The Diocese of Malaita recently hosted a transformative workshop for her clergy designed to directly support Priority two of the diocese’s Strategic Plan: ‘to improve and strengthen spiritual growth and development across the Diocese’.
This important workshop is part of an ongoing capacity-building initiative aimed at senior priests, parish priests, and non-stipendiary clergy serving within the Diocese of Malaita. It provided a vital platform for reflection, evaluation, and collaborative learning to better equip clergy in their ministry roles.
The primary objective was to create a shared space for clergy to review and strengthen the teaching materials used across the Diocese’s four regions and parishes. The workshop’s focus extended beyond theological content to emphasize refining instructional methods, deepening understanding, and ensuring alignment with Anglican doctrine and traditions. The key teaching materials reviewed during the workshop included: Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer, Holy Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confirmation Service, Marriage Service, Anglican Liturgy, Rites, and Rituals.
The sessions were expertly facilitated by the diocesan bishop of Malaita, the Right Revd. Michael Bebeu, who led discussions on church Canon, the Holy Eucharist, and the Healing Ministry. Mr. Lionel Dau from the Anglican Provincial Headquarters played a key role in guiding evaluation and data analysis throughout the workshop. Mr. Dau emphasized that the workshop aimed to:
- Foster shared learning and peer engagement among clergy
- Identify practical areas for improvement in content delivery and contextualization
- Enhance the effectiveness of Christian formation and liturgical education
“This workshop is a timely opportunity to reflect on how these teaching materials have been received and utilized in diverse parish settings,” said Mr. Dau. “It allows us to identify both the strengths and challenges clergy face, promoting consistent, faithful, and contextually relevant teaching across all regions and parishes in the Diocese of Malaita.”
The event brought together senior priests from the Central, Keava, Eastern, and Northern Regions, alongside parish priests and non-stipendiary clergy. Through structured feedback and evaluation, the workshop is playing a pivotal role in shaping ongoing improvements to Christian education and spiritual formation throughout the Diocese.
The Diocese of Malaita remains committed to continuing this process of growth, ensuring that its clergy are well-prepared and supported to nurture the spiritual lives of their congregations with faithfulness and contextual sensitivity.
Article and Photos Provided by Mr. Lionel Dau from the Anglican Church of Melanesia Board of Mission, ACoM Provincial Headquarters, Honiara.