Female clergy and pastors' wives engaged in a transformative training at Daystar University Nairobi Campus under Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI).

By Whitney Ngati and Taycee Mukuna

[Nairobi Campus- May 30, 2025] From 27th to 30th May 2025, the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI) hosted 235 female clergy and pastors’ wives from different churches across Kenya to the annual four-day Channah Leadership program. The event took place at the DAC Auditorium, Daystar Nairobi Campus. 

Running under the theme “Healing the Heart, Thriving in Ministry,” this year’s program aimed at equipping participants with essential leadership skills, promoting emotional wellness, and providing strategies for impactful ministry work.

Sharing a devotion from 2Corinthians 4:6–7 and Genesis 50:20 on the first day, the Director of DLPDI, Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi, used the metaphor of the jar of clay to emphasize that brokenness should not simply be patched over. He encouraged participants to allow beauty to emerge from their brokenness, reminding them that God has a purpose for every season, even those marked by sorrow. “God reworks tears to bring His own glory,” he said. 

The participants were encouraged to embrace their humanity while fully trusting God in every aspect of their lives.

On her part, the National Patron of Christian Women of Kenya, Mama Adah Adoyo, shared insights from 1John 3:8, urging the participants to understand their role in countering the works of darkness, and to walk boldly in their spiritual authority. She emphasized the importance of spiritual positioning, especially as spouses of pastors, and reminded them that evil manifests in many forms. She called on the women to remain strong and rooted in Christ in their journey of salvation.

DLPDI Associate Trainer and Principal of Cicely McDonell College of Health Science at The Nairobi Hospital, Dr. Margaret Sirima, facilitated the first session on Emotional Intelligence and Self-care. She emphasized the power of thoughts in shaping emotions and influencing outcomes. “Emotional wounds, if left unattended, can be projected onto others. Bleeding people bleed on others,” she said. Dr. Sirima encouraged the participants to cultivate self-awareness, develop a deeper understanding of their behavioral patterns, and take personal responsibility for their growth and healing.

Rev. Antony Gitonga, a leadership coach and Bible teacher, spoke on the importance of spiritual discernment. Citing Hebrews 5:14, he taught participants how to recognize and respond to the voice of God in a world full of distractions. He emphasized that discernment is developed over time and that believers must train their senses to distinguish between good and evil.

Through a practical activity, Rev. Gitonga challenged participants to reflect on three key discernment questions: 1. Does what I hear align with Scripture? 2. What fruit will it bear if I act on it? 3. Does it bring peace to my heart?  These questions, he explained, are essential tools for making wise decisions in both the ministry and everyday life.

Rev. Gitonga also highlighted common deceptions that often infiltrate the minds of those in ministry.  These, she said, include pride, inner whispers, fear tactics, comparison traps, burnout myths, and schemes of division. He warned that even the sincerest leaders are vulnerable to these lies if not addressed promptly.

He concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining constant communion with God and remaining accountable within a trusted community to stay grounded and focused.

A key highlight of the training was a session facilitated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro who spoke candidly about the challenges women in leadership face in contemporary society, including economic pressure and cultural expectations. Prof. Ayiro encouraged the participants to remain authentic and not lose themselves in the noise of a distracted world, further urging them to be godly, cultivate integrity, and serve with conviction.

The former Provincial Secretary of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Canon Dr. Rosemary Mbogo, delivered a compelling message on attitude and emotional sensitivity in ministry. Canon Dr. Mbogo reminded the participants that Christ remains the head of the Church, and that all ministry work must be rooted in this foundational truth.  According to her, a leader’s attitude can either build or break their influence in ministry. She encouraged the women not to compete with their spouses, but to lead with respect, emotional maturity, and humility. She also emphasized the importance of cultural awareness in ministry, noting that many ministry environments are multi-generational and require sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

At the peak of the training, the Senior Pastor of Destiny Life Church, Bishop Phillips Katutu, delivered an insightful presentation on effective discipleship and teaching. He clarified the distinction between equipping people for their purpose and merely running church programs. He observed that many churches fall into a cycle of constant busyness, prioritizing full calendars over meaningful life transformation. “The goal is not activity but transformation,” he emphasized. He urged the participants to remain focused, embrace simplicity, and prioritize purposeful ministry engagements over routine busyness.

On the final day, the National Director of New Life Home Trust, Dr. Janet Mutinda, facilitated a powerful session on self-care, personal growth, and maintaining balance in ministry. She reminded participants that no one else can carry their most important responsibilities; spiritual discipline and self-care ultimately reside with each individual.

The final day also included heartfelt testimonials, personal reflections, and Q&A sessions. These interactive components provided space for the participants to share experiences, encourage one another, and articulate how the teachings impacted their lives.

The program culminated with a graduation ceremony in which participants were awarded certificates of completion.