Malasusa says parish pastors calling is service, not ruling

THE Rt. Rev. Dr Alex Malasusa.

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian

THE Rt. Rev. Dr Alex Malasusa, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), has decried the tendency of some pastors to see believers as church property.

Dr Malasusa urged pastors to take greater responsibility in protecting Christians from false teachings, warning that unsound doctrines are increasingly distressing and intimidating some believers.

Bishop Malasusa made the remarks here yesterday when opening the 6th ELCT Pastors’ general conference, bringing together more than 2,000 pastors from across the country.

The struggles facing Christians should be a matter of concern for pastors, whose responsibility is to shepherd and oversee faith among its followers rather than remain comfortable while those under their leadership face spiritual challenges, he said.

“People need proper shepherding and guidance...Christians are struggling, so we as pastors must care more,” he said, noting that some believers move from one church to another in search of teachings and spiritual guidance.

He said a close relative of his is currently attending her seventh church while still searching for spiritual attainment, which underscores the need for pastors to guard believers entrusted to them and exercise greater oversight of church doctrine to check against believers being led astray.

“There are many things we need to manage, one of which is false teachings that are currently unsettling and terrifying Christians,” the ELCT leader intoned, insisting that pastoral leadership should be characterised by humility and service.

Pastors are called to serve rather than rule, such that leadership positions could become a trap when they cause, individuals to view themselves primarily as authorities instead of servants.

“Peter wants us to be servants, not rulers, and that is where the greatest test lies, especially for those of us holding positions. Being a pastor with a title is a trap,” he said, underlining that embracing humility is cowardice or laziness but a hidden strength in a person in the service of divinity.

Pastors do not need to respond to every issue or comment on everything, but should recognise that they are carrying out divine work and rely on divinity in fulfilling their calling.

Rosemary Senyamule, the regional commissioner, said the government recognised the ELCT’s contribution to national development through its work in education, healthcare, youth development, support for people with special needs and poverty alleviation.

She said religious leaders had an important role to play in building moral values, maintaining peace and strengthening national unity in advocating for justice and accountability while providing guidance that supports spiritual, social and economic wellbeing.

The conference, which began on Friday has brought together pastors from 28 ELCT dioceses for prayer, reflection and panel discussions aimed at strengthening church unity and advancing pastoral work, officials noted.