A celebratory and joyous atmosphere prevailed at Umndeni Fellowship Christian Centre in Tsakane on the 22nd of June 2024. The occasion was the official graduation ceremony of 48 graduates from Pastor’s Institute, and also the graduation of some new otLIVE instructors.
The excited graduates were supported by family members and friends. Together, we celebrated the hard work and perseverance of these men and women – as well their commitment to teaching God’s Word in order to see lasting lifechange in their communities.
This event marked the graduation of the second cohort of students from Pastor’s Institute – and our appreciation goes to Bishop Mkhwawane who delivered the main graduation address and participated in the “capping” of the graduates on stage.
This was also an opportunity to acknowledge the important role of the Equppers who motivate and encourage the students – and regularly ‘check in’ and connect with them. The graduates who had taught the most number of participants and events were also recognized.
Pastor’s Institute is a Walk Thru the Bible initiative to provide resources and training for pastors – as well as a platform for networking and encouragement. As part of the Pastor’s Institute requirements, the graduate complete four Walk Thru the Bible courses, as well as practical teaching components and a short evaluation.
Hear from the graduates themselves …
Pastor’s Institute has opened up a whole new world for me in terms of understanding the Bible and knowing how to approach teaching it. Most people just preach from their own understanding – but now this has opened my mind! What I have learned at Pastor’s Institute will help me as I teach outside in the community, where I especially try to reach children who are going through trauma.
~A.M.
One of the major things I have learnt through Pastor’s Institute is about sermon preparation. I have learnt to look at the context first and at what is going on in the book, and then only to start to prepare my sermon. From the course Refuge I learnt how, in many ways, we are all refugees living in troubled times in a foreign land – but that we find our ultimate refuge in our Father, God. From the course Catalyst, I am encouraged to be a catalyst to others, to help bring them to salvation.
~ Alias Peter
I learnt so much from my Equipper at Pastor’s Institute. He greatly encouraged me as I faced a lot of difficulty during this time and was on the verge of quitting.
~ Simon
I am grateful and humbled by Pastor’s Institute. I have been greatly equipped.
~ Collen Mathanjana
My faviourite course from Pastor’s Institute was Refuge. The book of Ruth tells of how Naomi experienced a famine with regard to food. Actually we all can experience famine – be it with our health, or spiritually or emotionally. God brings us through that.
~ Gugu Maduma
My eyes have been opened to the idea of helping the people I teach move to the next level.
~ Queen
