KABWE – UCZ ST PETER’S CONGREGATION: 07/06/2026- The United Church of Zambia on 7th June 2026 ordained 29 Licentiate Probationers into full-time ministry during a solemn and spiritually uplifting service held at UCZ St Peter’s Congregation in Central Presbytery.
The ordination service marked a significant milestone in the life of the Church as the newly ordained ministers were officially commissioned to serve in God’s vineyard, taking on the sacred responsibility of shepherding congregations.
Delivering words of encouragement, UCZ Synod Bishop Rev. Bishop Festus Chulu urged the newly ordained ministers to remain committed to their calling and uphold the values of ministry.
“Please maintain wearing the prescribed uniform. Remember, you are going to serve God’s people. Others may call it work, but this is a vocation,” he said.
The Synod Bishop further reminded the ordinands that their journey of growth and accountability does not end at ordination.
“Supervision does not end here. You will be supervised, mentored, and encouraged as you continue serving,” he added.
Meanwhile, preaching during the service, Rev. Vincent Kageya delivered a sermon based on Esther 4:12–16 under the theme “The Hidden Power of Prayer That Can Set the World on Fire.”
In his message, Rev. Kageya cautioned against complacency following ordination, describing it as a critical stage in ministry.
“Ordination can be dangerous because this is the time some people think they can no longer be supervised. But this is when real servanthood begins,” he said.
He called on the newly ordained ministers to embrace a deeper and more authentic life of prayer.
“Our prayers are too polite—we pray as though we are fulfilling a protocol, not as children crying to the Father,” he said.
Rev. Kageya emphasized that prayer remains central to effective ministry and spiritual endurance.
“What will save us is prayer,” he declared.
The service was attended by church leaders, clergy, family members, and congregants, who witnessed the ordination and celebrated the commitment of the 29 ministers to serve faithfully.
The ordination underscores the UCZ’s continued mission to strengthen its ministry and advance the work of God through dedicated and spiritually grounded leadership.