By Burnett Munthali
Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire (ADUS) Bishop William Mchombo has urged churches to introduce interventions aimed at providing solutions to the physical needs of the country’s citizens.
He emphasized that faith-based institutions should go beyond spiritual guidance and take an active role in improving the livelihoods of their members.
Bishop Mchombo made the remarks at Chilema in Zomba.
The occasion was the official launch of the Savings Ministry, a collaborative initiative between the diocese and United Kingdom-based organization, Five Talents.
He highlighted that the initiative is designed to encourage congregants to form savings groups.
According to Mchombo, the program also involves training in agribusiness and entrepreneurship.
He said these components are critical to ensuring that congregants become economically empowered and self-reliant.
The Bishop underscored that economic empowerment among church members strengthens both the church and the community.
He added that when congregants are financially stable, they are better positioned to support their families and contribute meaningfully to the church.
Mchombo described the Savings Ministry as a transformative step that aligns with biblical teachings on stewardship and sustainable living.
He further called on other dioceses and denominations to emulate the initiative and expand its impact across Malawi.
Mpondasi Parish congregant Winnie Sadyalunda also spoke at the event.
She welcomed the program, saying it has come at the right time when many congregants are struggling with financial difficulties.
Sadyalunda noted that the cost of living has risen, and such interventions are essential in helping people meet their daily needs.
She praised the church for recognizing the importance of addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of its members.
The Savings Ministry initiative is expected to benefit 19 parishes in its first year of implementation.
The project has been designed as a three-year initiative, with scalability built into its framework.
Organizers hope that after the pilot phase, more parishes and churches across Malawi will adopt the model.
Five Talents, the UK-based partner, is known for its commitment to equipping communities in the Global South with tools for financial resilience.
The organization brings global experience and resources to support local initiatives that promote savings, credit, and entrepreneurship.
With its track record of success in similar contexts, the partnership is expected to deliver meaningful change in the lives of many Malawians.
Bishop Mchombo concluded by saying that the church must be seen as a beacon of hope, not just in times of prayer, but also in moments of economic hardship.
He affirmed that empowering believers to be economically productive is part of the church’s divine mission.
The launch at Chilema marks the beginning of a journey that may well redefine the role of the church in Malawi’s socio-economic development.
As the Savings Ministry takes root, its progress will be watched closely as a model for integrating faith with financial empowerment.
Through initiatives like these, the church continues to evolve as a vital institution for national development and social justice.
