LUSAKA – NDOZO LODGE LODGE 28/07/2026- The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Synod Bishop Rev. Festus Chulu has challenged church workers across the denomination to embrace personal renewal, unity and faithful service, declaring that the transformation of the Church must begin with those called to lead it.
Officially opening the UCZ Church Workers’ Symposium being held in Lusaka from 27th to 31st July 2026, under the theme “Changing the Narrative,” Rev. Chulu described the gathering as a divine appointment for reflection, renewal and recommitment to God’s mission.
“Before God changes the Church, He calls His servants to renewal. Before we ask the Church to change, God asks us to change. The change begins with us,” the Synod Bishop said.
He urged ministers, evangelists, diaconal workers and other church leaders to remain focused on the Church’s mission despite the growing pressures of modern society.
Rev. Chulu warned against allowing personal ambitions, divisions, jealousy, gossip and tribalism to weaken the Church’s witness, emphasizing that unity remains indispensable to fulfilling Christ’s mission.
“We cannot effectively change the narrative while divided,” he said, calling on church workers to choose reconciliation over resentment, service over self-interest, and mission over personal ambition.
Meanwhile, UCZ General Secretary Rev. Dr. Chipasha Musaba welcomed participants to what he described as a “sacred assembly” at Ndozo Lodge, encouraging delegates to approach the symposium with open hearts and minds.
He said the gathering provides an opportunity for church workers to reflect, discern, learn and engage with issues affecting ministry while allowing the Holy Spirit to initiate personal and institutional transformation.
“This is a learning opportunity, an opportunity to pray and reflect, and to allow the Spirit of God to bring about the change He desires to see in us,” Rev. Dr. Musaba said.
The symposium also featured presentations aimed at strengthening leadership within the Church. Rev. Prof. Lismore Gibson Ezekiel delivered a presentation on “Ethical Leadership for Ecclesial Transformation in Changing Landscapes,” while Ven. Canon Fr. Robert Sihubwa led discussions on “Faithful Leadership for Transformative Stewardship.”
The five-day symposium has brought together ministers of the Word and Sacraments, diaconal workers, evangelists, bishops, heads of departments and other church leaders from across the United Church of Zambia to deepen their capacity for effective ministry and strengthen the Church’s mission under the 2026 theme, “Changing the Narrative.”