Don’t abuse church members, clergy urged

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Man Of God - Pastor, priest
Man Of God - Pastor, priest

CHIEF Justice Irene Mambilima has urged the clergy in Zambia to desist from preying on their members and remain focused in their ministry so that the Word of God is spread for the benefit of the country.
Mrs Justice Mambilima said the clergy should lead by example and be role models in society.
“I wish to state that if this nation is to go forward, the clergy should live by example. It is unfortunate that some of the clergy are preying on their members. I wish to urge you [clergymen and women] to remain focused as you take the gospel of God forward,” Justice Mambilima said.
Justice Mambilima was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when she officiated at the disjunction ceremony of Reverend Isaiah Munali at Northmead Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ).
She said she was encouraged to see many ministers from within RCZ and other denominations coming together to support their colleague. “This is the way it is supposed to be,” she said.

 

Justice Mambilima paid tribute to Rev Munali’s outstanding performance in holding the church together since 2001, when RCZ suffered a major breakaway.
“Rev Munali managed to contribute to the rebuilding of the congregation after the breakaway that saw the birth of Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) in 2001. Those that followed what happened will remember that only 30 people remained here as the majority scattered, including the pastor,” Justice Mambilima said.
She said with his vision of rebuilding the church holistically, Northmead RCZ today has a membership of more than 250.
Justice Mambilima commended Rev Munali for positively utilising his skills in the children and youth ministry to such an extent that the young people, who comprise more than 75 percent of the membership, have been natured and effectively mentored.
She said the cleric’s effective ministry has given birth to successful campus ministry at the University of Zambia (UNZA).
“The moments I shared with you were revelatory for me in that I came to know you as a selfless minister with the capacity to interact with people from all walks of life,” Justice Mambilima said.
She commended him for bringing the congregation together as a good shepherd and doing his best to promote the unity of the congregation.
Rev Munali was inducted at RCZ in 2001 and has been at the congregation for the past 14 years. He moves to Ndola Central congregation in the same capacity.
Synod moderator Edwin Zulu commended Rev Munali for his work of stabilising the church.
“I wish you God’s grace as you go to Ndola. Just as you have worked here, you will do the same there,” Dr Zulu said.
And congregation secretary Boss Musumuko said the congregation will forever remember Rev Munali’s lively sermons and teachings.
Earlier Rev Munali, who preached from 1st Samuel 7:2- 14, told the congregation that God is his “Ebenezer”.
“We are going with pain in that we have been here for a long time, but we hope that God, who has kept us this far, will continue to be with us,” he said.
Rev Munali thanked the leadership for the support and pledged to continue serving God.

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