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MBABANE – Founder and Senior Pastor of Jesus Calls Worship Centre, Bishop Robert Kasaro, has been appointed as the new President of Eswatini Conference of Churches.
Reverend Sabelo Mdluli is the vice President, while Treasurer is Reverend Nonophile Mdluli and the members include Apostle Madudu Mabuza, Apostle Mxolisi Dlamini, Reverend Kenneth Hlophe and Pastor Sifiso Vilakati.
Kasaro is taking over from the late Bishop Stephen Masilela. He was appointed last Thursday May 19, 2022 during the annual general assembly (AGA) meeting which was held at Sibane Hotel.
Conflicts
Addressing the AGA during his inauguration, Kasaro noted the perpetual leadership challenges and conflicts that persisted in their member churches, which he said were an area of concern. The president presented the need to roll out a Governance Training Programme directed at building the capacity of leaders and church Boards.
He mentioned that as the body of Christ, they were increasingly confronted with the rise of numerous ethical and moral questions and dilemmas.
Kasaro alluded that it was their responsibility as a mother body to give biblical guidance and interpretation on some of the pertinent questions. He added that there was a need for the formation of a theological committee, that would assist in addressing emerging complex doctrinal issues, some of which may have the potential of dividing the church if left unattended.
Furthermore, he noted that the issue of the welfare and social security for pastors was also at the helm of new executive boards’ wish list. He stated that the high rate of attrition during the COVID-19 crisis highlighted the urgent need to scale-up the benefits that could accrue to families of pastors and church officials in the event of death or retirement.
The President implored all members to hold hands towards improving the social security of all the faithful men and women of God who dedicate their entire lives to the work of the Lord.
He mentioned that the hallmark of an agile contemporary kingdom church was sufficient investment in the next generation. Kasaro also expressed the need to develop a clear vision for the young people across all age groups, to ensure that the organisation reaped a maximum generational dividend. The president implored church leaders to kick-start the process in their respective congregations by investing more time and resources to the activities of young people. Kasaro added that the initiatives he had highlighted were just a few of the immediate objectives that he desired to see birthed in the next couple of years.
Strategic
He, however mentioned that addressing the medium to long-term bigger picture would require their efforts towards reviewing the strategic plan of the organisations part of the strategy, would also be that of enhancing the involvement of the church in community development and social responsibility.
Meanwhile, he extended an invitation to all members to participate in the strategy review process of the organisation when called upon. The president thanked the
members for their trust in him and his team, further imploring them to continuously pray for the organisation, the Board, churches and the nation at large.
He also paid tribute to the former president, Masilela, who capably led the ECC for fourteen years.
“We are standing on the firm foundation laid down by some of the great leaders who have departed. Please allow me to make special mention of our former President the late Bishop Stephen Masilela, who capably led the Conference of Churches from 2008 until his untimely departure in 2021.” Kasaro stated that one of the highlights of the late president’s term was the adoption of the new Constitution which they were using.
He said they salute the departed heroes and trust God to provide the required comfort and restoration in every affected family and congregation.