Unleashing Human Potential

Since last August, government workers and other civil servants have been receiving training at the Emanuel Cathedral Council in Arua, Tanzania. The learners express great gratitude for their new knowledge about topics like the church in society, stewardship, financial planning and budgeting for institutional growth. One training participant, a principal for a primary school in Arua and the Muni secondary school for girls, said that thetrainings helped her generate the Annual school budget for 2012: “I did not know how to make a budget. This kind of planning was always the responsibility of the treasurer in the past so budget approval and monitoringwere not based on a good understanding of the budget process.”

One training participant, a principal for a primary school in Arua and the Muni secondary school for girls, said that thetrainings helped her generate the Annual school budget for 2012: “I did not know how to make a budget. This kind of planning was always the responsibility of the treasurer in the past so budget approval and monitoringwere not based on a good understanding of the budget process.”

By providing practical trainings like this to school and government workers in the area, the church in Arua is making a difference in the community and educating local ministry leaders at the same time.

Joe Aritua, chairman for the church planning and finance committee, recognizes that Emmanual Cathedral is now more accountable to the congregation for the funding they provide through their giving for thechurch’s ministries. There is growing enthusiasm for increased giving among church members because they trust that the funds are well spent. Aritua says that the committee wants to set an example in the Arua diocese for leadership and good finance management. The trust being built within the church cements the relationship between the clergy and the congregation through mutual accountability. The spiritual growth that has developed among church members has been inspiring, and the Christmas day offering at the Emmanuel Cathedral exceeded expectations by US$ 3000!

“The last quarter of the financial year is often difficult because giving is down,” Mr. Aritua says. “It can be difficult to keep the church offices open and ministry activities going because of insufficient funds.”

Mr. Aritua says that the changes happening at Emmanuel Cathedral are going on throughout the church structure in individuals and groups, not just in financial transactions. This holistic change is one the church prayed and planned for.

“With the training we received through CRWRC, we now know how to create a wellmade annual plan, and carry it through. Each church committee contributes to this planning and budgeting process rather than expecting the treasurer to ensure that the budget is in place as we’ve done in the past. There is increased transparency in the church, and we now receive weekly updates on our offerings and collections.”

Through CRWRC’s partners in Arua, the training facilitators continue to consult with the congregation as they practice their planning and management skills. The whole experience has been a blessing to the body of Christ at Emmanuel Cathedral, unleashing the power of potential among the church members. “We have stepped up the manpower in the church. We engage Christians with different skill sets in our church ministries.”

Now the church leadership is talking about how to keep the fire burning after enjoying the benefits of their learning!

Blessings,