KABWE – UCZ ST PETER’S CONGREGATION: 07/06/2026- “The future of our great Church is in safe hands with Church workers like him.” Former United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Southern Presbytery Bishop Rev. Elias Sinkala has said, describing Rev. Joseph Lupiya as a focused, hardworking and humble minister as he takes up his new role as UCZ Synod Compliance Officer.
Rev. Lupiya was inducted into office during a service held at UCZ St. Paul’s Congregation on 9th August 2026, where church leaders and members gathered to witness his formal assumption of the new responsibility.
Rev. Sinkala, who served as the Guest of Honour, said Rev. Lupiya’s appointment was well deserved, citing his commitment, attention to detail and ability to work as part of a team.
He said he had known Rev. Lupiya and his family for many years, having received and supervised him during his time in Southern Presbytery through his probation and ordination.
According to Rev. Sinkala, Rev. Lupiya demonstrated strong leadership during his time in Gwembe, where the Church recorded significant numerical and financial growth while also completing a new manse to improve accommodation for ministers serving in the area.
Meanwhile, Rev. Sinkala challenged the newly appointed Compliance Officer to approach his new assignment with humility, diligence and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly as the Church continues to implement its new financial policy.
He noted that Rev. Lupiya’s role comes at a critical time when the UCZ is responding to increasing needs associated with Church growth and wider societal challenges.
“Do not just occupy the office for maintenance, but make a positive contribution. Leave a mark for others to emulate,” Rev. Sinkala urged.
He further encouraged Rev. Lupiya to remain guided by God, seek wisdom in prayer and uphold servant leadership, reminding him that his new position was ultimately about serving God and His people.
Preaching during the induction service, UCZ General Secretary Rev. Dr. Chipasha Musaba urged Rev. Lupiya and other Church workers to remain rooted in their relationship with Christ.
Drawing lessons from Jeremiah 1:4-9, Galatians 3:1-5 and Matthew 28:18-20, Rev. Dr. Musaba preached on the theme “The Calling.”
He cautioned the Church against losing its distinct Christian identity, observing that there are times when the conduct of Christians makes it difficult to distinguish between the Church and secular institutions.
“When you look at the Church today, there are so many things that are happening and sometimes we fail to distinguish between a church and a club, a Christian and a non-believer,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Musaba emphasised that a believer’s relationship with Christ must remain the foundation of Christian service.
“The relationship with Christ is number one; without Christ you are nothing,” he said.
He further reminded Rev. Lupiya that God’s calling does not have an expiry date and that God continues to protect and sustain those He calls into His service.
“There is no expiry date in the calling, and God is always protecting your calling,” Rev. Dr. Musaba said.
He stressed that the call to ministry is not centred on personal advancement but on serving people and fulfilling God’s purpose.
“The call of God is not about you, it is about the people,” he said, adding that God is ultimately concerned with how His servants have lived out their calling.