Ministerial Association – East-Central Africa Division (ECD)
Mission Statement
The Ministerial Association of East-Central Africa of Seventh-day Adventists is dedicated to serving Jesus Christ and His church by ministering to pastors and pastor’s families, local church leaders, administrators, departmental directors, and ministerial secretaries.
Statement of Purpose
Pastors
The Association affirms the importance of the local church in the completion of Christ’s commission. To assist pastors in fulfilling this task, the association serves them in the following areas:
- Spiritual Growth—mentoring pastors and nurturing deep and vibrant relationships with God. Enabling pastors to mentor members in their greatest need—a revival of true godliness among us.
- Proclamation—Motivating, equipping, and resourcing pastors to proclaim the Word of God to the church and the world, presenting Jesus as Savior and Lord to all people, regardless of race, gender, nationality, tribe, or economic status.
- Personal Development: encouraging positive growth in the personal lives of pastors and their families. Advocating a balanced use of time so pastors can be well-rounded while improving their talents and relationships.
- Professional Growth—Promoting the professional growth of pastors in the study and practice of ministry, representing their interests at the General Conference, and enhancing the image of pastoral ministry so as to attract qualified persons and keep them in their ministries.
- Church Growth—enabling pastors to nurture their congregations and embrace the priesthood of all believers, engaging every member in ministries, so that our churches may be centers of loving concern, dynamic evangelism, and the presence of the living Lord.
Pastors’ Families
The Association recognizes that ministry is not simply the concern of the pastor alone. The pastor’s spouse and children are involved in and affected by the person and the practice of the ministry.
Therefore, the association encourages the fulfillment of a family ministry and provides necessary support and resources to spouses who choose to serve as paraprofessionals in team ministry.
Local Church Leaders
The Association recognizes the biblical role of the local church elders, company directors, deacons, and deaconesses—particularly in view of the ever-increasing demands on the church pastor and the need for laity involvement in the governance and ministry of the congregation. Therefore, the association aims to nurture, train, motivate, and equip these local church leaders in their roles as they serve their congregations and assist pastors in soul winning.
Our Initiatives
Pastoral Retreats and Conferences: The Ministerial Association regularly organizes retreats and conferences for pastors and church leaders. These events provide opportunities for spiritual renewal, professional development, and fellowship. Notable past retreats have included topics such as effective preaching, leadership skills, and personal spiritual growth.
Training Workshops and Seminars: Various training workshops and seminars are used to address specific needs and challenges faced by ministry leaders. These sessions cover a range of topics, including church administration, evangelism strategies, and pastoral care.
Leadership Development Programs: The association implements leadership development programs aimed at cultivating the skills and abilities of emerging leaders. These programs often include mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and practical ministry experience.
Resource Distribution: The Ministerial Association distributes a variety of resources to pastors and local church leaders, including educational materials, sermon resources, and church management tools. This support helps enhance the effectiveness of their ministry work.
Collaboration with Other Ministries: The association collaborates with other ministries and organizations within the church to support joint initiatives and projects. This collaboration helps to pool resources and expertise for greater impact in the region.
Recognition and Awards: The association recognizes outstanding contributions by pastors and church leaders through awards and commendations. This acknowledgment highlights the dedication and achievements of individuals who have made significant impacts in their ministries.
Resources
- Pastors
- Pastors Spouses
- Pastors Kids
- Local Church Elders
