Meet an African Pastor Podcast Anthony Sytsma

This interview is with Bishop Emmanuel Okwalinga who recently finished his term as bishop for North Teso Pastorate, Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG), Uganda. He shares wisdom and experiences about church discipline - it's purpose, how it is normally done in PAG, mistakes which sometimes happen, which sins are most commonly disciplined, discipline for false teaching, and hopeful stories of restoration after church discipline. Interviewed May 31st, 2024.  (80 minutes)

This interview is with David Cloete, pastor of Hope City Presbyterian Church in Cape Town, South Africa. We discuss some of the ongoing pains and divisions concerning race in South Africa today. David passionately shares about the importance of a Gospel-centered approach to race relations. Interviewed May 22nd, 2024.  (75 minutes)

This is a testimony shared by Pastor Star Isaac Losusanna of how he ran from South Sudan and became a refugee in Uganda. He explains what it was like being a refugee and how God used him to start a church in the camp. He currently pastors Zion church in Yei, South Sudan. He also shares about going through a Helping Without Hurting in Africa training with me while in Uganda and how he put the training into practice back home. Interviewed May 9th, 2024.  (58 minutes)

This interview is with Mahrous Karam, pastor of Evangelical Presbyterian church in Luxor, Egypt. We learn about his local church and ministry, as well as the story of how their church building had to be moved due to the discovery of Egyptian artifacts. We also talk briefly about the different kinds of churches in Egypt and about living as a minority in Egypt. You will hear in the conversation a church member translating from Arabic to English. Interviewed March 31st, 2024. (39 minutes)

This interview is with Edgar King, pastor of Trinity Vineyard Church in Nakuru, Kenya. Edgar is also the National Director of Vineyard Churches of Kenya. In the conversation we talk about the various kinds of diversity in Trinity Vineyard - ethnic/racial diversity, language diversity, and doctrinal diversity. Edgar shares a lot of wisdom about the blessings, joys and challenges of pastoring a multicultural church, and how God uses the challenges for everyone's spiritual growth. He also shares encouragements, cautions, and strategies for church leaders who want to reach out to diverse people in their cities and communities. Interviewed February 7th, 2024.  (65 minutes)

This interview is with Presiding Bishop Simon Peter Emiau who leads Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda. Simon shares about the history of PAG, his current ministry, and the denomination's strengths and weaknesses. We look ahead at the next 10 years and Simon shares about both the challenges and the opportunities facing the church, especially the missional opportunities. Interviewed January 8th, 2024.  (66 minutes)