My name is NDIKUMANA Emile. I am the overseer of Rock church in the North Burundi. I am also a deputy of the bishop of our church in Burundi. I attended a retreat that gathered all the pastors from our church organized by United Christians for Change and Development. The teachings we got from the retreat were refreshing and impactful.
One of the teachings that changed my mindset is that of disciplining marketplace leaders and how to do our work as a means of worshiping GOD. I have come to understand that the purpose of Sunday is Monday. Therefore, on Sunday, we, pastors, are to equip the members of our churches to be the ambassadors of Christ at their workplace. We are also to make the local church relevant seven days a week by unlocking the potential of the pew and by equipping the members of our churches to become Ministers in the Marketplace where they spend most of their time. Thus, we can fulfill the great commission with great success.
Another teaching that changed my worldview is the teaching that talks about how a leader can win spiritual warfare. I have seen some strategies I can use to win this spiritual war I am facing. When I win as a pastor, even the members of my church will win.
As a result of attending this retreat, I was also reminded of the importance of unity in the body of Christ. I left the retreat more committed than ever before to fight for unity in my church and the neighboring churches. Moreover, I have decided to care more about my spiritual life because I realized that the spiritual health of my church depends on my spiritual life.
If such retreats go on, the Burundian church will grow stronger and stronger. That is because when a pastor attends such a retreat, he/she is like a car in a garage, he/she leaves it with new strength to serve to people of God. As pastors, sometimes we get tired, discouraged, hurt, and wounded. Then, we begin to give poor results in what we do. While in those dire situations, we need retreats like these to get fixed. That is what happened to me and to my fellow pastors from rock church during these three days. We are revived, awakened, and strengthened. We are ready to use the weapons and tools we have gotten to help the body of Christ.
I wish UCCD could organize more retreats to the intention of all pastors from different churches in our country. Thus, they will serve their respective churches effectively.
To conclude, I want to thank the leadership of UCCD together with its partners for helping our church through this retreat. May God bless you so much.
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