I was born and raised in Zimbabwe within a Lutheran family, and I faced a discernment journey during my high school years. Although I initially did not envision pastoral ministry, a process of confirmation led me to embark on my faith journey. At nineteen, I appeared before the candidacy committee for an interview. The church constitution required a minimum age of twenty-one to hold a position of responsibility; however, by God’s grace I received a waiver. I proceeded to Bible college, training to serve in a parish as a pre-seminarian deacon for a year.
I then pursued studies at the United Theological Seminary, an ecumenical institution hosting seven denominations. I graduated in 2010 and was ordained in the same year. My ordained ministry spanned several parishes, offering experience in both rural and urban settings. Across these assignments, congregations ranged from small to six congregations in total. During this period, I also served with a parachurch organization, the Ecumenical Church Leaders Forum, which focuses on peacebuilding—fostering collaboration between churches and communities for peace. This work was heartening and deeply moving, especially amid polarization.
In 2022, I came to Canada to pursue a Master of Theological Studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon. I regarded this as an eye-opening opportunity to test my practical ministry against academic rigor. I am deeply grateful to my professors, whose guidance helped me address a broad range of theological questions. My time in Caada exposed me to diverse ecumenical models of church and ministry, shaping my discernment toward serving in the ELCIC.
I extend special thanks to the Saskatchewan Synod, whose leadership welcomed me and provided ongoing guidance. Soon after my graduation in May 2024, I received a call to serve as a half-time minister to the congregation in Naicam, SK, a shared ministry known as Five Oaks. The environment proved to be a welcoming and supportive landing ground for someone fresh from seminary, and the congregation demonstrated patience and partnership as I established my footing.
My discernment journey continued as I pursued full-time ministry. I widened my nets, and I thank God for Bishop Trish and the ABT Synod leadership, whoconnected me with the Lord of Glory congregation in Lac La Biche, AB, inviting me to full-time ministry. I began on May 1, 2025, and the congregation welcomed me despite transportation challenges, arranging for a member to fetch me from Naicam. I joined a congregation preparing for their 30th anniversary, and I am grateful to Pastor Phil and Deaconess Julie Hink, interim ministers and pillars of support.
Lac La Biche is a welcoming community, and the Lord of Glory’s people are deeply committed to growth. I believe God calls us to minister beyond four walls and to be a church in the public space. Though the terrain differs, I affirm that the Church of God is built on a rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail. The church is renewing itself with new approaches to ministry, and I am excited to contribute to this mission.—Rev. Leonard Mavengere
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