It was very heartwarming to see the 13 graduates from the Piula Theological College celebrate their success as they finished their courses and are ready to take the next step for the church and the community.

This week will see the start of the Methodist Conference, the Worship Centre’s conference has come to end and they announced their new leader. Just a month ago the biggest Christian denomination in the country, the Congregation of Christian Churches Samoa, finished their annual conference and the Catholic Church held their global summit.

We are a Christian nation according to the Constitution and the church, no matter what denomination we belong to plays an important part in our lives. Every major event we have has to start with a prayer.

The churches play an important role in the Samoan community and they can play an even bigger role in helping deal with some of the issues we are faced with today which includes the rising number of meth related cases, probability of gangs being formed in Samoa, gender based violence, access to education for the poor children, social and economic empowerment of the underpriviledged  and sexual attacks on our children especially young women and girls.

The churches have the power to bring about these changes. The church conferences should have discussions on these issues because it is affecting the moral fibre of our society. Churches have become very powerful and most established ones are very financially stable as well, such is the grace of God.

Imagine if churches start playing a more active role in curing the social ills that we have by ensuring that issues that are affecting our society are addressed during sermons or the church has an arm to empower those who are weak in spirit and socio-economically.

It can be hard for modern churches to stay engaged in their communities, especially as the culture surrounding our society continues to change. Too often, churches retreat into their own bubble – interacting only with other churches and their own congregations, and leaving the communities in which they’re located totally out in the cold.

Church leaders have a responsibility – a duty! – to share themselves and the word of God with those around them and try to build our nation.

How many times do we come across child street vendors? In most cases, these children are not in school because their families cannot afford to send them to school. The local village churches and even the national body can ensure that all children in their community whether they are part of the church or not get access to education.

This is one way of ensuring that we take Samoan children off the streets. Surely churches in Samoa have enough money to fund this cause instead of becoming politically aligned to one party and hosting television talk shows which are biased and pushing political agendas.

Poverty is a relevant issue globally and especially in the Pacific where it is well known to be on the rise. Faith-based organisations and people inspired by religious faith and are worried for people living in poverty is an undistinguishable act that is the same as provision of spiritual nourishment. In history poverty has always been reflected by theologians and religion practitioners through activities such as education, health provision, community support, emergency aids and conflict resolutions.

Poverty can mean lack of fundamental necessities and services such as food, clothing, housing, healthcare, unemployment and education. Poverty can be defined as a “state of being in shortage of basic elements required for a dignified living and this could be economic, material, moral, intellectual or spiritual, among others' '. Churches can play a vital role in dealing with this.

Engaging in the community can be as simple as cleaning up! Just a week ago, a private company picked 1000 kilograms of litter just from the seaside of Apia in a week. And the Samoa Observer has been highlighting the litter issue faced by Samoa on a constant basis. There’s probably plenty of litter and other trash that can be cleaned up, and there is a need for beautification even in rural areas.

Churches and their members, especially the youth can also engage in activities and beautification programs. On a larger scale, churches can also play a part in dealing with climate change which in the coming years will definitely impact everyone.

Meth is becoming a growing problem in this tiny nation of ours. The number of people selling and using is growing to the extent New Zealand based gangs want to open a chapter here. Churches have the power to ensure this problem is dealt with as well.

These issues should be addressed in church sermons or smaller pocket meetings and youth groups.

We are also plagued with another evil which has not been brought from outside. This is violence in our homes and the sexual attacks on our young women and girls inside their homes. All Christians know that violence is not the Christian way, yet we go to church every Sunday and even have the evening devotions but violence has not been eradicated from our homes.

Such issues need to be highlighted and churches need to have a viewpoint on this so it can be addressed and hopefully churches can play an important role in dealing with these issues which are affecting the Samoan society.

Church growth doesn’t just mean a rise in tithing, attendance, or notoriety – growth can be as simple as watching congregation members who engage with the community grow in their walk with Christ as they minister to those around them.

Community engagement is critical for a healthy church that follows the example of Christ, and for a congregation that follows the example set by Jesus.