History Made in New Guinea as Woman Pastor Commissioned

The Record, the official news magazine of the South Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists, has reported that Papua New Guinea has made history with its first commissioning of a female minister, Dr. Agnes Kola. The Record's report of the event follows in its entirety.

The Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea (PNG) commissioned its first woman minister during its 15th Business Session held last month in Lae.

A once male-dominated clergy in the Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) has seen rapid changes in the past 10 years as women ministers continue to join up in force.

Dr. Agnes Kola, who returned to the country earlier this year after obtaining her Doctorate in Ministry at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in the Philippines, has became the first Adventist female minister to be commissioned in PNG.

In what was an exciting and emotional moment, delegates from all over the country attending the business session witnessed and applauded the Church for recognising the work of female ministers in the country.

Outgoing PNGUM president Dr. Leigh Rice read out the policy statement on the responsibilities of ministers and highlighted what Dr Kola would and would not do as a commissioned minister. He applauded the work of female ministers in PNGUM and said the Church appreciated the great contributions they make.

It was an emotional moment for Dr. Kola, who praised God and thanked PNGUM and the South Pacific Division leadership for the recognition and honour. She also thanked her husband and family for their support in her ministry and recent studies.

During the business session, Dr. Kola was also appointed the Women’s Ministry and Family Life director for the next five years.

Image: Dr. Agnes Kola shakes hands with South Pacific Division President Pastor Glen Townened. Courtesy Ben Turner / Record.com.au.

Nancy Lagdom furnished this report, which was first published on RECORD.net.au.

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