Some of the participants at the first LWF Leadership Seminar for General Secretaries in Africa, taking place 17-21 March, under the theme, ”Thriving Churches,” in Nairobi, Kenya, Photo: LWF/I. Toroitich
Strengthening communion relations, governance responsibilities and collaboration
(LWI) - – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is holding a first Leadership Seminar for General Secretaries in the African region. The goal is to strengthen governance responsibilities and collaboration within the communion’s member churches.
The 30 participants at the 17-21 March event come from the LWF member churches in the African region. Themed “Thriving Churches,” the seminar aligns with LWF’s Strategy 2025-2031: Sharing Hope – Empowering Churches – Impacting the World.
Recognizing the essential yet often underdefined role of general secretaries in church leadership, the LWF designed this seminar to enhance their leadership skills, clarify their roles in relation to bishops and church presidents, and foster deeper connections within the global Lutheran communion.
Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church Bishop Johnes Meliyio presided at the opening worship service with Holy Communion. Photo: LWF/Maro Maua
Participants at the seminar are general secretaries in LWF’s member churches in Africa. Photo: LWF/I. Toroitich
Rev. Bertha Godfrey Munkhondya, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi General Secretary, addressing participants at the regional leadership seminar. In September 2021, she became the first woman ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament in her church. Photo: LWF/ Maro Maua
The program highlights leadership formation as a key element for the sustainability of churches, equipping both lay and ordained leaders to navigate complex leadership landscapes.
“The role of General Secretaries is pivotal to the governance and sustainability of our churches. This seminar marks a significant milestone as we aim to replicate similar leadership initiatives across all LWF regions,” said Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Capacity Building and Leadership Development. She is facilitating some of the sessions alongside LWF Regional Secretary for Africa Rev. Dr Samuel Dawai and the Head of Global Advocacy, Mr Isaiah Toroitich.
The role of General Secretaries is pivotal to the governance and sustainability of our churches. This seminar marks a significant milestone as we aim to replicate similar leadership initiatives across all LWF regions.
Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Capacity Building and Leadership Development
Discussions focus on shared values in the LWF communion, strategies on strengthening good governance practices, inclusive leadership and mutual accountability, churches leading advocacy efforts, and the evolving leadership landscape in Africa.
The seminar is taking place at the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) headquarters. Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church Bishop Johnes Meliyio presided at the opening worship service with Holy Communion, assisted by AACC Program Director Rev. Dr Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel, from the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria.
