Bishop Andaku tells new lay readers ministry is a calling, not employment

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The Anglican Bishop of Madi–West Nile Diocese, Charles Collins Andaku, has cautioned newly commissioned lay readers of Soroti Diocese against entering ministry with expectations of financial reward, saying the work is a sacred calling rather than a salaried occupation.

Bishop Andaku delivered the message on Sunday (November 23) while serving as guest preacher during the commissioning of 143 lay readers at St Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti.

The colourful service drew hundreds of Christians, clergy and diocesan leaders who gathered to witness the beginning of the new lay readers’ ministry journey.

In his sermon, Bishop Andaku emphasised that the lay readers were entering what he described as “a royal priesthood”, under the leadership of Jesus Christ, whom he referred to as the “chief commander,” he reminded them that their call was spiritual and not professional employment.

“You have been called from darkness to light to go and set light in the world,” he said.

“This is not an ordinary job. It is a ministry. Do not expect to be paid for it. It is not an employment. It is God’s kingdom business.”

Drawing from his experience in the Madi–West Nile Diocese, Bishop Andaku explained that many Christians in his region have avoided serving as lay readers or joining the priesthood because remuneration is limited or non-existent.

 

Some of the commission lay readers in a group photo inside St Peters Cathedral Soroti on Sunday.

“Where I come from, people don’t want to join to serve as lay leaders. They don’t want to join to serve as priests because the remuneration we give them is not enough. But when I look at these lay leaders here being commissioned today, they have made the right choice. We are thankful to God that they have heard His call.”

Throughout his message, the bishop underlined that a calling is not simply an assignment but a deep sense of duty rooted in service.

“A calling is a strong feeling of duty, a desire to do a particular job or vocation. All of you are called to teach, to heal, to do business, or to lead. But today, you are commissioned as lay leaders to work in the Lord’s vineyard.”

He reminded the lay readers that God empowers those He chooses. “God calls you with all your weakness and sin, but when you respond through faith, the Holy Spirit strengthens you for the ministry.”

Bishop Andaku also urged the newly commissioned readers to be role models in speech, conduct, love and purity, calling on them to become active witnesses for Christ within their communities and beyond.

“You are to make disciples of all nations,” he said. “Do not be signposts that point others to God while you walk in the opposite direction. You are being sent to look for the lost and to feed the flock of God.”

He warned against joining ministry for material gain or personal influence and cited a recent encounter with a woman who admitted she entered ministry “because of food”.

“If you go for this ministry just because you want to accumulate wealth, you will not prosper,” he said. “All resources in the church belong to God. Your role is to serve, not to enrich yourself.”

He issued a strong caution against practices such as witchcraft, which he said undermine the work of the church. “Witchcraft is an enemy to this work,” he said. “If you turn to it to grow your power, you will kill the church.”

Bishop Kosea Odongo of Soroti Diocese urged the newly commissioned readers to work with Christians in love so they can bring more people to Christ.

State minister for fisheries, Hellen Adoa, who served as chief guest, praised the diocesan leadership for investing in the training of ministers.

“As much as working for God is a calling but it's good if the person who is called to work for God is well informed with what he is preaching. Continue training more for the good of the church,” Adoa said.

The commissioned readers, who are awaiting deployment, recently completed a two-year theological training programme at St Peter's Theological College in Soroti city.