AZUSA Theological College principal Lovejoy Chabata yesterday said ministers of the gospel should exercise wisdom and integrity in their dealings as well as interactions with other people.
Chabata, who was the guest of honour at the Christian Ministry Training Institute (CMTI)'s fourth graduation and ninth ordination ceremony in Harare, said integrity, knowledge and wisdom were essential for preachers.
The former Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe Theological College and Living Waters Theological Seminary principal drew extensively from the biblical story of King David and Bathsheba.
“The need for gospel ministers to engage the right gears of logic and wisdom in sensitive and volatile situations is important,” he said.
“The power of wisdom in approaching and confronting authorities in the wrong is essential.”
Chabata said like Nathan the prophet in the Bible, chaplains — who were among yesterday's graduands — were strategically placed because of their integrity, “to speak truth to power in love”.
He said ministers called to confront those in authority should not be negative critics, but endowed with integrity, knowledge and wisdom.
Speaking at the same colourful event, CMTI president Bishop Christopher Choto commended the graduands and ordinates for dedicating themselves to serving God with integrity.
- Preachers urged to operate with integrity
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“Our calling is a divine commission to transform lives and communities. As an institute, we are here to spark a global revival by equipping leaders for Christ's service and transform communities worldwide,” he said.
Choto said their mandate was to raise Christian ministers and leaders that were grounded in deep biblical knowledge and empowered with strong ministry skills.
“We ordain ministers from different denominations to serve with humility and integrity,” he said.
“Most of them are founders of ministries who, surely, cannot ordain themselves.”
The graduation and ordination ceremony, where students were awarded certificates and diplomas, was held under the theme, Empowered to Serve, Sent to Transform.
The 156 students graduated, and were ordained, in disciplines including Christian counselling, marriage officiating, chaplaincy, ordination and public speaking.
