KMZ Church Leaders trained in the Strategic Vision for Mission-Oriented Camp Meetings

Pastor Robert Melchizedek Kyeyune, CUC Executive Secretary

Church leaders and district representatives convened for a pivotal training meeting organized by the Central Uganda Conference (CUC) aimed at advancing mission-focused strategies in preparation for upcoming Seventh-day Adventist camp meetings. The session began with welcoming remarks from the KMZ Leader Pastor Benon Lincoln Kiggundu and a spiritually rich devotion by Pr. Jonathan Matovu on the theme “A Good Reputation,” setting a reflective tone for a day of comprehensive discussion and planning.

Presided over by Pastor Robert Kyeyune, the CUC Executive Secretary, the meeting focused on energizing leadership teams for discipleship-centered programming, enhancing community outreach, and boosting member engagement across districts.

The meeting's early moments featured an inspiring reflection by Pastor Jonathan Matovu on the power of biblical repetition. He emphasized how repeated divine messages such as "love the Lord with all your heart" build character, reinforce memory, and deepen spiritual understanding. Leaders were encouraged to embrace repetition as a teaching tool, both in personal growth and community evangelism.

The central theme of the upcoming camp meetings—“Our Goal: Making Disciples for Jesus Christ”—was introduced by Pastor Robert Kyeyune. He stressed alignment with the global mission of the Adventist Church and urged all presentations to reflect this focus. He also highlighted challenges of maintaining district identity when districts collaborate on large gatherings, and urged all leaders to reinforce the theme through music, scripture (Matthew 28:18–20), and consistent messaging.

Strategic Planning for Camp Meetings

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to logistical planning. Leaders outlined action steps for the upcoming camp meetings, including:

• District Leaders will establish clear baptism and offering goals, and mobilize both physical attendance and financial support.

• District Organizing Committees will draft and distribute comprehensive camp meeting programs, integrate youth-specific activities, and budget for outreach and guest accommodations.

• Conference Team will organize Zoom orientation sessions for camp meeting speakers and distribute children’s ministry resources.

• Media Team will set up broadcast platforms to stream camp messages.

• Pastors will prepare and orient speakers with guidelines and structured presentation materials.

An emphasis was placed on conducting community needs assessments ahead of camp meetings. Leaders plan to visit residents, distribute aid, and provide skills training as part of intentional outreach initiatives.

Pastor Kyeyune outlined key discipleship topics for speakers, drawing on resources such as The Acts of the Apostles and the Discipleship Handbook. The Camp meeting Speaker content will focus on evangelism, stewardship, biblical fundamentals, and family life; especially the role of men in parenting and building unity within the church.

The second camp meeting speaker’s role will center on core beliefs and addressing challenges such as declining Bible study participation and engagement in spiritual leadership.

Concerns about declining attendance, particularly during certain sessions, prompted discussion on improved scheduling, member mobilization, and clearer roles for pastors in program planning. Leaders agreed that better promotion and intentional planning are vital for boosting participation.

Stewardship, Fund Allocation & Budgeting

A major topic was the proper use of offerings and stewardship. Pastor Kyeyune detailed the church's four-part division of offerings: evangelism, church construction, worker housing, and support for higher church structures. He called for greater transparency and education on fund allocation to increase trust and giving among members.

Budgeting for outreach activities and the inclusion of sports and youth engagement programs—especially at Bugema, where facilities allow; was strongly encouraged as a way to connect with communities in culturally relevant ways.

Moving Forward: Action-Oriented Leadership

The meeting concluded with a call to action: each district is to develop practical steps for reaching their communities, deepen discipleship efforts, and promote active participation. Leaders were reminded that the mission goes beyond events, it's about making a tangible difference in people's lives.