Solusi University dedicates 39 pastors

SOLUSI University dedicated 39 pastors this Sunday in a special ceremony held before their graduation, which is set for this coming weekend.
The dedication marks a significant rite of passage into pastoral ministry within the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, confirming their call to gospel ministry and preparing them for active service.
In an interview, Professor Nkosiyabo Zvandasara, the Faculty Dean of Theology and Chaplaincy at Solusi University, explained that the dedication ceremony serves as a moment for introspection.

It allows each candidate to assess their readiness for the high calling of pastoral ministry.
Professor Zvandasara emphasised the importance of seeking God’s endorsement and blessing, marking the transition from academic preparation to the commencement of active pastoral ministry after completing the four-year degree programme in theology.
“The dedication of pastors is most importantly an occasion when God’s blessing is sought as these candidates prepare to begin their active pastoral ministry following their graduation .This ceremony aligns with the university’s mission to provide holistic, transformational education,” said Prof Zvandasara.
Speaking on the key highlights of the dedication experience yesterday, Prof Zvandasara reflected on the sermon based on the theme, ‘For Such a Time as This’ (Esther 4:14), which underscored the need for pastors’ ministries to adapt to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
He stressed the importance of pastors embracing the gravity of their calling and taking their ministry seriously.

“This dedication spiritually charges the students, urging them to seek God’s guidance as they embark on this solemn work. It also equips them professionally to confidently take their place among other professionals,” he said.
Dr Clifford Sibanda, the Head of the Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy at Solusi University, expressed his expectations for the graduates.
He highlighted that after the dedication, the new pastors would be sent out as ambassadors of Solusi University, charged with sharing love, compassion, and the selflessness of Jesus Christ.
“The world is filled with challenges—divorce, disease, and depression—and these pastors are expected to be merchants of hope in such a broken world .They must be advocates for moral reform, challenging society to retrace its steps to the divine blueprint and rebuke immorality, dishonesty, and corruption,” Dr Sibanda said.

Dr Sibanda also stressed the importance of the pastors proving their calling through their conduct and commitment to ministry, even without material rewards.
He noted that some graduates would transition into full-time ministry within the church, while others, who may already have professional careers, would engage in self-supporting ministry.
Solusi University is preparing for its 28th graduation ceremony this weekend, with final arrangements underway.
The graduating class is expected to arrive today for an orientation, where they will be briefed on how to march, dress, and present themselves during the three-day event. The highlight of the ceremony will be on Sunday, when the guest of honour – not yet known- will officiate.