By Kaundjire Humbu
From just six members in the first years of independent Namibia to more than 1,000 today, the Inner-City Lutheran Congregation in Windhoek is marking 35 years of growth, unity and community service.
Established on May 5, 1991, the congregation was created primarily to serve Namibians returning from exile who, according to Pastor Brian Mbazuvara, often struggled to integrate into existing local congregations because of language and cultural differences.
“The main purpose of the establishment of the congregation was to cater for Namibians who returned from exile,” Mbazuvara said.
He explained that many returning Namibians came from different parts of the world and found it difficult to integrate into congregations where worship was predominantly conducted in languages such as Otjiherero, Damara Nama and Oshiwambo.
This led to the establishment of a congregation that could provide services to returning Namibians.
The congregation began at the church head office in Church Street with only a handful of members.
Pastor Ngeno Nakamhela and Professor John Paul Isaak played leading roles during its early years.
Professor Isaac later moved to the University of Namibia, while Nakamela remained with the congregation until 2012, when Mbazuvara assumed leadership.
Firstly, Nakamhela was assigned by the CCN to conduct Sunday Services for the 1989 returnees who were accommodated at the Döbra Reception Centre under the UNHCR.
After the centre was closed and the returnees were resettled in the local communities they had a challenge to integrate into the local Lutheran congregations because of language barriers, since most of them spoke English.
Nakamhela was tasked by the late Bishop Hendrik Frederik to do a research on how best these people could be served spiritually.
He reported back and the congregation came into existence.
Secondly, the congregation was established as a model Lutheran congregation paving the way towards the unity of the three Lutheran churches in Namibia, namely ELCIN, ELCRN and DELK.
The congregation was also established as a model of unity among Namibia’s Lutheran churches.
Mbazuvara said it brought together the three Lutheran churches in Namibia, giving it a distinctive role in promoting unity among Lutheran Christians.
He said the anniversary theme, “35 Years of Faith, Unity and Impact”, reflects the congregation’s commitment to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ while bringing Lutheran communities together.
The congregation has since grown into an international community, with members from countries including Tanzania, Germany and the United States.
Mbazuvara described it as the only English-speaking Lutheran congregation in Windhoek.
Beyond worship, the congregation has sought to respond to social challenges through its social responsibility department, which assists vulnerable people by distributing food and clothing.
The programme is sustained mainly through contributions from members.
“Our members contribute in terms of mainly food items and clothing. And then we also have members who contribute through finance,” he said.
The congregation has also previously operated a scholarship programme to assist students studying at universities and other institutions.
Applications and supporting receipts were considered by the council before a suitable beneficiary was identified.
Mbazuvara described the 35th anniversary as a spiritual milestone and an opportunity to give thanks for the congregation’s journey and growth.
“It is a milestone. It is a spiritual milestone,” Mbazuvara said.
The celebrations have been taking place over several months, with a women’s conference held in June and a youth event in July.
The remaining activities include a gala dinner and Thanksgiving service.
The congregation’s history is also being documented through photographs and records collected by its media and information committee.
The material includes photographs and the names of members who have been baptized, confirmed and married at the congregation during its 35-year existence.
The congregation has also counted prominent Namibians among its members.
Mbazuvara said the late former president Dr Hage Geingob was an active member, while President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah and Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare are also members.
He added that several ministers and other prominent community members have been associated with the congregation.
As the congregation looks ahead, Mbazuvara said fellowship remains central to its identity. He described the church as a place of “koinonia”, meaning fellowship.
“Inner City is the home for all,” he said, describing the congregation as a place where everyone can find a sense of belonging.
Mbazuvara said Christians should not worship in isolation, but should strengthen one another through unity, hope and love.
In a society that he described as increasingly characterized by hate and disunity, he said the congregation should be a beacon of hope.
“Every congregation should be that light that shines in darkness to give hope to the hopeless, to feed the hungry, and to show the lost back to the cross of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Although situated in an area largely associated with business activity, Mbazuvara said the church remains open to the wider community.
“Our doors are open for those who need spiritual guidance, for those who need a shoulder to lean on, for anyone who needs a home where he or she can belong, and worship and serve God,” he said.
From six members in 1991 to more than 1,000 today, the Inner-City Lutheran Congregation enters its next chapter with faith, unity and service at the centre of its mission.
