Ministry
The primary focus of the Kopp’s ministry is serving at International Bible Fellowship Church with an aim to raise up future leaders for the church. Matt also teaches preaching and pastoral ministry classes at CAPA (the Central Africa Preaching Academy).
Cultural Challenges to the Gospel
- Many people think they understand the Bible well, but in actuality, have a very, very poor understanding of the gospel and the truth of God’s word.
- Sadly, a very African form of the prosperity gospel is alive and well.
Ministry Update {March 2023}
Even before we had any idea we would move to Malawi, we had been praying for God to raise up a Malawian pastor to lead the work at IBF Church. Of course, during our time here, those prayers have only intensified. And today, it is with overwhelming joy that we can report that God has answered those prayer for His glory! Our hearts are filled with gratitude for getting to have "front-row seats" to watch God working to build His church!
On January 29th, Matt officially preached his last sermon as the lead pastor at IBF Church. It was a time of great rejoicing as the elders prayed for Ernest Kanzangaza, our fellow elder who God chose to step into the lead role. After nearly seven years, our dream of Matt becoming the associate pastor at IBF, under a Malawian lead pastor has come true! This last Sunday, February 5, Ernest preached his first sermon as the lead pastor. Though he has preached many times before, this was a very special sermon because of all that it represents! Ernest has also taken over leading elders' meetings and providing oversight for the church as a whole. It is amazing to get to watch!
Matt will continue to support him as the associate pastor until our departure.
This whole process has been a living example of Ephesians 3:20-21 for us.
Ephesians 3:20–21 ~ 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
We have watched the power of God at work in His church. It has been so clear that Christ Jesus is the one building His church at IBF. He has done more than we could ask or think, and for that, He deserves praise and thanksgiving! We know that many of you have been praying alongside of us for years for this very thing. We hope that your hearts are as encouraged as ours are. Thank you for praying with us and rejoicing with us now.