The University of Blantyre Synod (UBS) successfully held a Session Clerks University Orientation Programme, bringing together Session Clerks from across the Blantyre Synod in an engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between the University and the Church.
The orientation served as an important platform to introduce the University’s academic programmes, strategic direction, and mission while encouraging Session Clerks to become active ambassadors of the institution within their respective congregations and communities.
The programme opened with a motivational sermon delivered by the Synod Moderator and Chancellor of the University of Blantyre Synod, Rev. R. Mangisa, who encouraged participants to embrace education as a powerful tool for transforming lives, strengthening the Church, and serving communities.
The University Registrar, Mrs. M. Longwe, welcomed participants and provided an overview of the University, highlighting UBS’s vision, mission, and commitment to providing quality, holistic education that prepares graduates for leadership, service, and national development.
A key presentation was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Rev. Dr. D. Mulele, on the theme “Blending Secular Academics with Spiritual Formation.” His presentation emphasized the importance of theological education in shaping ethical leaders while demonstrating how theology complements professional and academic disciplines. A key highlight of the presentation was addressing the common misconception that studying Theology is only for those aspiring to become pastors. Rev. Dr. Mulele emphasized that theological education equips graduates with critical thinking, ethical leadership, counselling, community development, research, teaching, chaplaincy, and other transferable skills that are valuable across both church and secular institutions. He encouraged participants to view Theology as a broad academic discipline that opens diverse career and service opportunities while nurturing spiritual and moral leadership. He also introduced the University’s Theology programmes, newly introduced professional short courses, available infrastructure, and outlined the way forward for expanding theological education within the Synod.
Participants also discussed infrastructure support, future collaborations, and practical commitments aimed at strengthening the University’s outreach and academic mission.
The programme was attended by the Deans of all faculties, demonstrating the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional growth. Although the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isabel Apawo Phiri, was unable to attend in person due to illness, she joined the meeting virtually to express her appreciation for the Session Clerks’ continued support and commitment to the University’s vision.
One of the key outcomes of the orientation was the recognition of Session Clerks as important stakeholders in the growth of the University. As leaders within their congregations, they play a critical role in sharing information about UBS, encouraging prospective students to pursue higher education, and strengthening the relationship between the University, the Church, and local communities.
The University of Blantyre Synod remains committed to engaging churches, communities, students, alumni, and all stakeholders as it continues to expand access to quality higher education while fulfilling its mission of Inspiring Holistic Transformation.