North Kigezi Diocese News
Kinyasano, Emmanuel Cathedral, 23rd October 2025 The highly anticipated School of Evangelism conference kicked off yesterday at the Consecration Site Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano, under the auspices of Bishop Onesimus. The four-day event, designed for both clergy and a few lay leaders, seeks to deepen understanding of the Great Commission and inspire a renewed focus on evangelism.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Onesimus emphasized the significance of Christ’s final words to His disciples, reading from Matthew 28:16-20. The passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, outlines Jesus’ charge to His followers to spread the gospel to all nations. Bishop Onesimus highlighted that a person’s last words should be regarded with the utmost seriousness, noting that the gravity of a person’s final message speaks volumes.
“We must treat the last words of Jesus as a directive that still holds the same power and urgency today,” Bishop Onesimus declared, urging the clergy to embrace their role in fulfilling this mission.
Bishop Onesimus began by underscoring the authority Christ had bestowed upon His disciples: “All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me,” Jesus proclaimed. The bishop reminded the clergy that they have been given delegated authority to preach the gospel. This divine authority, he emphasized, is not merely symbolic it is a vital tool in their evangelistic efforts.
He also urged them to make disciples. “You are either one who speaks and seizes every opportunity to share the gospel, or you are one who simply sits in the pew,” Bishop Onesimus said. He urged the clergy to actively engage in fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations. The bishop likened their role to that of Jesus Himself, who was a teacher, healer, intercessor, and most importantly, a soul winner. “You cannot disciple those who do not know Christ. So, seek to win souls at every opportunity,” he added.
The bishop also reminded the clergy that they are not alone in this mission. Drawing from Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20—“I am with you always, to the very end of the age” he reassured them of divine accompaniment in their work. “The one whom you serve faithfully will reward you,” he added, encouraging them to persevere in their calling.
Following Bishop Onesimus’ sermon, Dr. Henry, a key speaker in the event, introduced the comprehensive syllabus for the School of Evangelism. According to Dr. Henry, it is imperative that clergy give others the opportunity to share the gospel. He stated, “Bishops, priests, deacons, and lay leaders must all recognize that our primary mandate is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church cannot stand unless we are preaching the gospel. Every opportunity is a chance to fulfill this mandate.”
Dr. Henry encouraged the participants to continually strive to teach, disciple, and baptize others in the name of the Lord. “The only task we have is to make disciples—this is what we were commanded to do,” he stated.
Further more Dr. Henry also took a moment to address what he described as the growing phenomenon of “lukewarm Christians.” Drawing from Revelation 3, he warned the clergy not to fall into the trap of complacency. “If you stand and preach and then sit back down, you are a lukewarm Christian,” he said. “True disciples of Christ are committed to preaching the word at all times.”
He stressed the importance of humility and dedication to the gospel, referencing 2 Timothy 2:16: “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season.” For Dr. Henry, there is no middle ground—one must be fully committed to evangelism and spreading the gospel message.
Turning to 2 Timothy 3:16, Dr. Henry reminded the gathering that “all Scripture is God-breathed.” He urged the clergy to recognize the transformative power of God’s Word. “When you criticize the Scriptures, you are rejecting what is divine,” he cautioned. He highlighted four key functions of Scripture in the life of a believer:
1. Teaching: The Word of God is meant to be taught and understood. As ministers, clergy must embrace their role as teachers, guiding their congregations in the truth of the gospel.
2. Rebuking: Scripture exposes error and helps to correct false teachings.
3. Correcting: The Word of God provides the guidance needed to amend one’s behavior and align with God’s will.
4. Training in Righteousness: While it takes time, the Bible offers a model for righteous living and equips believers to be prepared for every good work.
“If you do not learn, you cannot live,” Dr. Henry reiterated, emphasizing the need for ongoing study and application of Scripture.
In conclusion, Dr. Henry delivered a passionate call to action, urging the clergy not to lose sight of their mission. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” he reminded the assembly, quoting Matthew 9:37. “We must go into the world and preach the word of God, for that is our commission.” He emphasized that the role of the clergy is not just to preach but to lead others into salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Bishop Onesimus’ closing remarks echoed the same sentiment: “Anything less than preaching the gospel is nothing at all. We are here to preach the Word, to build disciples, and to bring people to Christ.”
The conference is expected to continue upto Saturday, with a series of workshops and practical sessions in Rukungiri town designed to equip attendees with the tools and inspiration needed to fulfill the Great Commission in their respective communities
The School of Evangelism at Emmanuel Cathedral has set the stage for an intense period of learning, reflection, and commitment to evangelistic action. With inspiring messages from Bishop Onesimus and Dr. Henry, the clergy and lay leaders are poised to leave the conference revived, rejuvenated, regenerated, empowered and equipped to preach the gospel and make disciples as commanded by Jesus Christ.
