Insights from the IMBISA priests’ workshop on change management
The Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa, IMBISA, held a workshop for priests on change management at Lumko Institute in South Africa from 23 to 27 June 2025. A group of 25 priests working in Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe trained to obtain some skills on managing change in the light of the gospel, led by Mr. Albert Dhafana, a human resources practitioner from Zimbabwe; Dr. Paulo Massango, a psychologist from Mozambique; and Bishop Masilo Selemela, the auxiliary bishop of Pretoria.
Participants gained insight into the reality and necessity of change and the importance of managing it to minimize the disruption it brings and building the coping capacity of the priests. The titles of the presentations were:
- The operating environment for pastoral agents in IMBISA: an overview.
- Strategies for change management that promote mental health;
- Reflection on the challenges for priests in times of social crises;
- Embracing change: the clarion call in IMBISA; and
- On the priest managing change: a priest as a man in transition managing transition in an ever-dynamic changing pastoral reality.
The broader context of change is the region and countries where the priests exercise their ministry. Societal changes over the last few years in the IMBISA region’s different countries were described in terms of political and socio-economic realities. A fact that stands out and impinges on our entire reality is that 60% of the population in this region are young people. The change from colonization to the new dispensation did not translate into prosperity, peace, and security for all in our region. This has a direct impacton the lives of all people. Therefore, continuous analysis of these societal changes becomes necessary for the priest.
Change management needs structure and planning, with clear communication to those who will be most affected by the intended change. The absence of these often leads to perceptions that may have nothing to do with the intentions or needs for change. In dioceses, clear vision, structure, policies, and communication will enhance change processes for priests and people.
Providing assistance to those affected by change is indispensable in order to uphold the dignity of the person and enhance participation in the change process. This will include attention to dialogue, wellness, monitoring, and evaluation in the synodal spirit.
The relationship dynamics between older and younger priests came up as generally unhealthy in the region. Fraternal coexistence will need careful investigation, upon which proper mentoring and communal strategies can be formed.
Participants discerned the need for a center in the region for assisting priests with difficulties. The workshop participants commit to utilizing the valuable lessons and insights in their pastoral ministry and own lives. They further commit themselves to raise awareness of the importance of managing change.
Sincere appreciation goes to IMBISA Secretariat and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for making this workshop a reality.