After several months of anticipation, the maiden Lay Pastors Conference in East Africa became a reality. Several Lay Pastors from Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kenya (the host) gathered with expectant hearts.
Bearing good tidings from our Father and Prophet, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, 13 Lay Presidents under the leadership of the Lay Presidents’ Convener, Rev. Dr. Kodwo Orleans-Lindsay arrived for the Conference. It was held at the Prince of Peace Cathedral in Nairobi from August 21-24, 2023.
The Conference started on a very high note with the Convener, Rev. Dr. Orleans-Lindsay, urging us, Lay Pastors to prepare our hearts to first seek the law of the Lord for ourselves instead of passively passing it on to the congregation. ‘Then He added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.” ‘ (Ezekiel 3:10 NLT)
Rev. Lindsay also emphasized that personal study of God’s Word should be followed by the practice of God’s Word. The Lay Pastor must practice what he preaches, and obedience to God’s Word should always precede teaching our church members. ‘For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments’. (Ezra 7:10)
Do you want to hear the voice of the Word of God to us? If so listen to the voice of our Prophet! Samuel’s voice was the Word of God to Saul! ‘Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.’ (1 Samuel 15:1). The Word of God indeed HAS A VOICE. Truly the voice of God is full of an array of gifts and blessings.
Ministering as a fellow Lay Pastor, coined “Laikos to Laikos”, he identified with our struggles as Lay Pastors especially the limited time available to do the work of the ministry. The lay ministry is not an excuse for mediocrity in ministry and other areas of life! All Lay Pastors must hunger and thirst for both the lovely voice of God and the presence of God!
“PART TIME BUT FULL HEART! That was the recurring theme of the second day! At the height of the major battle with Amalek, Moses was supported by Aaron (a full time priest from the tribe of Levi) on one side and Hur (a lay person from the tribe of Judah) on the other side. (Exodus 17:8-13). Lay Pastors should emulate this pattern and endeavor to operate at a very high level of spirituality and ministry in order to passionately render great support to the full time pastors!
Lay Ministry is also in the will of God. God’s heart, as revealed in both the Old and the New Testament is that the lay pastoral ministry exists to support the ministry of the full time ministers. Our Lord Jesus was born of the tribe of Judah, the same tribe as Hur, (the lay person who supported Moses with Aaron at the mountain! This is another source of affirmation for Lay Pastors.
To be an ideal Lay Pastor you must also flourish! Rev. Lindsay described in detail each of the five engines that the ideal Lay Pastor must develop to the highest level – The pastoral, professional, business, flourishing and early retirement engines. Convicted, some Lay Pastors came together to finance the construction of five community chapels. God be praised!
A presentation was made on the structure and operations of the United Denominations Lay World Movement. Seventeen Lay Pastors joined various specialized boards.
Finally the Conference ended with a session on loyalty. Rev. Lindsay’s heart moving, anointed teaching and testimony on the difference between sons and servants pricked many hearts as we resolved to take ownership of the ministry. We resolved to give our full time ministers a “blank cheque” to rebuke, correct or transfer as a father would do!
On the last few days of the Conference, a free medical screening was organized for all attendees. Approximately ninety pastors had their blood pressure and blood sugar checked as well as receive free medical consultation.
We thank God for the life of the Prophet and the vision he has for the lay ministry. A big thank you to Bishop OB Commey and Bishop Daniel Baidoo.
To end, here are a few remarks of some Conference attendees:
An Ideal Lay Pastor has great respect for full time ministry.
I have to develop the art of listening so that I can have the tongue of the learned.
Success in every endeavor is dependent on discipline and understanding.
The legitimacy of the Lay ministry and the fact that it is part of God’s will inspired me to give my best both at work and in the ministry.
This Conference has really helped me to understand the real work of a Lay Pastor and not have the “I am Lay” mentality (with no understanding). I have a good understanding of what is required of me.
Rev. Kevin Sang (Double Mega Missionary Church)
