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Pentecostal church leaders cautioned against leading poor people
Minister Ephraim Kamuntu talking during the commissioning of Pentecostal Church leaders from Ankole at King of Kings church in Mbarara on Saturday. PHOTO BY RAJAB MUKOMBOZI.
What you need to know:
- Professor Kamuntu was speaking during the commissioning of 1,786 Born Again Pentecostal church leaders from Ankole region at King of Kings Church in Mbarara town on Sunday.
- The minister’s remarks come at a time when Born-Again Pentecostal churches have been at the centre of criticism for confining believers in prayer meetings and other church programmes, thus denying them a chance to engage in meaningful work.
- The minister said it is ungodly for religious leaders to only concentrate on spiritual growth and neglect other values like economic empowerment.
The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Professor Ephraim Kamuntu has told leaders of Born Again Pentecostal churches in Ankole region to be at the centre of poverty eradication, because leading poor people is challenging.
Professor Kamuntu was speaking during the commissioning of 1,786 Born Again Pentecostal church leaders from Ankole region at King of Kings Church in Mbarara town on Sunday.
“It’s because I’m leaving before conclusion of your function but I would have taken keen interest on what you give as offertory. But generally what I have been observing is that what is offered depicts how communities are struggling with poverty. It’s very challenging to lead poor people and you have to work to end this poverty among households,” said Professor Kamuntu.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when Born-Again Pentecostal churches have been at the centre of criticism for confining believers in prayer meetings and other church programmes, thus denying them a chance to engage in meaningful work.
The minister said it is ungodly for religious leaders to only concentrate on spiritual growth and neglect other values like economic empowerment.
“Even the Bible says that man would eat from his sweat, preach to people to work not only for their stomach but also earn income to satisfy other needs. Let’s speak the same language and tell our people that there are no free things,” added Professor Kamuntu.
He also cautioned the commissioned leaders, to avoid being self-centred but become servants of people and live by example so as not to bring God’s name to shame.
Bishop Joshua Lwere, the general overseer of National Alliance of Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches of Uganda (NAPECU), cautioned the public against fake pastors and leaders that have put their reputation in disrepute.
“The reason we are commissioning these leaders is to wipe out fake pastors and leaders who force themselves in leadership not by training and calling but egos. These are the ones who are fake, end up doing ungodly things and have tainted our name. We commission those we have trained and given authority, to guide the public against fake ones,” said Bishop Lwere.
