Global Conversations on Discipleship: Women Empowerment and Discipleship in the DR Congo

In this episode, Mighty Rasing, Director of Central Conference Relationships for Discipleship Ministries, interviews Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau from the North Katanga Episcopal Area of the Congo Central Conference. She is a clergywoman and a teacher serving in her episcopal area as the Director of Communications. She also works as strategist for women’s development and empowerment.

Notes from this Episode

Betty looked for ways to engage with indigenous (Pygmy and Bantu) women in North Katanga. They have partnered with United Methodist Women in helping Pygmy (indigenous) women go through training on reconciliation. However, the training turned to dialogue, and they learned about the lives and challenges faced by these indigenous women. This experience taught her the importance of deep listening and understanding what the women really need.

Through this ministry, leaders and members of the community saw the desire of The United Methodist Church to be present and work with them. The church helped indigenous women be integrated into the community. In addition, church leaders addressed sexual violence and abuse among indigenous women. Betty’s ministry is also helping these indigenous women with livelihood training such as soapmaking, sewing, and knitting. The intent of the ministry is to empower indigenous women to be self-reliant

Another area of ministry is in helping these women acquire budgeting skills to help them manage meager resources for their families. Through these ministries with women and girls, the church is visible in the communities.

“Discipleship is not about denomination. Discipleship is about making disciples of Christ. Wherever they are, they share the love of God to other people, to family members, and to whoever.”

Ministry leaders lead devotions among the women who attend their meetings and trainings and also teach them how to read the Bible.

The ministry offers a wholistic view of discipleship; the ministries of the church care for the spiritual, physical, and social well-being of the people with whom they work. The church is engaged in community-building and in the ministry of presence. The church is visible if there are issues and challenges in the community.

Click here to download a transcript of this podcast (PDF)

Supporters and Partners

• United Methodist Women
• Ohio Annual Conference in the USA
• Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, Missouri

Websites mentioned

• https://www.facebook.com/northkatangaumc - Facebook Page of North Katanga Annual Conference