DAR ES SALAAM — The church building is modest: corrugated iron roofing, plastic chairs,
and a portable speaker system. But Pastor Ezekiel Mboya’s congregation is not confined to
these four walls. With a mid-range smartphone, a portable ring light, and a patchwork of donated
mobile data bundles, the 34-year-old preacher has reached over 500,000 viewers worldwide in
just two years.
“God told me to take the message beyond my street,” Mboya says. “I didn’t have a camera crew,
just my phone — but the Word doesn’t need perfect lighting to change lives.”
From Local Sermons to Global Streams
Ezekiel’s journey began in 2022, when COVID-era restrictions prompted him to livestream
Sunday services on Facebook Live. At first, his broadcasts drew only local church members
who couldn’t attend in person. But when he began posting short sermon clips to TikTok and
Instagram Reels, everything changed.
One 30-second clip — a message about forgiveness filmed outside his home during a power
outage — went viral, reaching over 1 million views in a week. The comments section filled with
testimonies from viewers in Uganda, Kenya, the U.K., and even Brazil.
Tanzania’s internet penetration rate stood at 50% in 2024, according to the Tanzania
Communications Regulatory Authority, with mobile broadband dominating over 95% of
connections. This mobile-first reality means content optimized for smartphones has the
potential to spread rapidly, especially on short-form platforms.
Mboya’s approach — speaking directly to the camera in Kiswahili and English, using relatable
real-life stories — made his messages accessible to both local and diaspora audiences.
Ezekiel’s setup is intentionally simple:
- Phone: A used Samsung Galaxy A52 with a 64MP camera.
- Lighting: A $25 ring light purchased in Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo market.
- Audio: An entry-level lapel mic from an online marketplace.
- Internet: Data bundles purchased piecemeal, sometimes donated by church members.
He edits with CapCut, a free mobile editing app, adding captions for accessibility. “I learned
everything from YouTube tutorials,” he says.
Mboya posts two to three videos daily, mixing short motivational snippets with longer Bible
study sessions. His TikTok account now has over 180,000 followers, while his YouTube channel
recently passed 100,000 subscribers, qualifying him for the YouTube Partner Program.
According to analytics, about 35% of his viewers are outside Africa, a testament to the global
appetite for African voices in digital ministry.
Pastor Mboya is part of a wider movement of African faith leaders using social media as a
“digital pulpit.” Ministries like Ghana’s IYES Movement and Kenya’s Youth Alive Online have
demonstrated that online engagement can complement — and even expand — traditional
ministry.
A 2024 report by the World Evangelical Alliance noted a 40% increase in online evangelism
efforts globally since 2020, with Africa leading in mobile-first outreach.
Monetization and Sustainability
- YouTube Ad Revenue: Around $250 per month.
- TikTok Live Gifts: Varies between $50–$100 monthly.
- Direct Support: Mobile money transfers from viewers, often in small amounts but collectively significant.
These funds cover internet costs, basic equipment upgrades, and occasionally community
outreach projects, such as providing school supplies for local children.
Challenges on the Digital Mission Field
Despite his success, Mboya faces several obstacles:
- Unstable Electricity: Power cuts disrupt livestream schedules.
- Data Costs: Mobile internet in Tanzania can cost up to 3–4% of monthly income for regular users, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- Platform Risks: Algorithm changes could reduce visibility overnight.
“There are weeks when views drop suddenly, and I have no idea why,” he says. “That’s why I’m
learning to build an email list — so I can reach people directly.”
Lessons for Aspiring Digital Preachers
Mboya offers five tips for other faith-driven creators:
- Start with What You Have: A phone and internet connection are enough.
- Post Consistently: Daily content builds trust and keeps algorithms engaged.
- Speak in Your Heart Language: Local languages connect deeply with audiences.
- Engage With Comments: Ministry happens in the replies too.
- Be Transparent With Donations: Show supporters how funds are used.
A Testimony in Motion
Among the thousands who have been touched by Mboya’s ministry is Maria Njau, a Kenyan
living in Qatar. “I was scrolling TikTok and found his video,” she says. “That day I recommitted
my life to Christ. Now I watch his livestreams every week.”
For Mboya, these testimonies are the true measure of impact. “If one person finds hope in my
words, it’s worth all the data bundles in the world,” he says with a smile.
The Road Ahead
Mboya hopes to launch a weekly podcast by 2026, offering in-depth Bible studies and guest
interviews with other African Christian creators. He also plans to train younger pastors in digital
ministry, sharing what he’s learned about mobile production and online engagement.
“The gospel doesn’t need a visa,” he says. “From a village in Tanzania, you can reach the ends of
the earth — if you’re willing to press ‘record.’”
