Our Church Begins at Home
Our Church Begins at Home
Life as a clergy couple is demanding in Uganda, even as it is throughout the global Church. In Sebei Diocese, many clergy struggled with prioritizing work over family. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." We used God's word to lead this group of servants to a healthy balance of marriage, ministry, and family life.
SOMA makes every effort to build a mission team that is culturally relevant to where we serve. When Kenyan missioners Bishop Francis and his wife Margaret spoke, they connected "one African to another" and ministered with authority. Referencing key scriptures, Margaret established the priority for a husband and wife to model the intimate relationship between Christ with His bride, the Church. They both emphasized that marriage and ministry must be a partnership of mutual support and prayer. Bishop Francis also counseled couples to renounce ancestral attachments that could hinder their full submission to the Lord.
During a time of reflection, several people testified how God touched them during the SOMA mission. One clergyman stood up and shared his new understanding of his role as pastor, husband, and family leader. "Our church begins from home. When a relationship is broken in the family, we cannot effectively serve the Church. We can have significant breakthroughs in ministry when we have breakthroughs at home.”
The final ministry was guided by Bishop Paul; he led his clergy and their spouses in a rededication of marriage vows. Smiles were everywhere, and the joy of the Lord was present. In a final act of leadership, Bishop Paul and Mama Agnes knelt before team member Bishop Francis and renewed their marriage vows. Men and women praised God with dancing and song. It was eveident–God had charted a new course for ministry and mission in the diocese of Sebei. Amen.
