Ordination of New Five Pastors at Njombe Cathedral

Njombe, 21 September 2025
In a special and blessed service held on Sunday at the Njombe Cathedral, the Southern Diocese of the ELCT ordained new five pastors to officially enter pastoral ministry. The pastors ordained are:

Pastor Christian Nakoli
Pastor Coletha Mhonjwa
Pastor Gody Mtokoma
Pastor Japhet Siwelwe
Pastor Simon Masawa

Click here to watch short videos https://youtu.be/ebKsrSm_l5I?si=wTd9O3VsrEahLeqC

The service was led by the Bishop of the ELCT – Southern Diocese, Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, assisted by the Assistant Bishop, Rev. Dr. Johnson Gudaga. The event was attended by various guests including Bishop Emeritus Rev. Japhet Mengele, pastors from various congregations, church leaders, and believers from different parts of the diocese. But also and Jochen Lufunyo Doering from our German partnership friends attended that special event.

Sermon Message: Representing God Faithfully
In that Sunday sermon, Rev. Dr. Johnson Gudaga delivered a powerful and inspiring message to the new pastors and the gathered believers. Emphasizing on being good stewards of God, he explained that pastoral ministry is not an ordinary job but a unique calling that requires dedication, loyalty, and spiritual wisdom.

Pastor Gudaga encouraged the new pastors to be eager to learn, to seek spiritual and social knowledge, and to be ready to adopt the global and new changing world . He emphasized that today’s ministry requires pastors who are able to communicate effectively, use technology wisely, and be role models in the community. The sermon ignited a spiritual fire and gave the new pastors a vision of ministry that is inspiring, ethical, and faithful to God. Pastor Dr. Johnson Gudaga concluded his sermon by emphasizing the importance of being good stewards of God, encouraging the new pastors to carry out their ministry faithfully and wisely.

Bishop’s Message: Ministry in the Digital Age
After the consecration service, the Bishop of the Southern Diocese, Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, gave the new pastors some in-depth advice on the nature of ministry in the current generation. Speaking with wisdom and spiritual depth, he explained that today’s pastors are serving in the digital age, where knowledge, technology, and worldly perspectives compete with the truth of the Gospel.

The Bishop encouraged the new pastors to be messengers of hope, guardians of faith, and builders of community by using their gifts wisely. He emphasized the importance of learning, sharing, and continuing to grow spiritually and professionally.

General Secretary’s Advice: God Ministry in Accordance with Principles and Procedures
In another step of the ordaining service, the General Secretary of the Southern Diocese, Grayson Charles Shilongoji, presented the new pastors with the church constitution, a symbol of the official commencement of their ministerial duties. Speaking with emphasis and administrative wisdom, he reminded them that pastoral ministry is not only spiritual, but also about adhering to principles, procedures, and principles of good church governance.

Grayson Charles Shilongoji encouraged the new pastors to be examples of integrity, transparency, and cooperation in their congregations. He emphasized that the constitution is a tool to strengthen ministry, not to hinder it, and that pastors should use it wisely and with a view to building it up.

The service was filled with joy, gratitude, and renewed hope for the work of the Lord. The Southern Diocese continues to strengthen in ministry and develop the spiritual calling of a new generation of pastors.

Conclusion: A New Stage of Ministry and Gospel Vision
The ordain of five new pastors is a testimony to the growth of the ministry of the Gospel within the Southern Diocese. Through this sacred service, the church has received newly blessed ministers, who have received spiritual, administrative, and social instructions from the top leaders of the diocese.

With the message of the sermon, the advice of the bishop, and the advice of the general secretary, these pastors have been laid a solid foundation to begin their journey of ministry. They are expected to be God’s representatives, leaders of change, and true witnesses of Christ in the digital age.

The Southern Diocese continues to build a generation of pastors with vision, integrity, and a heart of dedication to the work of the Lord. We pray for grace, wisdom, and strength in every step of their ministry. “Therefore, you who are called, stand firm, with a spirit of service, guided by the Word of God, and as lights to the world.”