New President of the Church of Tonga wants revival in the church
(Nuku’alofa, Thursday, 24/05/2012)
New President of the Church of Tonga says he wants to see a revival within
the church. REV. DR Tu'ipulotu Katoanga was elected at the beginning of this
month. Before that he was General Secretary. Sini reports.
The new president leads more than ten thousand people - most in Tonga, but
others in Australia, New Zealand and America. He replaces Rev Dr. Feke Mafi who
was in the position for 9 years.
The new President says one of his priorities
will be young people. They're the future of the church, he says. And giving them
the chance to go to youth camps and take part in church activities is a good
motivator.
“We want a spiritual revival. Individually, within families. In the church
itself. The former president started it and I believe that we are on the same
path. God will help with rest,” Rev. Dr. Katoanga says.
He wants to form a closer relationship with church ministers, and he wants
more cooperation. He hopes this will improve church attendance and
participation.
“I believe the challenge I face is following the leadership shown by our
saviour, Jesus Christ. If you're a leader you must be a servant. You need to set
a good example, just like Jesus washing his disciples feet, and cooking food on
the beach for them to eat. Being a leader really is like being a servant and
that's my challenge. I can't just talk about it - I need to do it.”
The decision to appoint REV.DR Tu'ipulotu Katoanga was made at the 83rd
annual conference of the Church of Tonga. That was held at the beginning of the
month in Pangai in Ha'apai.
Meanwhile, the season of yearly church gatherings has begun. Tomorrow The
Free Church of Tonga starts its Annual Conference. And next month it's the turn
of the Constitutional Church of Tonga and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.
(Radio & TV Tonga News)
the church. REV. DR Tu'ipulotu Katoanga was elected at the beginning of this
month. Before that he was General Secretary. Sini reports.
The new president leads more than ten thousand people - most in Tonga, but
others in Australia, New Zealand and America. He replaces Rev Dr. Feke Mafi who
was in the position for 9 years.
The new President says one of his priorities
will be young people. They're the future of the church, he says. And giving them
the chance to go to youth camps and take part in church activities is a good
motivator.
“We want a spiritual revival. Individually, within families. In the church
itself. The former president started it and I believe that we are on the same
path. God will help with rest,” Rev. Dr. Katoanga says.
He wants to form a closer relationship with church ministers, and he wants
more cooperation. He hopes this will improve church attendance and
participation.
“I believe the challenge I face is following the leadership shown by our
saviour, Jesus Christ. If you're a leader you must be a servant. You need to set
a good example, just like Jesus washing his disciples feet, and cooking food on
the beach for them to eat. Being a leader really is like being a servant and
that's my challenge. I can't just talk about it - I need to do it.”
The decision to appoint REV.DR Tu'ipulotu Katoanga was made at the 83rd
annual conference of the Church of Tonga. That was held at the beginning of the
month in Pangai in Ha'apai.
Meanwhile, the season of yearly church gatherings has begun. Tomorrow The
Free Church of Tonga starts its Annual Conference. And next month it's the turn
of the Constitutional Church of Tonga and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.
(Radio & TV Tonga News)