Ordination Sunday

Shortly after our arrival in Iringa, we were told that on January 27, the Iringa Diocese would be conducting a service of ordination for its newest pastors. From the outset, we looked forward to this event as a real celebration of the church. It did not disappoint.

Four new pastors were to be ordained in the village of Pomern, about an hour and a half's trip from Iringa. In order to be ordained, these students must finish a course in theology at an accepted seminary (most were Tumaini University graduates) and successfully complete a six month probation period where they were working in a congregation and being observed.

Africa time and American time are two different things. So you can imagine our surprise when we arrived for the service one half hour before it was to begin and the clergy were already vested and lining up. Three choirs lined the driveway and were already singing. Sort of a battle of the church choirs. Probably 75 of the almost 110 pastors from the Iringa Diocese were participating in the worship.

It was clear from the outset that this was the bishop's show. From the organization of the long procession to the final prayer around a huge African tree, the bishop directed everything. And he directed it with flair and style. There was no need for a bulletin for worship. The bishop would point to a choir and say, "sing a song." He would announce to the congregation, "sing hymn number xxx." They sang. He would call out members of the clergy to help with different parts of the service without any advance warning. He even called me out to help serve communion to the pastors. It was an honor.

The bishop took the announcement time to announce some new positions. A man who had been the headmaster of a secondary school was introduced as the new superintendent of all seven secondary schools, a new position. I was then called forward, in front of the congregation and Bishop Mdegalla announced that I was going to teach all the pastors how to do planning. And he also announced that I was going to train the new superintendent of schools in his job. That was news to me! Happy to do it.

The service was shorter than last year. It only took four and a half hours compared to five last year. As guests of honor, the five pastors from America were ushered to seats in the very front of the church, looking out over the congregation. What a view! It was a marvelous day.

We saw a new twist on the auction of produce given during the offering. After the service we gathered in a circle outside the church. Since there was so much, the bishop called out a person's name, told that person what the item was and what they were expected to pay. That's power. It did go a lot faster that way, though.

After a some singing, a recessional march by the participants and a closing prayer, we adjourned for lunch at about 3:00.

A service like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am blessed to be invited and to participate in such a glorious event.