Navigating Seasons in Ministry – Reflections on the September 2025 RAAZ Ministers Fellowship
by Gloria Kanene (Class of 2012)
Monday, 29 September 2025
The RAAZ Ministers Fellowship on 6 September 2025 met at Church House in Lusaka. We opened in prayer and intercession where we sought God for boldness in the face of challenges. Together, ministers prayed for grace to remain steadfast, faithful, and focused on the call of God.
Pastor Jere then led us in a time of praise and worship, lifting the atmosphere and preparing our hearts to receive the Word.
Message from Benjamin Moyowambuya
The word of encouragement came from Benjamin Moyowambuya, who shared on “Navigating Different Seasons as a Minister.” Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:3–4, he reminded us that there will be times when people will resist sound doctrine. In such moments, ministers must discern the habits, patterns, and influences around them, while staying grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
He highlighted four important lessons from his own journey in preaching:
- Approach the pulpit with reverence and humility.
- Remember that ministry is not a contest but an act of service.
- Ground every message in Scripture, not in personal opinion.
- Leave people with practical lessons to apply in their daily lives.
The charge to all present was clear: ministers must remain sober-minded and faithful, even in difficult seasons, for the responsibility given to us is a solemn one.
Navigating difficult times
Pastor Benjamin also outlined three categories of challenges ministers often face:
- Self-imposed problems — consequences of our own decisions that call for honest reflection and change.
- Attacks from the enemy — opposition meant to discourage and derail God’s work.
- God-ordained situations — seasons of testing designed to refine and realign us with God’s purposes.
In all these, ministers were encouraged to:
- Learn from others,
- Invest in personal development,
- Do soul-searching,
- And above all, hold firmly to the conviction that we are called by God.
Testimony: Pastor Joseph Bilali Phiri
The fellowship also featured a testimony from Pastor Joseph Bilali Phiri, who shared his journey of coming to Christ from a Muslim background. God used him mightily in signs and wonders, yet he also faced rejection and opposition. Through these challenges, he learned to anchor his life and ministry in God’s call. Today, he is faithfully serving in Jamaica, bringing the gospel to many. His story was a reminder that even seasons of pain and rejection can become preparation for greater impact.
Closing reflections
The September fellowship left us with key takeaways:
- The pulpit is a sacred place, not to be taken lightly.
- Every season — whether easy or difficult — carries lessons that shape us.
- The call of God is sure, and it sustains us as we serve faithfully.
The RAAZ Ministers Fellowship continues to strengthen alumni in ministry, providing a place for encouragement, connection, and shared growth. We look forward to gathering again and building together for greater impact.