Leaders from across the Southern Africa–Indian Ocean Division (SID) are meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a Leadership Council bringing together just over 200 leaders from unions, conferences, and church institutions under the theme “Ambassadors of Christ: Integrated for Mission.”

SID Secretary Gideon Reyneke opened the council with a welcome and recognized first-time delegates, noting that the gathering marks the beginning of a new five-year term of service for many leaders.

In his keynote address, SID president Dr. Harrington Akombwa reflected on the division’s growth, reporting that membership has reached 4.5 million. He noted that the council is the first since recent constituency sessions and reminded delegates that election to office is not the end goal.

“The real work begins after the dust from session settles,” he said, emphasizing that leadership is measured by faithfulness, including when service goes unnoticed.

Drawing on the biblical account of Joshua, Akombwa described him as an unlikely leader who did not seek prominence but was prepared through steady, behind-the-scenes faithfulness. He connected the summit theme to 2 Corinthians 5:20, which describes believers as Christ’s ambassadors, explaining that an ambassador represents another’s authority and message. While leaders may hold church offices, he said, their primary calling is to represent Christ.

Akombwa also said the ambassador’s role does not guarantee an easy path. Referencing Moses, he noted that leaders chosen by God may still face resistance from those they serve.

“We don’t always see clearly in the present,” Akombwa said. “It is often only when emotion is removed and time has passed that clarity comes.”

General Conference vice president Dr. Robert Osei-Bonsu reinforced the focus on mission-centered leadership, telling delegates that Christian leadership is not defined by prestige but by presenting Christ to the world. He said Christ’s ambassadors often serve most faithfully away from public attention.

Osei-Bonsu also urged leaders to prioritize their spiritual life before public ministry.

“We need personal transformation before public proclamation,” he said.

Citing Philippians 1:10, he encouraged leaders to discern not only what is good, but what is excellent.

“As leaders,” he said, “people should see Christ in us, not our agenda, our brilliance, or our institutional loyalty.”

Delegates said the messages prompted reflection on the nature of leadership and service. Caroline Tuwanje from the South West Malawi Conference said the presentations were “a strong reminder that leadership must be grounded in mission, not position,” and noted that the call to be Christ’s ambassadors challenges leaders to reflect Christ’s character in their leadership.

The Leadership Council continues in the days ahead, with organizers emphasizing that the theme extends beyond the meeting itself and into the daily realities of ministry across the division.

The original article was provided by the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.