On May 14, 2011, 139 church elders (members of the parish vestries) gathered from all over the Diocese for a day seminar led by the Bishop of Tarime. Also present were the senior Diocesan leaders, namely the Vicar General, the Diocesan Secretary and the Area Deans.
The main seminar topic was ‘the Life and Role of a Church Elder’. The key text was 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they may be found trustworthy.” (New English Version).
In Kiswahili, these two verses read as follows: “Mtu na atuhesabu hivi, kuwa tu watumishi wa Kristo, na mawakili wa siri za Mungu. Hapo tena inayohitajiwa katika mawakili, ndiyo mtu aonekane kuwa ni mwaminifu” (1 Wakorintho 4:1-2).
Apart from Bible teaching, the participants explored the relevant canons of the Synod and the constitution of the Diocese especially as they apply to role of church elders and the parish councils.