ELCIN ordains 11 new pastors at Onakayale
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) on Sunday ordained 11 new pastors during a ceremony at the Onakayale Centre, attended by thousands of Christians from across the country.
The newly ordained pastors are Andreas Shivute, Andreas Pombili Kovenduka Linus, Ayeshe Lyauvika Embundile, Johannes Neshuku, Kristof Mweneni Nashongo, Leonard Homateni Ngwilili, Matheus Mekondjo Ndahomenwa, Mestilde Meke Tenga, Thomas Panduleni Kandume, Tylves Nghipandulwa Lickizon and Wilhelmina Ndapewa Iiyambo.
The ordination service was led by senior church leaders, including Bishop Dr. Gideon Niitenge and Dr. Eliakim Kakeke Shaanika, who played a key role in preparing the candidates for ministry.
Church members welcomed the ordination, noting that the majority of the new pastors are young, a development they believe will strengthen the future leadership of ELCIN and support the church’s continued growth.
However, some members expressed concern that the number of newly ordained pastors may not be sufficient to meet the needs of ELCIN’s large membership.”ELCIN has many members, but the number of pastors ordained is still very small,” one church member, who requested anonymity, said.
Efforts to obtain comment from ELCIN leadership regarding the concerns were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
The ordination marks another milestone in the church’s efforts to strengthen its pastoral ministry and ensure continued spiritual leadership for congregations across Namibia.
