EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF TANZANIA SOUTHERN DIOCESE. CONFERENCE OF THE MEN’S DEPARTMENT (IME) OF THE FIVE DISTRICTS OF NJOMBE, LUPEMBE, KIDUGALA, ILEMBULA AND MAKAMBAKO DATE 24/10/ 2025 TO 26/10/ 2025.
- OPENING
The conference was opened by the Bishop of ELCT – Southern Diocese Pastor. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, welcomed by the Assistant Bishop of ELCT – Southern Diocese Pastor. Dr. Johnson Gudaga, who was also welcomed by the chairman of the men’s department Mr. Elly Ngole after being given the responsibility by the secretary of the men’s department, Pastor Seth Mlelwa. The conference was attended by the Distict Pastors, chairmen of the men’s departments of the districts, secretaries of the departments, pastors, evangelists and conference members from all the representative parishes. This department was established in 2023 and in 2024 a process was prepared to lead the department.
And this year 2025, a departmental manual has been released and the departmental leadership has been created at all levels from the street to the diocese. This is the second conference after the one held in Chimala which included the two districts of Chimala and Chunya. There are also preparations to have a men’s school. THE OPENING SONG was from the book of hymn Tumwabudu Mungu wetu No. 354 “DEFEND JESUS, YOU SOLDIERS” AND THE KEYWORD IS FROM 1COr 16:13 which is the manual for the diocesan men’s department. The Bishop thanked all the preparations for this conference.
Men are a very special group among all human groups because a man is the head, father and giver of the vision of the family and also has a great responsibility in the upbringing, values and construction of the family, a good society and the nation. Proverbs 24:3-4 “A house is built by wisdom and by understanding it is established and by knowledge its rooms are filled with precious things”. The Bishop has also emphasized the importance of knowing the national vision for the development of the country of Tanzania from 2025 to 2050 which has three main pillars which are
- Economic pillar i.e. A strong and inclusive economy
- Social pillar i.e. People’s empowerment and community development.
- Political pillar i.e., Maintaining a good environment for democracy, good governance and accountability so that we can have the construction of good upbringing and social development.
Any person has 80% of the behavior of their parents and 20% comes from education. Brothers and sisters, there is a huge problem of women not wanting to get married, namely single mothers, and many men due to this problem decide to look for a small house to solve the problem of marriage. The main thing in a family is that when a person gets married, he looks for a business partner. Also, when a family is formed, an institution is formed and children become part of the family’s vision.
So, we want to look at the uniqueness of a man in the family and upbringing. And we have our trainers, PASTOR GEORGE FUPE from ELCT – EAST AND COAST DIOCESE and
PASTOR CANON THOMAS MWAYELA FROM THE ANGLICAN IN DAR ES SALAAM. Also, the bishop has launched two books: THE POWER OF A WOMAN’S POSITION and WHERE IS ADAM?
- TOPIC ONE: WHERE IS ADAM? KNOW THE POWER OF POSITION. GENESIS 3:9 PRESENTED BY PASTOR DR GEORGE MARK FIHAVANGO
INTRODUCTION
The first question asked in the Bible is that of Satan who asked Eve. Genesis 3:1 “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?’” and the second question is from God to Adam. Genesis 3:9 “And the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’” and God’s command to Adam about the trees in the garden of Eden is in Genesis 2:16-17. When God expelled Adam and Eve using Genesis 3:22 because they knew good and evil and did not live forever. When God forbids something, it means a lot. So, they died. Satan succeeded in deceiving us and instilling in us the desire to gain knowledge contrary to the power of God. 1Timoth 6:10; Genesis 3:6; Genesis 16 (Abraham’s sin is like Adam’s); Genesis 17 God tells Abraham that a child will come from his sides and from Sarai’s womb. Many of us help God with various tasks instead of listening to what God says. Genesis 18:13
Adam’s sin is to disobey God’s instructions and run away from Him and lose glory, that is, the body of glory came out and was given a body without glory. That is why this question is where is Adam? Genesis 3:9 This question is not a geographical question but a spiritual question of the good shepherd. Refer to the book of Tumwabudu Mungu wetu SONG NUMBER 380 And Adam’s answer was I hid myself because I was naked. Genesis 3: 11-13; Genesis 2:18 where did that knowledge come from? The answer is from the devil. Between the helper and the helpee, the powerful one is the helper, that is, the woman who made Adam sin against God.
GOD’S PUNISHMENT TO ADAM, EVE AND THE SERPENT
It is important to listen to God with wise advice from a woman. Not to listen to the bad ones like Eve or Eve. Because if you make a mistake, there is a LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY.
- Man’s punishment was in the economic system. Genesis 3: 17-19
- Woman’s punishment was in the system of reproduction. Genesis 3: 15-16
- Satan’s punishment was a curse more than animals or all creatures. Genesis 3: 14
God made a plan of salvation through Jesus protal evangelion According to Martin Luther. MW 3:15; Efesus 1:18-23 right now all things are at the feet of Jesus because he is the one who was given the authority of salvation for the lost economy, we have three economic groups which are economy without Jesus, living with Jesus without economy and having everything economy with Jesus.
WHAT DOES POSITION CARRY
- It carries grace and approval
- Responsibility and rights
- Keys and authority
- Opportunities, resources, success, weapons and protection
- It carries the identity of who you are. Psalm 118:5, 13; John 3:2
- It carries the war for all creatures and the offspring of the creature
- Influence
- Principles
SATAN’S WAR ON POSITION
- He has a war on male children so that they are not born. EX 1: 18-22; MATH 2:14-16
- Satan prevents people from having good character and kills the seed
- He destroys them after birth. War against increase i.e., lack of male power
- He has a war on the economy i.e., even jobs are getting girls more than boys
- Lack of identity for many young people, for example a young man kneeling before a woman
THINGS THAT REMOVE A PERSON FROM A POSITION
- Sin removes a person from a position
- Running away from responsibilities
- The trick or cunning of mothers to pretend that they are more responsible than men
- 50/50 activism for both sexes
- Loss of reputation
- Lack of knowledge
- Not knowing the changes of the times such as economic wars
- Pride, self-exaltation and self-promotion
- Spirituality a position can be covered, destroyed and transferred to someone else
THINGS TO DO TO MAINTAIN A POSITION
- Follow the instructions given to us by GOD
- Be humble
- Watch and pray for your position
- Have fellowship with others
- We were created to rule and possess but women were created to receive
- Fulfill your duties faithfully
- Believe in yourself and be courageous
- Strengthen yourself economically and in a leadership life and do not give up
- Recognize yourself as a man and recognize women
- Deny yourself and surrender to Christ
- Self-awareness (use and take care of money well if you will not get another) consider four things, the first thing is seed, the second is food, the third is savings and the fourth is charity.
WOMAN’S POWER IN MARRIAGE
- A woman has the power of protection over the soul of a man and a son. Proverbs 31:1-3
- Know your woman or spouse. A woman carries your approval. Proverbs 18:22; 31:10-13
- A house is built by a woman. Proverbs 14:1; 1Pet 3:7
- She has the power of persuasion and flattery. 1Cor 6:18; Proverbs 7:21
- She has the power of food. The story of old Isaac and how Rebekah did it or the book of Esther 4 and 5 how Esther seduced the king with food.
WHY WOMEN LIVE LONGER THAN MEN.
Are our days of life 70 or 80 years? Psalm 90:10. The answer is No, that is just an average, yet our years of life are 120. In the world, there are countries where people live longer. For example, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, French Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Re Union. All of these have been able to do so because of adhering to health, physical, lifestyle, biological and spiritual principles.
- A woman’s immune system is higher than a man’s
- A woman’s behavioral system to avoid taking risks with bad things
- Genetics make up, especially the differences in the YX and XX chromosomes because X is more tolerant than Y.
- Women are more concerned with nutrition than men
- Women exercise or work more than men.
- Psychologically, women live in friendly relationships than men and play more, that is, they exercise.
- Historically and socially, men have done hard work in mines, military service, and are very competitive, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
- Who dies early between a married man and a single man?
- What should we do to men who are despised to regain their place?
- Are the years written in the Bible about the life span we are arguing with? Genesis 6:3 compare with Psalm 90:10
- Why are so many marriages breaking up now? Have we lost our minds?
- How will we deal with the 50/50 concept?
- Why do many years go to women? Does God favor them?
- The heart of a young man goes to his mother and the heart of a daughter goes to her father. Why is that?
TOPIC TWO: THE UNIQUENESS OF A MAN IN DEVELOPING MARRIAGE, PARENTING AND THE ECONOMY OF THE FAMILY AND THE MODERN SOCIETY PRESENTED BY CANON THOMAS MWAYELA.
INTRODUCTION
We will learn from our biblical fathers who are ADAM AND JOB. Job 1:1-10 Especially the first to sixth verses. The basic teaching from the scriptures is that Job was the father of a family of ten children (offspring) three daughters and seven sons. He was economically successful, and spiritually (a perfect man, God-fearing, upright, avoiding evil). This family was also surrounded by life challenges like us today that is why Job offered it to God and the devil was surrounding it and he saw that it had divine protection.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF JOB
- God-fearing that is, respecting the place of God in our lives.
- Guided by GOD in his life. Deuteronomy 6:1-8
- Job’s moral integrity or spiritual maturity.
- Righteousness or correctness in words and obedience or ability to do and hear what God directs
- Humble before God by offering sacrifices for children
- Intercessor for children (salvation)
- He stood as a family priest
- He had a relationship that made him
BENEFITS OF FEARING GOD
- You get eternal life. Proverbs 14:26-27 And you avoid the traps of the enemy or the snares of death
- God watches a man in every situation. Proverbs 2:15
- There are open doors of knowledge. Dan 1:17-20; Proverbs 1:7
- You get God’s wisdom like King Solomon. Psalm 111:10
- Increase the days of life. Proverbs 10:27
- It is a protection in the family. Proverbs 14:26; Job 1:10
- It is the basis of uniqueness in marriage and in economy and in health.
- It is wealth and honor. Proverbs 22:4
THE UNIQUENESS OF THE MAN IN FAMILY CARE. PROV 22:6
Most parents love children who are self-aware and do not lose direction. Fathers have the opportunity to build a family. Faith is among the things that must be strongly taught to children. 1Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23 The man is the head in the economic, spiritual, and educational areas. Head means the ability to lead the family. The work of thinking and interpreting various things. A man needs Christ who is the head of man. So, if you do not have Christ, you do not have a head.
- A father who stands in faith and is able to lead his family. JOSH 24:15-16 De 6:7-8; 1TIM 3:4-5
- Fathers should teach their children by deeds such as shaving, sewing, farming, taking care of livestock and religious matters. EPH 6:4
- He is one who respects his wife in front of his children so that his children do not hate him and come to respect their wives. A woman does not want dry answers. 1PET 3:7
- Respect the opinions of family members. Discuss decisions with your children so that they see that they have a place.
- Serve your family. Shelter, clothing and food. 1TIM 3:4; 1TIM 5:8
- Engage in all kinds of work to take care of the family. That is, work hard. MW 2:15
- He is able to be financially independent. Mk 10:7
- He is the protector of the family, that is, the spiritual and physical security of the family. Many women do not like shame. JOB 1:4-10
- A man knows the Word of God.
THE UNIQUENESS OF A MAN IN MAINTAINING A MARRIAGE. EPHE 5:25-27
- The first area of marriage is true love. Love your wife as Christ loved the church. JOH 3:16; COL 3:14; 1CO 13:8; GAL 5:22; EPHE 5:25-27
- True patience because sometimes you will see the shortcomings of your spouse. These differences will come from decisions, upbringing, family background, and upbringing.
- A man should be a good communicator. Speak to her with respect, use soft language, do not use harsh words.
- Be faithful to your wife.
TOPIC THREE: THE UNIQUENESS OF MAN IN FOLLOWING GOD’S CREATION PLAN PRESENTED BY PASTOR GEORGE FUPE
INTRODUCTION
This lesson covers the subject, the uniqueness of man is self-awareness, asking myself who am I?, am I a man, a pastor, a believer, an evangelist? MW 1:27. I am the One whom God created to serve Him, a worshipper. A man is of the male gender, who can be a husband, father, grandfather, young man etc.
THE UNIQUENESS OF MAN
- You are a performer, you have the ability to do many things, you have authority, you are courageous, you are brave, you are strong, you have competence and it is a measure of quality, do man. JOSH 1:6-7; 1SAM 4:9; 1COR 16:13. God made man unique in four things: –
- He gave special instructions to man. Genesis 2:16-17; 13:8,13
- He has been given the authority to give names to creatures even the names of women like Eve. Genesis 2:19-20
- God performed the first surgery on man even during marriage the woman sits on the left. The woman was given hair, breasts, and buttocks. Genesis 2:21-23; Genesis 24:55-58, Song of Solomon 7:1-5; Song of Solomon 4:1-5
- God has given man a position, authority to rule, to love, to possess, or to be the head of the family. Where is Adam? Ephesians 3:8-9; Colossians 3:14
- A man is a protector of women, a protector of the family, and a protector of society
- A man is a provider of needs and all kinds of gifts
- A man is expected to give answers not responses.
- A man carries a large family or many family responsibilities. (Extended family)
- A man goes through economic challenges.
- A man is unique in the spiritual life of the entire family and society.
- Time management i. How to organize various things
- Carrying many things at the same time
NB: A man must focus on putting God first, working and taking care of the family,
A NEW DIRECTION FOR EVERY TRUE MAN TO JESUS CHRIST, THAT IS, IN THE REPAIRS.
We are invited to Jesus because we have many burdens and challenges that we go through. MATT 11:28; Ecclesiastes 9:9a. So, live happily with the wife you love. John 16:24; We need to keep the Word in our hearts. John 8:31-32, 36; John 17:17; 1Cor 15:10; 1THES 5:1-8. Signs of being in Jesus
- Abide in Jesus, that is, be saved.
- Be a faithful disciple of Jesus JOH 13:17; HEBR 13:1-2; JOH 15:8;
- Inheritance for children. MW 18:17-19
THINGS TO DO AS A MAN UNIQUELY IN THE REPAIRS
- Have the ability to command your household to keep the law of the Lord. JOSH 24:17; Genesis 7:1; Act 10:1-2, 44; Number 16:31-34
- To prepare all your household to do justice. ISA 32:17-18
- To watch over the nation by properly preparing your children to be leaders of the country.
- To prepare the future for your children and your children for the future.
FROM GOD WHAT WILL A MAN GET AFTER REFORMATION.
- Knowing the secrets of God. ISA 45:3
- Being given the seed of greatness. So, pray for the seed before meeting your wife
- Bless the world, that is, be a blessing to the church, family, community and nation
- Fulfillment of God’s promises. PSALM 20:3-4
- Enjoying a divine walk in your life.
THE DOCTRINAL GUIDE FOR THE MEN’S DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTHERN DIOCESE OF THE ELECTED CHURCH CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:
THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH, IMAGE AND CONSCIENCE OF THE SOUTHERN DIOCESE.
- The Electer of the Southern Diocese of the Elected Church has set its foundation in Jesus Christ, the Word of God (the Bible) and salvation
- The vision of the Southern Diocese is to have people who have accepted the Lord Jesus, who are loving, who value work, social welfare and justice.
- The mission of the diocese is to enable people to receive Jesus, the sacraments, and to promote love, peace, and spiritual, physical, and mental unity.
KNOW THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE, TYPES OF MARRIAGE (traditional or other religions, civil and Christian), AND THE LEGAL ADMINISTRATION OF MARRIAGE (civil, church and society). MATTHEW 19:5; MK 10:7; EPH 5:31; MATTHEW 1:27.
- CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE. MATTHEW 1:26-28; MATTHEW 2:18, 21-24
- THE THREE HORNS OF MARRIAGE OR THE RULE OF MARRIAGE. MATTHEW 19:5; MK 10:7; EPH 5:31
MARRIAGE CHALLENGES OR MARRIAGE CONFLICT.
- People have rejected God, the originator of marriage
- Lack of marriage education or weak marriage teachings
- Differences in faith between spouses, sectarian differences, politics and limited understanding of marriage.
- Explicit use of money within the home
- Dislike of each other or one-sided love.
- Forced marriage, i.e. against one’s will.
- Marriage for economic reasons, i.e. being sent by relatives to gain economic benefits.
- Hasty marriage without knowing each other well
- Having a large family, thus not being able to take care of it.
- Getting pregnant without relying on it
- Conflicts with outsiders
- Alcoholism
- Traveling outside of marriage
- Living apart from your spouse
- Limitation of the menstrual cycle for a woman or spouse.
- Laziness
- Suspicion and distrust.
- Disrespect
- Unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, hatred, anger, clamor and rage.
- Unnecessary arguments
- Not keeping secrets within the home
- Poor and weak communication between spouses or partners.
- Lying behavior
- Loving your parents more than your spouse
- Not enjoying closeness with your spouse
- Having an excessively disruptive behavior
- Talking a lot or being an excessive talker where a man does not want to.
- Preferring to live alone or sleep alone
- Hiding your spouse’s shortcomings from your parents or siblings.
- Neglecting spiritual matters.
- Always wearing a sad face
- Having a domineering behavior
- Not understanding your role in marriage
- Ignoring your spouse’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs
- Threatening your spouse’s safety
- Lacking knowledge and obedience to the word of God
SOLVING MARRIAGE CHALLENGES OR BUILDING A JOYFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE.
- Loving, fearing and trusting God in your marriage. PS 34:9-10; PROV 1:7; PS 128; PS 42; PROV 12:13; PS 125:1; IS 43:4; Matt 5:48; John 4:23; Mark 12:28-31.
- Prioritizing your spouse
- Building sincere and lasting love
- Making plans together
- Not stumbling your partner
- Forgiving each other. EPHE 4:26
- Commend and encourage each other
- Admitting mistakes and apologizing
- Correcting each other in love
- Not tiring of each other and stimulating each other’s desire at all times
- Keeping secrets
- Defending and protecting each other without blaming each other
- Tolerating each other
- Having sex every time
- Taking care of each other’s health.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER IN MARRIAGE.
- Safety and health. PSALM 125:1; MATTHEW 7:24-27
- Reminding yourself of the marriage vows (blood covenant and written covenant).
- Education about sexual intercourse
- Physical and spiritual cleanliness (avoid impurity and fornication)
- Avoid the smells of cigarettes, alcohol, onions, armpits and sweat.
- Make the master bedroom separate from the children’s and guests’ rooms.
- Have a firm bed, a good mattress, clean light in the room and enough air.
- A woman should decorate the room with various creative decorations.
- Create peace, happiness, smiles, harmony, conversations, compliments and encouragement.
- Live openly with your spouse.
THE ROLE OF A MAN IN THE FAMILY.
A man is visible in some places and invisible in others, such as at home and in the church.
Why is a man the head? EPH 5:23
- The head represents understanding, intelligence, thought, perception and analysis, perspective and vision, service and leadership, strength, authority and the ability to carry things.
- It is a representative of God and Christ on earth.
- The head has a brain that can think, discern, plan, care and evaluate. The head has eyes that see and look, ears that hear and listen or sense, a nose that can smell and detect dirty air, teeth to chew and grind, and a tongue to speak and taste moderately.
- In the upbringing and security of the family and society.
- In the economy, church and nation.
THE ENVIRONMENT OF MAN AND HIS FAMILY
- Taking care of the environment so that it will take care of you. Proverbs 1:31
- Not destroying the earth because if we destroy it, it will destroy us. REV 11:18; Proverbs 6:3; ISA 65:20
- Let us be good fathers and mothers. PROV 22:6; 1SAM 3:11-14
- Let us take care of the air, water, soil and our bodies. COL 1:16-17; Proverbs 3:23
- TAKING CARE OF THE FIRSTBORN
- TITLE. Proverbs 43:33
- JUSTICE. Proverbs 25:31-34
- FOR SALVATION. HEB 12:22-23
- NATIONAL
CHALLENGES MANY MEN FACE WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THEIR FAMILIES
- Inability to afford the expenses of family needs
- Inability to afford marriage
- Inability to have sex
- Inability to tolerate harsh words from women
- Men being beaten by their wives
- Women having a larger economy than men
- Unfriendly home environment for men
A MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY IN CHILDREN’S CARE
- Family or children’s needs
- Spiritual training for children (knowing prayer, God’s word and morals). Ps 119:12; Deut 6:7; Prov 14:27; Jn 17:3; 1Cor 16:13; Prov 1:7; Rom 11:36; HOS 4:6; DAN 1:17; Ps 111:10; Job 28:27-28; Prov 10:27; Joel 2:25; Prov 14:26; Prov 22:4
- Preparation for having a child and raising him/her
- Paying attention to good nutrition. Prov 1:29-31
- Knowing good foods and nutrition for pregnant women. Prov 1:29-30; Eze 47:12
- Complete food for the family (carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats and water)
- Love for the newborn and how to care for him
- Cleanliness of mother and children. EXODUS 24:10; 2SAM 22:21
A WOMAN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO HER HUSBAND AND FAMILY
- Mother as helper.
- Mother as protector of the husband. YER 31:22; PSA 68:11
- Mother as provider for the family. YER 9:17-21
- Woman as helper to grow the family economy. MIT 31:10-12
