“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”(Prov 27:17 NIV), this was the goal of the three days retreat gathered all members of clergy (more than four hundred) of the United Methodist Church, the Burundi Annual Conference. This retreat was held in Ngozi, the northern province of Burundi on March15th-16th, 2024 under the theme: “A living leader, the foundation of a living Church which implements God’s will in the world.” This retreat was organized by the Burundi Annual Conference in partnership with the United Christians for Change and Development (UCCD).
In his welcoming speech, the governor of Ngozi province wished the participants a successful and memorable stay in his province. He also contributed one million Burundian francs to support the retreat.
Governer of Ngozi Province
The opening address was stated by the Rt. Hon. Rev Emmanuel Sinzohagera, Legal Representative and the Dean of Superintendents. He welcomed all ordained pastors and deacons who took part in that retreat and thanked the UCCD for having supported the work.
“We thank God for these three days that will enable church leaders to stay together with the same spirit to sharpen one another for the sake of God’s Kingdom”, said The Rev Emmanuel Sinzohagera.
He continued by saying that the church’s mission is to be the light and the salt of this world, the reason why the UMC in Burundi must equip its leaders to accomplish that mission.
He also introduced the topics to be discussed on in the retreat:
- The meaning of the church
- The Unity
- The calling of the church
- A living leader, a living church
- The requirements for the church to implement its calling
- Clergy self-care
- Salvation by grace
- The fall of the church in Europe, the causes and what we can learn from
- How the leader can overcome spiritual war
Rev Emmanuel Sinzohagera, The Dean District Superintendent
The Dean of Superintendents insisted on the importance of demonstrating the heart of a good shepherd towards the congregations. “The level we love God is the level you love his flock. The church is not a building but the God’s nation, the Holy nation and God’s family (1Pet.2:9-10). This nation is set into the lightness from the darkness, made of people who are forgiven for their sins. We must invest more in the flock than invest in material things”, added Rev Sinzohagera.
The clergy members of the Burundi Annual Conference were reminded that their role is to effectively feed, and care for the wellbeing of flock. They were also asked to strengthen unity. Rev Emmanuel also concluded by thanking God regarding the consolidation of the reconciliation between members of the Burundi Annual Conference.
“Of course our diversity is our strength. Among the challenging issues that we face is a misunderstanding of the meaning of the church. We often say that this is my church, and we discriminate against others. As leaders, we must preach unity in the church, mentioned Rt.Hon. Rev Emmanuel Sinzohagera.
For the Second and third days of the retreat, participants discussed various topics including time management which proved to be a major challenge for pastors and Superintendents. Devotion to the activities of the Church pushes most members of the clergy to create frustrations and discontent or even total disgust among family members with regard to the ministry of the Church.
The participants committed to reviewing their time management and doing everything on time. “Finally, we notice that we have forgotten the first church which is that of the house and we are going to give an account of it before the Lord,” indicated one of the participants.
“To properly accomplish the Lord’s mission, I noticed that we must take such moments of meditation on the word of God and of prayer to listen to our Master Jesus Christ,” commented a pastor.
“We must balance spirituality and development so as not to fall into the difficulties that currently haunt the church of Europe. Of course, the fall and growth of the Church will be the result of what we do today,” commented one of the superintendents.
Note that District Superintendents, elders in full connection, probational elders and deacons in full connection expressed their satisfaction and requested that the retreat should be done at least three times a year because it is very beneficial for them and for the consolidation of leadership. In addition, they have asked whether such retreat can be organized for pastor’s family (pastor and spouse). They were also committed to go back and share the acquired knowledge with other church leaders.
