Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has called on the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) to strengthen biblical discipleship, uphold accountability and serve communities with courage, as he officially opened the church’s Biennial General Conference at Kilusakwalo Village, Malaita Province, on Sunday.
Addressing church leaders, pastors, elders and delegates, Prime Minister Wale said the conference theme, “Strengthening the Church to Lead with Courage,” must begin with a commitment to servant leadership and faith in Jesus Christ.
Speaking as both Prime Minister and a son of the SSEC family, he urged church leaders to remain grounded in the gospel and follow Christ’s example of humility and service.
He highlighted the church’s history, recalling the contributions of New Zealand missionary Florence Young and Malaitan evangelist Peter Ambuofa, alongside local teachers who helped establish Christianity in Malaita. He also reminded delegates of Young’s enduring message – “Don’t Forget Jesus.”
Prime Minister Wale challenged SSEC to strengthen discipleship, teach Scripture faithfully and equip young people for leadership. He warned that believers could be vulnerable to misleading teachings if churches failed to nurture a deep understanding of the gospel.
He also called for greater accountability within the church, stressing that leaders must protect vulnerable people, address wrongdoing and ensure that forgiveness is never used to conceal harm.
Meanwhile, SSEC Reverend Bishop Eric Maefonea urged delegates to renew their commitment to the gospel, strengthen fellowship among church members and prayerfully determine the church’s future direction.
He said the conference provided an opportunity to equip leaders, address challenges facing communities and promote unity across the country’s geographically dispersed congregations.
Prime Minister Wale formally declared the weeklong conference open, urging delegates to return to their communities prepared to serve with faith, courage and compassion.
