The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is charting a bold path to develop its communities, aligning with this year’s theme Moving Christ’s Church to another level. Speaking at the annual conference at Vodafone Arena in Suva, President Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou urged leaders and members to seize opportunities to strengthen the church’s economic base while staying true to its spiritual mission.
Dr Turagavou said it is time to empower the church’s sources of income to ensure a sustainable position for the years ahead. He urged a shift toward economic growth and sustainability through asset development and investment, stressing that the church should diversify beyond reliance on member giving. “We need to explore new avenues of church funding and processes that will secure long-term stability,” he said, adding that this is a moment to think strategically and to trust in God’s guidance as the church moves forward.
Ministers and stewards were urged to rise to a higher level of leadership, contributing in constructive ways to build Christ’s church. The president reiterated the goal of sustainable growth, noting that the church is moving toward a strong and enduring growth trajectory. “We have come a long way since inception and there are abundant resources at our disposal. The question now is whether we can rise from where we are spiritually and financially to the next level,” he observed.
The conference underscored a broader commitment to the church’s role in society. In recent weeks, church leaders have stressed the need to engage more deeply with social challenges—drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other critical issues—through grassroots dialogue and collaboration with vanua (the traditional land and people) and government. The goal is to ensure the church’s voice is heard in village, district, and provincial forums and to lead by example as Fiji’s largest denomination, with ministers and representatives spread across rural and maritime communities.
Analysts note that the church’s push for economic resilience complements its wider mission to be a moral compass and a proactive partner in national development. By unlocking new funding avenues, establishing transparent asset programs, and fostering partnerships with other faith groups and civil society, the church aims to broaden its impact beyond worship to tangible community benefits.
As the conference continues, observers look for concrete steps toward the proposed asset development plans, governance safeguards, and a detailed roadmap for sustainable growth. The leadership’s emphasis on strategic thinking, collaboration, and a renewed sense of mission offers a hopeful outlook for the church’s ability to serve both spiritual and practical needs in Fiji.
Additional insights:
– The movement toward diversified funding aligns with calls from church leaders for stronger collaboration with local communities and the government to address root causes of social issues.
– Realizing long-term sustainability could empower the church to expand outreach in prisons and hospitals, support youth programs, and strengthen moral guidance across urban and rural areas.
– The overarching message remains one of revival and renewal: restoring the church’s image and expanding its positive influence through thoughtful stewardship and active mission.
Summary:
The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is pursuing a strategic expansion of its economic base to support sustainable growth while maintaining a strong spiritual focus. Led by Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou, the plan emphasizes asset development, diversified funding, and deeper engagement with community and government partners, with the aim of moving the church to a higher level of impact and resilience. The conference continues as leaders outline practical steps to turn these goals into action, offering a hopeful path forward for church and nation alike.
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