changes how pastors and church leaders preach, breaks chains of fear of evil spirits and ancestors, transforms home lives, opens the way for economic and social responsibility, and brings people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

ZEMA starts and runs Bible schools, provides training for children’s and youth ministry, publishes and distributes Christian literature, runs Christian camps, produces radio ministries, etc. The heart of our mission is to know God and make Him known among the African Independent Churches.

We invite you to learn about the stories of how God is using the Bible in Southern African by reading our Field Stories.
You can join us and make an impact by supporting a ZEMA missionary or join our General Fund to support ministries across Southern Africa.