Innocent Sadiki becomes senior pastor of her church

Despite the fact that women tend to be church pillars, leadership roles are still dominated by men, but not at Church By The Valley, where actress and preacher Innocent Sadiki is now leading her own branch.

After being anointed senior pastor, the actress and her husband, who is also a preacher, revealed that Innocent would lead one of the church’s new branches.

Innocent said that while she always knew she was “called to lead”, the promotion took her by surprise.

“It’s difficult to answer this question because I have no doubt God has called me, but to lead a church is different for me. God took me by surprise. When I said I’m available to be used by Him, I didn’t know He would take it this far. However, I understand the assignment very well. I’m here on earth for a deeper purpose; my life is in His hands. So where He leads me, I will follow,” said Innocent.

The actress, well known as Sthoko on Skeem Saam, said she wasn’t fazed by being a senior preacher, a position usually held by male preachers.

“This is a reality, but it doesn’t worry me at all. I knew before He called me that He had qualified me. I’m also an advocate for women’s empowerment, so this hits home for me. This is an opportunity for me to show that our God is able to use women mightily in the church. I’m never going to minimise myself for anything or for anyone.

Quoting from scripture, the mother of two recalled Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Sharing her vision, Innocent said a church under her leadership would be characterised by order and community.

“I’m a very structured person, so I would like to see a church of order and, most importantly, build a community church. A home of worship and praise, a one-stop church that will cater to all spiritual wellness needs I would like to see God take us to the nations. I don’t see a church; I see a global movement. The vision is bigger than me or even the church. If we remain humble, God will fulfil His plans.”