Churches need Church leaders and church-related organisations will have the opportunity to acquire administrative skills following the establishment of a para-church organisation, the Institute of Church Management (ICM). JAMES CHIMPWEYA asked general secretary of the organisation, Reverend Dr Winston Kawale, to explain the role of the institution.
Who initiated the idea of establishing ICM?
ICM is registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act (Chapter 5.03) of the Laws of Malawi. The organisation’s establishment has been initiated by concerned church members from various denominations which include some serving and retired clergy, church elders and other laity. The church in Malawi has provided unprecedented evangelistic and social development services over the years. However, the concerned church members noted various administrative and management challenges being faced by most churches and church-related organisations. These challenges have resulted in some of the churches and church-related organisations being ineffective and inefficient in the delivery of their services. After intensive consultations with various stakeholders, it was decided that in order to assist these churches and organisations, a para-church organisation, the ICM be formed to offer Christ-centred and inclusive services to all the churches, denominations and church-related organisations in Malawi.
What is the vision of ICM?
The vision of the ICM is to achieve effective, efficient, transparent and accountable church management. The organisation’s mission is to improve management and administrative skills in churches and church-related organisations through training, consultancy and research.
What will you be doing exactly?
We will be providing training on various topics on church administration and management such as corporate governance, strategic planning, project management, financial management, human rights, conflict management, HIV and Aids management, gender as well as procurement and supply management. We will be providing consultancy services in order to evaluate, access and analyse church administration and management and recommend improved performance. We will also be conducting research on church-related issues which will enable churches and church-related organisations to make informed decisions and actions.
Do you have competent personnel to provide all these services?
These services shall be performed by qualified and competent facilitators. The ICM shall be organising workshops and seminars for various groups at designated venues. However, ICM shall have a reach out programme in that individual churches and organisations shall be free to invite ICM to perform these services.
Who are the trustees of the organisation?
The trustees of this grouping are as follows: The Most Reverend Dr Bernard Malango (chairman), Reverend Dr Winston R Kawale (secretary), Right Honourable Dr Justin Malewezi, Professor Benson Kandoole, Dr Dorothy Namate, Mrs. Mary Nkosi and Mr Gauton D Kainja.
