Methodist Church in Fiji targets growth as leaders urged to quit smoking and cut yaqona use
The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma opened a week-long conference in Suva with a strong appeal from its president, Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou, for church ministers and deaconesses to quit smoking and reduce yaqona consumption. Speaking at the official opening service at Vodafone Arena, Turagavou acknowledged resistance among some pastors to changing these habits but stressed that personal reform is essential for the church’s vitality.
“We have been told about the issue of yaqona and smoking but a lot of us found it hard to change,” he said, noting that the movement toward change would require adjustment across leadership roles as well. He also indicated that the church would recalibrate its leadership balance, explaining, “This year the number of vakatawa will be decreased,” in order to refocus efforts on growth and outreach.
Turagavou urged leaders to avoid taking on responsibilities that pull them away from their calling, warning that overextension and meetings driven by administration can distort the church’s mission. He reiterated the core message: if leaders leave smoking and yaqona behind, the church would see healthier growth and stronger witness.
On membership, the church currently lists about 186,015 members, with continued growth in the rate of confirmed members. Turagavou highlighted that the proportion of confirmed members has risen from around 60% to 62%, and he set an ambitious target of reaching 64% confirmed membership by 2026.
Past remarks and related coverage show a broader context for these aims. Earlier statements from church leadership have framed these reforms as essential to stemming declines in membership and restoring trust in leadership. The church has signaled aspirations to grow its overall membership toward the 190,000-200,000 range within a few years, reflecting a long-term plan to strengthen community engagement and spiritual life.
Beyond personal reform, Turagavou underscored a holistic vision for 2025 and beyond. The church is emphasizing ecological justice and closer collaboration with other Christian denominations, with plans to visit every member’s family and strengthen outreach to address societal challenges such as crime and substance abuse. The leadership has signaled a move toward merit-based appointments and greater accountability, aiming to align tradition with performance.
The opening remarks come as part of a broader effort to renew the church’s image and mission. In addition to spiritual renewal, church leaders are encouraged to focus on practical governance, effective evangelism, and healthy lifestyles as a foundation for sustainable growth.
Summary and outlook
– The church’s current membership hovers around 186,000, with a goal to lift the proportion of confirmed members to 64% by 2026.
– Leaders are urged to quit smoking and cut yaqona use, and to avoid overburdening leaders with nonessential duties.
– A push for broader outreach includes visiting every member’s family and collaborating with other denominations, with an emphasis on ecological justice.
– Long-term growth targets are in view, with suggestions of reaching roughly 190,000 by the end of 2025 and higher goals beyond that, including potential expansion to 200,000 in the coming years.
Additional context for readers
– The church has faced public scrutiny over leadership behavior and its impact on church image, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency.
– The annual conference serves as a platform to set concrete targets and communicate a renewed emphasis on personal discipline, community engagement, and mission-driven leadership.
Notes for editors
– Sidebars could include a brief factbox on current membership figures, the 2026 64% target, and the 2025 family-visit initiative.
– Consider adding quotes from church leaders on how ecological justice and interdenominational collaboration will shape outreach programs in 2025 and beyond.
– For readers’ interest, a timeline graphic showing membership trends and milestone targets (2024–2026) could be informative.
Hopeful takeaway
The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma appears poised to pursue a constructive path of personal reform, leadership accountability, and renewed community engagement, aiming to strengthen its witness and expand its reach while promoting healthier lifestyles among its pastors and members.
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