Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
OVER 100 pastors and church leaders from across Zimbabwe gathered in Harare on Saturday for a Christian leadership seminar aimed at strengthening ministry capacity, promoting ethical leadership and equipping participants to contribute meaningfully to national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
The seminar, organised by Daybreak Bible Institute under the theme “Understanding Your Calling and How to Function in It”, attracted delegates from Chegutu, Marondera, Bindura, Mazowe, Concession, Glendale, Mvurwi and other parts of the country.
The event also drew participants from Malawi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Ghana, reflecting growing regional interest in theological education, leadership development and ministry excellence.
Founder of Daybreak Bible Institute, Bishop Dr Aderino Nyabanga, said the seminar was designed to help church leaders understand their God-given assignments and become more effective in serving their communities.
“Zimbabwe and Africa need leaders who understand their purpose and can positively influence society. When leaders are properly equipped, they become agents of transformation not only in churches but also in families, communities and the nation at large,” said Bishop Nyabanga.
He said the Church had an important role to play in supporting Government efforts towards achieving Vision 2030 through the promotion of ethical leadership, moral values and community development.
“As a nation, we are working towards Vision 2030, and the Church has a responsibility to raise leaders who are principled, accountable and committed to the development of their communities. Leadership training is therefore critical in producing individuals who can contribute positively to national growth and social transformation,” he said.
Bishop Nyabanga said many challenges facing ministries today stem from a lack of clarity regarding calling and purpose.
“Understanding one’s calling brings direction, confidence and effectiveness. Our objective is to empower pastors and Christian leaders with biblical knowledge, leadership skills and practical tools that enable them to fulfil their mandate with excellence,” he said.
The seminar’s guest speaker, Ghanaian minister Apostle Michael Kow Essel, challenged church leaders to remain committed to their divine assignments and focus on building strong, sustainable ministries.
“The Church remains one of the most influential institutions in society. Leaders must understand their calling, remain faithful to their assignment and invest in raising future generations of leaders who will continue advancing God’s work,” he said.
Participants described the seminar as timely and impactful.
Pastor Douglas Mushure from Chegutu said the teachings had provided fresh insight into effective ministry leadership.
“The sessions were practical and inspiring. Many of us are returning home with renewed vision, greater clarity and a stronger understanding of how to function effectively within our calling. Such gatherings are important for the growth of both individual ministers and the Church as a whole,” he said.
Beyond the training sessions, the gathering provided an opportunity for pastors and church leaders to network, fellowship and build lasting relationships that will strengthen collaboration among ministries.
Delegates shared experiences, exchanged contacts and explored ways of working together in areas of evangelism, community outreach and leadership development.
Bishop Nyabanga said the networking aspect of the seminar was particularly important as different ministers possess unique gifts and strengths that can complement one another.
“We encouraged pastors to connect and share contacts so that they can continue working together beyond this seminar. Ministers are gifted differently and collaboration enables us to maximise our impact in communities and advance the work of God more effectively,” he said.
The institute also provided meals for participants, creating an environment that encouraged fellowship, interaction and the strengthening of ministerial relationships.
Organisers distributed Bibles, evangelism materials, gospel tracts and scriptural books to participants as part of efforts to strengthen ministry work and improve access to biblical resources.
Bishop Nyabanga appealed to corporates, churches, development partners and well-wishers to support the institute’s resource mobilisation programme, which seeks to expand access to learning materials for pastors and students.
“We are grateful to individuals and organisations that have already partnered with us. However, there remains a growing demand for Bibles, theological literature and educational resources. Support from stakeholders will help us continue empowering ministers, particularly those serving in rural, farming and mining communities,” he said.
Established in 2020, Daybreak Bible Institute has grown into one of the country’s emerging theological training institutions, with more than 360 graduates now serving in ministries within Zimbabwe and abroad.
The institute currently has more than 100 students enrolled in various programmes, including Certificate and Diploma studies in Ministry, Degree programmes in Theology and postgraduate leadership training. Bishop Nyabanga said the institution was working to increase enrolment as demand for quality theological education and leadership training continues to grow.
Church leaders at the seminar said continuous training, mentorship and collaboration remain critical in strengthening the role of faith-based organisations in promoting moral values, community development and national progress.
The gathering concluded with renewed calls for greater cooperation among churches, theological institutions and development partners to equip leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s social, spiritual and economic development.
