Transformational Leadership in Africa (TLAfrica) Rwanda office organized a two days seminar in Musanze on ‘Preaching Biblical Sermons in Africa’ based on a TLAfrica’s manual of the same title. The manual is a TLAfrica’s project authored by Pastor Leonard Too; pastor at CITAM Church Nairobi, and a PhD Candidate, pursuing Old Testament Studies, who was also the lead trainer. Professor Faustin Ntamushobora facilitated the seminar offering needed training insights in Kinyarwanda which is the language spoken by the participating pastors. The seminar took place on 30th April and 1st May, 2024 bringing together 33 (11 women and 22 men) pastors and church leaders. Mr Nelson Kilonzo, Director of Holistic Ministries at TLAfrica working in coordination with Pastor Alloys Bujori mobilized the seminar attendance.

This seminar is part of TLAfrica’s efforts to empower local pastors to deliver impactful biblical messages. The seminar covered topics similar to those covered during a similar seminar in Kajiado, Kenya. The topic on pastors’ calling started the Musanze seminar. Here, a few pastors shared how they had received the call to serve and elaborated what made them certain that indeed they had been called to the office of pastor hood. Pastor Too then led a discussion on the person of the preacher. To aid in understanding these topic, pastors worked in groups analyzing Psalms 23 detailing the roles of a shepherd relating to their work. Other topics covered were biblical preaching, theological foundations of preaching, sermon preparation and effective sermon delivery.

According to the trainer, Pastor Too, these trainings are filling a gap where local pastors have received a call to serve but have not received formal training. He noted that after conducting two back-to-back seminars in Kenya and Rwanda, he felt that the pastors have a hunger for knowledge that empowers them to deliver better sermon and care for their congregations. He further noted that delivering the training in Rwanda needed more tack as he was training in English and depending on another person to translate and relay the message in Kinyarwanda. He felt that it may have made the message not to be as impactful as when delivered without translation. This situation was made better by the presence of Prof Faustin who speaks Kinyarwanda and stepped in several times to emphasis various important points in a language best understood by the audience.

 

TESTIMONIES

Terrance Nsabyumuremyi, a pastor, shared that it was a pleasure for him to participate in the seminar organized by TLAfrica. He explained that the seminar helped him gain more understanding about the pastoral ministry. “We learned about how the Bible is truly the Word of God and how we have to base all our teachings and preaching on it. We learnt also the core pastoral responsibilities such as knowing the flock under our care, feeding the flock with balanced spiritual diet so that it cannot suffer malnutrition leading to underdevelopment, caring for each individual member be it a child, an adult and even the old ones. Moreover, my takeaway from the conference is about sermon preparation.” He further added, “as a pastor I have to prepare a good and quality sermon and deliver it in a heartfelt way without reluctance, but with passion and authority.” He conclude by praying for TLAfrica to be blessed for organizing the seminar.

Nishimwe Francine, a deacon, shared that indeed the seminar had come in time for her empowering her in ministry and guiding her purpose. She added that the conference helped her to understand that the word of God is self-sufficient and uncorrupted. “I learnt also that I have to care and follow up the sheep under my care, be it in good conditions or in bad situations. I have also to value them; the rich, the poor, everyone at their level without being discriminative. Additionally, my other takeaway from this conference is about the word of God. I used to think that one can preach at any moment as they wish. Contrary to that, I have learnt that I have to prepare the sermon, revise it, pray for it and later deliver it with full and clear understanding of my listeners and their needs. I have also learnt that after I deliver a sermon, I have to give the congregation time to reflect, and then I make an alter call for those who might be willing to receive Jesus as their Saviour and later be baptized and serve the Lord.” In conclusion, Nishimwe urged TLAfrica to organise another conference and reach out to those pastors who were unable to attend.

Mukeshimana Claudine, choir leader in her church, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the seminar saying that it had had positive effects in her personal journey of faith.  She added that it shaped her understanding of the process of sermon preparation. Saying that she gained knowledge about focus and time needed to prepare a sermon, thus she committed herself to take time in sermon preparation through intensive reading and praying asking God to help shade light on what He needs His people to hear.  She noted it had been brought to her attention that pastors also preach through their behaviours and character all the time, everywhere. Noting that this is where preachers have to be careful as they preach more through actions. Finally, she urged TLAfrica to organise similar trainings so that pastors and church leaders can gain more skills on quality preaching.