Rekindling the sacred calling of service in ministry Reverend Ili Vunisuwai, the outgoing president of the Methodist Church in Fiji, has sounded a crucial alarm regarding a troubling trend within the ministry.
It appears that some ministers have become more focused on receiving service rather than fulfilling their sacred calling to serve their congregations and address pressing societal issues.
This issue calls for an essential conversation about the roles and responsibilities of these spiritual leaders. Religious institutions play a key role in shaping a nation’s moral and ethical values.
They offer guidance and support to individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. However, some ministers have failed to address critical societal issues, including drug abuse, sexual crimes against children, domestic violence, family breakdowns, and a declining emphasis on spiritual upbringing.
This neglect not only compromises their spiritual duties but also abandons their obligation to the community.
It is disconcerting to learn that some ministers live in comfort, with congregants providing them with good homes, farmland, and food, all while seeming to distance themselves from the community’s pressing issues.
This situation underscores the fundamental notion that ministers must remember their role is a divine calling—a sacred vocation that demands selflessness and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society.
The words of Matthew 5:16 resonate deeply: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This call for ministers to shift their focus from being served to serving is not just pertinent to the Methodist Church in Fiji but serves as a global wake-up call to religious leaders everywhere.
It emphasises that religious institutions play a pivotal role in addressing moral crises. Ministers must actively engage with their communities, lend an empathetic ear to their concerns, and take action against the social issues that are tearing families and communities apart.
To bridge these gaps, religious organisations should establish clear guidelines for ministers, with a firm emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility as integral aspects of their ministry.
Implementing regular evaluations and accountability mechanisms will help ensure that ministers remain dedicated to their sacred calling.
However, it’s not solely the responsibility of ministers and religious institutions. Congregation members also bear a role in holding ministers accountable.
We must demand active engagement from them, both in addressing our shared challenges and advocating for positive change.
May the words from Mark 10:45 serve as a poignant reminder to us all: “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Story By: Naisa Koroi
Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj