Lack of discipline a ‘disease’, church president warns

Methodist Church in Fiji president Reverend Semisi Turagavou has called on all ministers and deaconesses to practice greater discipline, warning that a lack of it is threatening the growth of the church.

Addressing ministers and deaconesses in a ministerial meeting ahead of the annual conference this week, Reverend Turagavou emphasised that discipline was the foundation church growth.

Methodist Church in Fiji President Rev Semisi Turagavou.

“Discipline is the foundation of Church growth. The MCIF must advocate on the significance of discipline to all ministers and deaconesses,” Reverend Turagavou said.

“Lack of discipline is an enemy of Church growth and a disease that will eventually disassociate members from the Church as an organisation. A higher level of discipline embodied by ministers and dignitaries will fundamentally create new hope and eventually build trust and confidence in Church followers, likewise in the community at large.”

He said the church leadership was reaffirming its stance against smoking and excessive kava drinking.

“I am pleading to all servants of Christ to take heed of these instructions and faithfully restore the true image of Christ in our Christian community and beyond. We must execute higher level of discipline on kava drinking, especially on official functions and Church in public areas. The image of Christ is distorted when a minister fails to uphold the value of good discipline.”

Reverend Turagavou said all lay pastors must refrain from smoking cigarettes and suki, and be disciplined in their kava consumption.

“As the chief shepherd of the flock, I am recommending this initiative for the betterment of the Church. This practical way forward shall begin activated January 1, 2026. I am optimistic that this initiative will elevate the standard of pastoral duties and restore the lost image of the Church internally and beyond.”