Dr Lebo Rathedi lighting paths
Nigeria-based Women’s Achievers Africa, through its 2025 awards platform,named Pastor and Founder of InChrist Bible Institute University, Dr Lebo Rathedi,one the continent’s 100 Most Impactful Women,in recognition for her outstanding contribution tocreating lasting impact through her ministry and inspiringfuture generations…
They were right, she has received multiple accolades, among them‘Best Religious Leader’, ‘Best GBV Activist’, ‘Humanitarian’.
In this two-part series,Voice Womansits down fora uniquely enlighteningand edifying conversationwith the industrious, straight-talking award-winning author, family/marriage therapist, and leadership mentor at her Haile Selassie Road offices.
In part one, we explore her faith journey, the inspiration behind her pursuit of theology,and the founding of InChrist Bible Institute and the 27 books she’s written. Part two, next week, will spotlight the recent men’s convention, her relationship with late musical icon Atlasaone “ATI” Molemogi, as well as her other initiatives and upcoming projects.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Botswana, Dr Lebo Rathedi taught for 14 years at Letlhakane Senior Secondary School before resigning in 2018 to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.
She later obtained a Master’s in Theology, specialising in heretical teaching—a turning point that inspired her to bridge gaps in scriptural knowledge.
“As a patriot, I was deeply committed to correct teaching, lest my compatriots continue to be robbed of their hard-earned money. There was a proliferation of false teachers leaving many believers confused and frustrated, and many lacked identity in Christ. I could not stand by and watch the people of God perish for lack of knowledge. That’s why I established an institution to disciple, train believers.”
A born teacher,the striking 44-year-old says InChrist is more than a school, but it is a spiritual equipping centre.“We realign people with the Word of God, raising not just preachers but believers who study to show themselves approved, as written in 2 Timothy 2:15,‘Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,’” she quotes.
Not one to miss an opportunity, the theological firebrandlaunches into a mini-sermon expounding on scripture. “One ought to study the Bible in such a way that one can dissect the text, rightly dividing the Word and interpreting it correctly. This is called exegesis—allowing scripture to explain itself sansthe temptation to add personal ideas or opinions. Apostle Paul was a tentmaker; he knew how to cut straight, and the Greek word ‘orthotomeō’ means ‘to cut straight’ or ‘to handle correctly.’ At InChrist, healing meets doctrine; sound theology becomes a lifestyle.”
The mother-of-four’s journey has been far from easy, marked by pain, rejection, and trials, yet each challenge became a baptism of fire that shaped her faith.
“I was married but divorced, and through every storm, God was faithful, with the Holy Spirit guiding me in all things. These experiences taught me resilience, faith, and the power of God’s healing. I surrendered my life to Christ—I don’t rely on my own strength, but on my counsellor and comforter, the Holy Spirit. This gave me a heart to see the nation healed. I believe in true restoration that leads to a profound, personal relationship with the Creator,” she explains.
A true servant of Christ, Dr Rathedi grew up in a church community that inspired my curiosity about God from a tender age. “I was a dreamer of prophetic dreams and longed to serve Him. The ability to gain spiritual insight into people’s lives through prophecy can be excitingbut my deepest desire is to see life lived in accordance with Divine order,” she says, adding that this calling naturally led her to writing.
Her books are drawn from personal experiences, revelations, and scripture. One of her key works, ‘The Reality of the Believer in Christ’, addresses Christian identity and authority.
“I wanted readers to understand that they are already anointed in Christ. Many are misled by teachings like ‘anointing services,’ not realising they have the Holy Spirit the moment they receive Christ. As Hosea warns, people perish for lack of knowledge. In the Pauline epistles: Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Thessalonians, and later letters to Timothy—we see that believers are God’s workmanship, created in holiness, seated with Christ above principalities. My message is that when you truly believe Christ died, was crucified, and resurrected for you, you receive His life and the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Another book, a “Christocentric daily devotional”, was written to encourage believers who may not enjoy reading lengthy works. “This devotional is scripture-packed and designed to deepen intimacy with God, one day at a time.”
She also authored ‘Walking in Love’, born from pain, healing, and learning to forgive. “Even after divorce, you must understand that your ex, too, is created in God’s image. Agape love, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, requires patience, kindness, and forgiveness despite hurt.Disappointment is a real part of life in his world.”
Next month, she will launch three more titles: ‘Still Chosen’- a reminder that God’s call stands despite past mistakes. “Christ came to perfect us,He doesn’t condemn anyone. I’m well aware that as a divorcee, some may judge me, but I know Romans 8: 1 says, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..’”Then there is‘Redefining Leadership the Kingdom Way’, and ‘Redefining Leadership – Building Impact, Trust and Integrity in a Changing World’ – all three will bring her total to 27 books.
Her prolific writing has earned her accolades, including ‘Best Author’ at the Glitz Awards and ‘Best Religious Leader’ in 2023. She also received the ‘Best Gender-Based Violence Activist’ award for her outspoken stance, highlighting that GBV affects men too. Her alma mater in the U.S. awarded her a ‘Humanitarian Award’, followed by another locally – Women Achievers.
Most recently, in Lagos, Nigeria, she was named among the ‘Gamechangers – 100 Most Impactful Women in Leadership in Africa’, alongside Botswana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, PhildahKereng, and Air Botswana’s suspended General Manager, Lulu Rasebotsa.As part of this honour, she received 100 scholarships from the European Business University in partnership with Women Achievers. “Many Batswana women have already taken up the opportunity, and I myself am studying Women’s Leadership.” A self-confessedepistemophileshe is also pursuing a second Master’s in Educational Management, Leadership & Policy, aspiring to contribute to curriculum reform in Botswana.
