SPCT
SPCTWestern Diocese

About Western Diocese

The Light of Christ for All People

SPCT Worship
SPCT Emblem

Shekinah Presbyterian Church Tanzania

Shekinah is a Hebrew word meaning 'divine dwelling/presence.' Presbyterian comes from the Greek (presbyteros), meaning 'elder'; a church governance system led by elders of equal standing.

History & Overview

The first edition of the Shekinah Mission Centre Constitution was issued in 2021. After growth and expansion, in March 2022 the ministry was officially renamed Shekinah Presbyterian Church Tanzania (SPCT). This change was meant to reflect the expansion from a single spiritual centre to a network of many churches united under one name and common goals. In July 2025, SPCT took a new direction to stand as a full Presbyterian denomination in Tanzania.

The Western Diocese is the second diocese of Shekinah Presbyterian Church Tanzania (SPCT). A diocese is an administrative area within SPCT comprising several churches and presbyteries. It serves in the western regions and Lake Zone, spreading the Gospel of Salvation and advancing prayer services, spiritual nurturing, and social development for all people. Presbytery and Local Sessions: The Western Diocese is organized into 11 Presbyteries with a total of 49 local sessions/churches. The Diocese headquarters is located in Igunga, which also serves as an important center for coordination, leadership, and ministry development. The Presbyteries of the Western Diocese are Igunga, Kibondo Mjini, Mhulidede, Kigwa, Kibondo Kusini, Kagera, Ushetu, Bukumbi, Simiyu, Singida, and Kwimba na Magu. Together, these Presbyteries represent the Diocese's growing mission, providing pastoral oversight, strengthening local church leadership, and coordinating gospel-centered ministry across different communities.

"And you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth."

— Acts 1:8

Church Emblem

Bible

Symbol of the Word of God

Cross

Symbol of salvation in Christ Jesus

Globe

Symbol of international mission

SPCT

Abbreviation of the church name

SPCT Objectives

According to the SPCT Constitution, Article 3

Spiritual Objectives

  • ✦Proclaiming the Gospel of Salvation to all people within and outside the country
  • ✦Preaching the Word of God, teaching and organizing Gospel meetings
  • ✦Advancing prayer services, intercession and spiritual nurturing for believers in Jesus

Educational Objectives

  • ✦Establishing and running Theological schools
  • ✦Establishing and running kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and various colleges
  • ✦Providing Christian education through seminars and conferences
  • ✦Identifying and nurturing youth talents for the church and the nation

Social Objectives

  • ✦Helping orphans, widows, the disabled, and vulnerable groups
  • ✦Addressing health, environmental and national disaster issues
  • ✦Establishing childcare centres and support for families in vulnerable environments

Economic Objectives

  • ✦Designing and running development projects for the welfare of the church and community
  • ✦Enabling members to participate in self-sustaining economic activities
  • ✦Providing Biblical economic education through teachings and workshops

SPCT Statement of Faith

SPCT confesses this faith in unity with the universal Church of Christ, according to the Holy Scriptures and the heritage of Reformed Theology. — Article 4

1. On the Holy Scriptures▾

We believe that the Holy Scriptures, namely the Holy Bible in the Old and New Testaments, are the Word of God fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. They are the final authority and sole standard of Christian faith and life.

2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Pet. 1:20–21

2. On God and the Trinity▾

We believe in one true, eternal God, Creator of all things. This God has revealed Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ex. 34:6–7; Matt. 28:19; John 1:1–14

3. On Creation and the Fall▾

We believe that God created the entire universe by His Word. Mankind was created in God's image, but through disobedience to God, sin entered the world.

Gen. 1:1–31; Gen. 3:1–24; Eph. 2:1–3

4. On the Election of Grace▾

We believe that God, by His unconditional grace, chose those who would be saved in Christ before the foundation of the world.

Eph. 1:4–6; Rom. 8:29–30

5. On Salvation▾

We believe that salvation is a free gift of God, received by grace through faith in Christ Jesus alone, not by human works.

Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 3:24–25

6. On the Perseverance of the Saints▾

We believe that all who are truly saved, by God's grace, will not lose their salvation, but by God's power will persevere in faith and holiness to the end.

John 10:27–29; Phil. 1:6

7. On the Church and Sacraments▾

We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, and Christ is the head of the church. Christ has instituted two chief sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

1 Cor. 12:12–27; Matt. 28:19

8. On Worship and Christian Life▾

We believe that true worship is worshipping God in Spirit and truth, according to His Word. Every Christian is commanded to live a life of faith, holiness, and service.

John 4:23–24; James 2:14–18

9. On Marriage and Family▾

We believe that marriage is a holy covenant between one man and one woman, for the glory of God, procreation, and spiritual companionship.

Gen. 2:24; Heb. 13:4

10. On Civil Government▾

We believe that all governments are established by God to maintain justice, peace and social order.

Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Pet. 2:13–17

11. On Human Destiny and the Return of Christ▾

We believe that Jesus Christ will return a second time in glory and power, to bring complete salvation to His people and righteous judgment to the whole world.

John 5:28–29; 1 Thess. 4:13–18; Rev. 22:20

Diocese Leadership Structure

According to the SPCT Constitution, Article 6.6

  1. 1.Diocese Moderator — Rev. Emanuel Nzella
  2. 2.Assistant Moderator — Rev. Amosi Kidaka
  3. 3.Diocese Secretary — Rev. Michael Magema
  4. 4.Deputy Secretary — Rev. Yunice John
  5. 5.Diocese Treasurer — Rev. Mussa Ndatulu

Vision

To be a full Presbyterian denomination in Tanzania bringing spiritual and physical prosperity to Tanzanians and the world, according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mission

To proclaim the Gospel of Salvation, preach the Word of God, advance prayer services and spiritual nurturing, and provide excellent community service through the power of the Holy Spirit.