Our  Senior Pastor

Reverend Dr. Zacc Kawalala, affectionately known as Pastor Zacc, is the General Overseer of Word Alive Ministries International (WAMI), headquartered in Blantyre, Malawi. Under his visionary leadership, WAMI has become a transformative global ministry committed to spreading the Gospel, fostering spiritual renewal, and building strong communities of faith across nations.

WAMI was officially registered in 1987 but traces its roots to 1980 when Reverend Barbara Tippett, an Englishwoman miraculously healed of terminal spinal complications in Johannesburg, South Africa, began a non-denominational fellowship of charismatic believers in Blantyre. Originally known as the Blantyre Christian Centre (BCC), the church grew rapidly, built on a foundation of the Word of God, fervent prayer, and the power of miracles. Inspired by the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4, WAMI has since become a beacon of hope, drawing believers and seekers alike to experience the transformative power of faith.

Pastor Zacc began his journey with WAMI during his university years, when he joined the BCC fellowship as a young student. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting from the University of Malawi and a Doctorate in Leadership from Team Impact Christian University. Before transitioning into full-time ministry on January 3, 1995, Pastor Zacc worked as an auditor at Graham Carr and Company, developing a strategic and analytical approach that he has since applied to ministry growth.

In 2001, Pastor Zacc was appointed as the first local pastor of WAMI at the age of 33, following Reverend Tippett’s relocation to the United States. His appointment marked a pivotal moment for the church, transitioning from missionary-led leadership to indigenous leadership. In 2002, Pastor Zacc implemented a Five-Year Strategic Plan to expand WAMI’s reach beyond Blantyre City. This vision propelled the church from a single congregation into a vibrant international ministry with 202 churches and a growing membership of over 13,500 believers. WAMI’s presence now extends to Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa, with a global online congregation serving individuals from various nations. He continues to lead WAMI from strength to strength, guiding the ministry with vision, faith, and a steadfast commitment to its mission of transforming lives and communities through the Gospel. This ongoing dedication ensures that WAMI remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful in the ever-changing global landscape.

In addition to his role at WAMI, Pastor Zacc founded the Dynamic Leaders and Gatekeepers Forum (DLGF), a platform that unites Christian leaders and influential professionals to address national and societal challenges. Through DLGF, Pastor Zacc has spearheaded initiatives tackling critical market place issues such as leadership ethics, and community development. In addition to the gate meetings, the DLGF organises a national leadership summit annually.

Pastor Zacc is a passionate teacher of the Word and the author of “The Making of Disciples and the Making of Members.” This book outlines practical principles for building strong, faith-driven communities and has been instrumental in shaping WAMI’s discipleship programs. The book has been used as a training manual for church leaders and small group facilitators in WAMI’s global network. Pastor Zacc’s ministry is grounded in his unwavering faith, fervent prayer, and love for people. He is a dedicated family man, married to his beloved wife, Lady Reverend Aidah Kawalala, who serves alongside him in ministry. Together, they are blessed with six children (three boys and three girls).

Pastor Zacc’s leadership has positioned WAMI as a spiritual lighthouse, reaching beyond borders to inspire faith, hope, and love. With a legacy rooted in faith, strategy, and compassion, Pastor Zacc remains committed to the vision of spreading the Gospel and transforming lives for generations to come.