26/08/2026
BISHOP SAM LEADS DIOCESAN CLERGY AT THE ACK BISHOPS AND CLERGY CONFERENCE AT KABARAK UNIVERSITY
The 2026 ACK Bishops and Clergy Conference, being held at Kabarak University, has commenced under the theme “Nurturing Future Generations for a Prosperous Kenya.” The conference has brought together more than 1,500 delegates from across the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) dioceses for a time of fellowship, reflection, learning, spiritual renewal and professional growth.
The Rt. Rev’d Maj. (Rtd) Sam Gachathi, the 3rd Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Nyahururu, who is also serving as the Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, is leading a delegation of more than 70 clergy from the Diocese of Nyahururu to the conference.
In his opening address as the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Bishop Sam challenged bishops and clergy to renew their calling and intentionally invest in the next generation.
Drawing from Mark 6:31, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,” Bishop Sam described the conference as a timely opportunity for clergy to step away from the demands and pressures of ministry, reconnect with God, reflect on their calling and receive fresh strength, inspiration and vision for the ministry ahead.
He emphasized that the Church is ministering in a rapidly changing society where young people are confronted with increasing pressures and complex challenges. Against this backdrop, he challenged clergy to reflect on two fundamental questions:
🙏🏿 How do we remain faithful to the Gospel while responding effectively to a changing world?
🙏🏿 How do we prepare the next generation to become faithful Christians, responsible citizens and transformational leaders?
Bishop Sam stressed that young people need more than information—they need formation. They need positive role models, mentors, spiritual guidance, strong character, relevant skills and meaningful opportunities to serve. He urged the Church to listen to young people, understand their realities and deliberately equip them to become agents of transformation in the Church and society.
He further challenged clergy to examine their own spiritual lives. While ministers dedicate themselves to preaching, teaching, counselling, visiting the sick, supporting families and carrying the burdens of others, they must also intentionally create time to be spiritually refilled and renewed by God.
Bishop Sam urged the delegates not to attend the conference merely as spectators, but with open hearts and willing spirits, ready to listen, learn, reflect and respond to God's call. He challenged every minister to move beyond reflection to action by asking:
“What will I do differently to nurture the next generation?”
He concluded by reminding the clergy that the future must be prayerfully prepared for and intentionally shaped today. He called upon the Church to nurture a generation grounded in faith, character, competence and vision—a generation that will serve God faithfully, transform society and contribute meaningfully to building a prosperous Kenya.
Bishop Sam expressed his appreciation to the Most Rev’d Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, fellow bishops, clergy, members of the organising committees, volunteers, partners and all those whose dedication and contribution have made the conference possible.
The conference continues to provide a valuable platform for spiritual renewal, fellowship, reflection, learning and strategic engagement, as the ACK seeks to strengthen its ministry and prepare the Church and the nation for a brighter future.
