On Sunday, the first cohort of the Hope School of Ministry (HOSOM) graduated at the Area 18 Pentecost International Christian Church (PICC) as servants, leaders, evangelists, and faithful stewards of God’s work equipping them for leadership roles in the church.
During the training which run from March last year to February 2026, the eight students were among others taught on principles of church leadership, evangelism, spiritual growth and church administration.
Class President Moses Chilamba said when the course commenced in 2025, he and colleagues stepped into something new as it was the first of its kind not fully knowing what to expect, but nonetheless believed in the vision and the church leadership.
He indicated that the first cohort carries with it responsibility as a standard has been set noting that the culture, seriousness and the dedication that future classes will inherit began with this class.
With work commitments, family obligations, businesses to run and ministry duties, Chilamba confessed that balancing responsibilities was not easy.
“There were times we were tired. There were moments we felt stretched, spiritually doctrinally challenged. But we remained committed. And today, we can confidently say’ the sacrifice was worth it.
“Allow me also to share something personal. In this first cohort, I was the only male student. At first, that felt unusual. But it became a powerful reminder that ministry training is for everyone and that men, especially, must rise to be equipped for leadership, service, and spiritual responsibility”.
He stressed that the church needs trained, grounded, and disciplined leaders advising that ministry preparation should not be left to a few and challenged men to rise and take their rightful place in serving God with knowledge and understanding.
The former class President urged fellow graduates that the knowledge gained must now be demonstrated in churches, ministries and communities noting that the true success of this school will not only be seen in ceremonies like this, but in transformed lives through service.
Like her fellow graduates Matilda Muocha said that when the program started, there was a desire to serve, but through the training, that has been shaped into understanding, conviction and spiritual maturity.
According to her, the training has not only given out knowledge but has transformed perspectives on ministry.
“We have also been taught the value of loyalty and faithfulness in ministry. Loyalty to God, to our spiritual leadership, and to the vision of the church. We now know that unity strengthens the body of Christ, while division weakens it.
“In church administration, we have realized that ministry is both spiritual and practical, order, accountability, and proper stewardship are biblical principles. The church must be spiritually alive and administratively sound”
The Resident Pastor Innocent Banda indicated that the idea emanated from the 2025 January National Leadership Retreat where PICC’s Senior Pastor Esau Banda urged mega churches to train leaders.
He is upbeat that the team will have a different perspective in as far as ministry is concerned.
“We want more leaders because the church is growing and as the church is growing it means more responsibilities. What you have learnt is not just a training, I’m expecting you to be vigilant and to use the knowledge and skills in serving people”
With branches across the country, PICC exists to bring hope to the hopeless and life to the dying and help them become true disciples of Jesus Christ.