KITWE – UCZ NDEKE VILLAGE CONGREGATION: Commissioner Kephas Katongo has challenged church members to engage in deep self-examination and take responsibility for the divisions and misunderstandings that often arise within congregations, urging believers to refocus on the core mission of the Church, salvation.
Speaking at the induction service of Copperbelt Presbytery Bishop, Rev. Dr. Charles Lungu, Commissioner Katongo observed that blame is frequently placed on clergy whenever challenges arise in the Church, yet congregants themselves are often contributors to those very problems.
He noted that a troubling pattern has emerged in many churches where ministers are unknowingly “captured” by certain members. While building close relationships with clergy is not wrong, he cautioned that such closeness becomes harmful when it is used as a channel to speak negatively about others.
“The reason why we all come to church is for salvation,” Commissioner Katongo emphasized. “Our Reverends are meant to preach salvation, and we must not confuse them by capturing them and then using that access to talk bad about other people.”
He described this practice as part of an “evil system” that weakens the Church from within, diverting attention from the Gospel to personal grievances, gossip, and divisions among believers.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Katongo reminded the congregation that all people are equal before God, regardless of social or economic status. He stressed that salvation is open to everyone, rich or poor alike, because all are children of God.
Drawing from the words of Jesus Christ, he reflected on the promise of many rooms in the Father’s house, underscoring that God’s kingdom has space for all. He warned against celebrating the exclusion or downfall of others, calling instead for inclusivity and shared joy in the journey of faith.
“No one should celebrate the exclusion of others,” he said. “We should be inclusive and walk together, so that every sister and every brother goes with us to heaven.”
Commissioner Katongo’s message served as a strong call for unity, humility, and spiritual maturity within the Church, urging believers to guard the integrity of the ministry and to support their leaders by fostering love, truth, and harmony among God’s people.