Church leaders in the Fiji and Rotuma Methodist Church say social media chatter about the denomination becoming monetised and losing its soul-saving mission is unfounded, as they head into this week’s conference in Suva with strong attendance and renewed focus.
General secretary Reverend Dr Jolami Lasawa told supporters that the size of this week’s gathering already suggests solid backing for the church’s work. “We have not heard or been made aware of any complaints,” he said, adding that the conference has even required more chairs to accommodate the growing turnout. “I don’t know who’s complaining but we remain focussed on our mission which is to take the church to another level.”
Lasawa also noted that the meetings have touched on ministerial responsibilities, helping to remind church leaders of their roles as they enter the new season. Church president Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou has urged lay preachers to model disciplined service to Christ as the church seeks to move forward.
Turagavou described the moment as an opportunity to re-evaluate and revive the church’s purpose, stressing that the Methodist Church must “move to another level” and remain a prophetic voice for Fiji. He framed the current period as the church’s time to broaden its mission through ambitious programs and ground-level engagement, insisting that “the MCIF is a missional church and we need to revisit and engage with our leadership, the leadership of the Holy Spirit.” He urged the church to step beyond its comfort zone to fulfil its on-the-ground vision, with the overarching theme for the two consecutive years centered on moving Christ Church to another level.
The conference in Suva is taking place at a moment when leaders across the church have repeatedly spoken of revival and renewed energy. Earlier reports have highlighted an increase in attendance among young people and children, a more inclusive approach to decision-making led by the church president, and a growing emphasis on restoring the church’s image as part of its 2024-2025 mission. Church advocates have also stressed the need to reach out to incarcerated individuals, hospitals, and other community touchpoints to fulfill the church’s social and spiritual mandate.
Analysts and observers say the revival narrative aligns with broader goals of strengthening church governance and expanding engagement with communities, vanua leadership, and government partners to address social and economic needs. The emphasis on disciplined leadership, fresh thinking, and collaborative action signals a holistic strategy to keep faith at the heart of national life while expanding practical service.
What this could mean going forward
– The conference is likely to yield renewed programs aimed at empowering lay leaders and expanding outreach to prisons, hospitals, and underserved communities.
– Internal reforms and governance adjustments may be discussed to improve accountability and broaden participation in decision-making.
– Partnerships with traditional leaders, local government, and civil society could be pursued to translate spiritual aims into concrete community benefits.
– A continued focus on youth and children’s participation could strengthen church presence across Fiji and Rotuma.
Positive take
With leaders stressing revival, renewal, and responsible leadership, the church appears poised to deepen its mission while reinforcing its role as a moral and spiritual anchor in Fiji. The emphasis on restoring the image of Christ, expanding outreach, and working with diverse community networks offers a hopeful path for the church to grow in relevance and positive impact.
Context and value added
The current discussions echo a broader movement within the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma toward collaborative leadership and proactive social engagement. By prioritizing disciplined living, outreach to marginalized groups, and innovative thinking, church leaders are aiming to translate faith into tangible community benefits, potentially guiding constructive dialogue with national authorities and civil society as Fiji continues to navigate social and economic challenges.
Overall, church leaders are presenting this conference as a turning point toward higher-impact mission work, grounded in faith, governance renewal, and renewed public service.
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