The Southern Diocese of the ELCT organized a seminar for pastors and evangelists of the Njombe District, held at the Matiganjola Parish from 28–30 April 2026. The main objective was to bring together servants of God to remind each other of our responsibilities and strengthen the unity of ministry.
OPENING OF THE SEMINAR
The seminar was officially opened on 29/4/2026 in the morning by the District Pastor, Pastor Nuru Kahwili, presiding over the scriptures of James 5:15–18. He emphasized praying diligently, working with the heart, and having work discipline, emphasizing that whatever we do, we should do it for the Lord, not for men.
FIRST LESSON: EXPAND THE TENT
Presented by the Bishop of the Southern Diocese of the ELCT, Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, presiding over the scriptures of Isaiah 54:2–3.
He emphasized expanding churches due to population growth, broadening the vision from the community level, removing obstacles to ministry (fear, habits, bad systems, laziness and selfishness), and strengthening the stakes with true teachings.
In addition, he explained the major agendas of the Diocese: the gospel and the evangelist, the insurance system, the Diocesan development fund, the farewell program for retired pastors and evangelists, as well as economic issues and self-reliance for the congregation and servants. He also emphasized the personal relationship with God and the family life of the servant (Proverbs 13:22; 1 Timothy 5:8).
LESSON TWO: PROTOCOL
Presented by Mwalimu Petro Kilima, Assistant Secretary General of the Southern Diocese.
He taught the importance of protocol in church service, explaining that it is the basis of discipline, respect and solidarity of service, and protects the image of the church before the community.
LESSON THREE: OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES
Presented by the Treasurer of the Southern Diocese, Yohana Ndelele.
He explained the various types of offerings and sacrifices, emphasizing that they are a spiritual worship and a sign of gratitude to God, while also helping to strengthen the service, the welfare of servants and the development of the church
LESSON FOUR: SERVANT’S VISION & CONTINUITY OF GOD’S WORK
Presented by the Assistant of Bishop, Rev. Dr. Johnson Gudaga.
He taught the meaning of vision and explained that to achieve the vision there must be: vision – goal – strategy – actual work. He also emphasized resource management (people, time and money).
Through this lesson, he explained the vision of the Southern Diocese to build a Lutheran Mall for the development of the Diocese, to strengthen the economy and the interests of the servants without relying on donations alone. He explained the goal of the Diocesan Development Offering, and the participants were moved to the point of starting a small charity, where the total cash raised was Tsh. 2,667,000/=.
CONCLUSION
This seminar has been a great blessing to the pastors and evangelists of the Njombe District. Through these lessons, we have been reminded to pray diligently, work with the heart, strengthen the vision, share offerings responsibly, and manage resources effectively.
Together we acknowledge that this seminar has laid the foundation for solidarity, discipline, and accountability in service, and is an invitation to develop what we have learned in practice in our churches, communities, and families.