How to Preach: Lessons from the June Preachers’ Training in Kitgum
Date: 9th-13th June 2025
Venue: YWAM Kitgum – Oryang Ojuma Base, Kitgum District
Facilitators: Allan Kisakye, Harriet Kisakye and Davis Tugume
Participants: 24 participants (including 6 pastors, 2 deacons and 9 youth leaders) from 14 churches.
Training Overview
This cohort followed the completion of How to Understand and Use the Bible in Your Life – Course 1 (HUB1) training sessions in November 2024 and February 2025. The June training introduced participants to the How to Preach (HTP) course delivered in English with simultaneous translation into Acholi.
Over five days, participants explored foundational steps in Bible study and practical approaches to preaching. The sessions included:
- Day 1: Review of HUB1 principles using passages from Ephesians and Matthew.
- Days 2–4: Introduction to HTP, focusing on sermon structure, message clarity, and faithful application.
- Day 5: Preaching practice—17 participants delivered 10-minute sermons and received constructive feedback.
Participant Reflections
“This training has completely changed how I preach. Before, I would read a passage and apply it right away without understanding the background or meaning. Now, I know how to introduce the sermon, engage with the text deeply, arrange a clear flow of thought, outline the main points, illustrate them and apply the message faithfully—with Christ at the centre. As I lead the youth, I’m committed to preaching in a way that helps them move from the world of the Bible to their world today. Thank you for bringing us this kind of teaching—it’s truly transforming.” Raymond Ociti Herruz, youth leader at Faith Mission Church, Oryang Ojuma
“Before the Mazima training, I preached based on what felt right, without understanding the context of the Scripture. But through February’s training on How to Understand the Bible, I learned to dig into the background and setting of each passage—this changed everything. This week’s preaching training has helped me even more. I now know how to carefully craft a sermon—from the introduction, purpose and main points, to a Christ-centered conclusion. I’ve realized that preaching starts with letting the Word speak to me first. If I have unrepented sin, I must deal with it before I can preach to others. I also saw fellow participants who had never preached before stand up and preach. That encouraged me deeply. The facilitators were loving and patient, correcting us and helping us grow. I thank YWAM and Mazima College for building our confidence and helping us grow spiritually. What I have learned will continue to shape my faith and preaching in prison, hospital, school and street outreach ministries.” Bob Onencan, pastor at St. Matthew Church of Uganda, Pandwong, and chaplain at Yotkom Hospital, Kitgum
“My name is Grace Achan, I’m married and blessed with six children. As a family, we fellowship at El Rohi Evangelistic Heart Ministry, where I serve as the pastor. After attending the preaching training this week, I have realized that my preaching needs a lot of improvement. I had never received training like this before. Since no one had ever taught me how to preach or share the Word effectively, I used to do it the best way I knew—by jumping straight into a chapter, picking one verse and speaking from it without paying attention to the context. This training has truly transformed the way I handle Scripture. I have learned that to preach effectively, I need to study the whole passage, understand the chapter and consider the book it’s from. I now know how to prepare a message, preach a sermon and present myself confidently before a congregation. I have also learned how to write a clear sermon outline, which will be my guide that helps me remember the main points, illustrations and applications for everyday life. Since the training, my use and understanding of Scripture have greatly improved. I’m more thoughtful and intentional when preparing messages, and I feel more equipped to minister to others. I’m grateful to the partners of Mazima College who made this training possible. Your support has brought a real transformation to our ministry work here. May God richly bless you! I pray that this won’t be the end—please come back and continue equipping more pastors and leaders in Kitgum. We truly need it.”
Ongoing Impact: The Preachers’ Club
Following the recent training sessions, the ministry continues to grow through ongoing fellowship and mutual support. Approximately 10 participants registered with our YWAM hosts, Hans-Peter and Kathy Rüegg, to establish a Preachers’ Club. The group committed to meeting monthly to continue studying Scripture passages, preparing sermons and practicing preaching together.
They have so far held five meetings of practicing preaching together since June. They are currently preaching through the book of James. At one of the meetings in August, Ben Oroma, pastor at Beacon of Hope, testified that he had begun teaching his church leaders how to interpret the Bible and how to preach, using what he learnt. He noted that his leaders were enjoying it and eager to continue.
Prayer Request
We thank God for this encouraging development and kindly request your prayers for these fellow laborers as they embark on a journey of mutual sharpening and spiritual growth in the vineyard.