Church leaders have been challenged not to personalize their various institutions. Speaking at Redeemer Retreat Centre in Isinya Kajiado, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja, said leaders should instead prioritize God’s interests as well as their congregants.
He reminded church leaders that they had only been entrusted over what belongs to others hence have no authority over it. “You are a fiduciary and must always exercise your power and act in the interest of the owner. You must be loyal to the church,” said Canon Karanja. He added that the destiny of the church depended on the type of leadership offered. He made the remarks when he addressed The 2014 Friends Church Nairobi Annual Leaders’ Retreat. He was accompanied by his wife Reverend Jane Karanja and several Council staff among them NCCK’s Nairobi Regional Coordinator Phylis Kamau.
At the same time Canon Karanja called on the leaders to be good stewards, understand church policies and procedures and apply them accordingly. “It is up to leaders to read constitutions and policies of their respective institutions and understand how to apply them. Where there is none, it is up to you to make them. Leaders are entrusted with church money. You must be prudent. The basic rule is do not do with church money what you cannot do with your money,” he pointed out.
Rev. Canon Peter Karanja in a group photo with the leaders
Canon Karanja urged the leaders to be transparent in their transactions with their congregants to remain trusted. “God wants you not to pursue dishonest gains. Be an example to the flock. When God’s people know that their money is safe, they are happy,” he said. The leaders present appreciated Canon Karanja’s remarks terming it as ‘bold and an eye opener to many’. The two day retreat was attended by over 60 leaders from Friends Church.
