Kampala — Leaders of the Church of Uganda have met with representatives of Life International and Crown Financial Ministries International at the Daniel Uganda Missional Centre in Lweza to deepen partnerships in sustainable livelihoods and family life ministry.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a four-day capacity-building workshop for Household and Community Transformation Coordinators from the church’s 39 dioceses.
The session was chaired by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, and attended by the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, alongside the church management team.
The partners were represented by Mr Kurt Dillinger, president and Founder of Life International; Mr Steve Biondo, chief advancement officer of Life International; and Mr Chuck Bentley, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Financial Ministries International.
Discussions focused on empowering communities through identifying and equipping farmers of influence, training Trainers of Trainers (ToTs), establishing demonstration farms, and engaging policymakers in sustainable livelihood approaches such as Farming God’s Way.
The meeting also explored the use of media and storytelling to model transformative farming practices.
The initiative follows a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Church of Uganda and Life International on March 6, 2025, in Kampala, focusing on strengthening family life and promoting the sanctity of human life.
Building on this, the church is now exploring an MoU with Crown Financial Ministries to promote financial stewardship and equip households with skills to build sustainable livelihoods.
Archbishop Kaziimba commended the shared vision of the partnerships.
“Through these partnerships, we are not only equipping God’s people spiritually but also practically, while preaching the gospel of holistic transformation," he said.
"That is why my theme emphasizes the transformation of the head, the heart, and the hand—empowering believers to care for their families, steward resources faithfully, and build sustainable livelihoods. This is part of our holistic mission to transform communities in Christ.”
Earlier, Mr Bentley addressed Church of Uganda development officers on financial stewardship, urging them to begin with the resources God has already provided.
He stressed that despite financial challenges, land remains one of Africa’s greatest resources and, when put to productive use, can transform families and communities.
He outlined five biblical principles of stewardship: working diligently with opportunities God provides, giving generously as an act of faith, saving to prepare for the future, budgeting and spending wisely, and investing honestly to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Church of Uganda and its partners believe these initiatives will not only enhance livelihoods but also advance the broader mission of holistic transformation across Ugandan communities.
