Shepherds of Our Communion: A Closer Look at LUCSA's Bishops
Bishop's Profile:
Name and Title: Right Reverend Bishop Sageus |Keib of ELCRN
Personal Background:
- Bishop |Keib is a devoted husband to Patricia |Keis , father of three daughters and one son, father-in-law to one, and grandfather to three.
He holds a Bachelor of Theology in New & Old Testament Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, and also earned a diploma Theology and a pastoral certificate from the United Lutheran Seminary – Paulinum.
From 2022-2023, he served as President of the Council of Churches in Namibia, providing leadership and guidance during a pivotal period.
Tenure:
Bishop |Keib was ordained into ministry on 13 December 1998 in Tsumeb, Namibia. He was consecrated as the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) on 3 November 2019 in Okahandja, Namibia. He is currently serving a six-year term in this leadership role.
Vision and Mission:
The vision of the Church is to be a transformed, sustainable leading servant of God in the Republic of Namibia.
The mission of the Church is to Glorify and Praise the Triune God by bringing the Gospel to the people and serving the Communities through Diaconal Ministries.
Church Overview:
Name of the Church: Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia
Establishment Details:
Date and circumstances of establishment.
7 October 1957, from the missionaries
Demographics:
- Number of congregations within the region/country.
The ELCRN currently has an estimated membership of approximately 600,000 individuals. It comprises 54 parishes and over 100 congregations, with the majority of its activities concentrated in the central and southern regions of Namibia. - Total membership count: The ELCRN has currently about 600 000 members.
- Geographical distribution and key locations.
54 Parishes and more than 100 congregations.
Circuit Tsumeb 4 Parishes
Circuit Usakos 11 Parishes
Circuit Windhoek 14 Parishes
Circuit Mariental 8 Parishes
Circuit Keetmanshoop 8 Parishes
Circuit Otjiwarongo 9 Parishes
Leadership Structure:
- Number of pastors and junior bishops.
The ELCRN comprises a total of 69 ordained pastors in active service, consisting of 46 men and 23 women. The church is also served by one Deputy Bishop, Reverend Abraham ||Keibeb. - Overview of administrative hierarchy.
Office of the Bishop
Office of the GS
Associate o GS
Office of the Finance Director
Office of the Partnership Coordinator
Office of the Fund Raiser
Headquarters:
- Location and contact information of the head office.
- The ELCRN Headquarters is located at 6 Church Street, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, Namibia. The postal address is P.O. Box 5069, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek. For inquiries, you can contact them at +264 61 224531/2/3 or email address keibs@iway.na
Contact Information:
Bishop’s Contact Details:
- Phone number: +264 81 287 8989
- Email address: keibs@iway.na
General Secretary’s Contact Details:
- Name and title: Pastor Asser A. Bock
- Phone number: +264 81 310 8965
- Email address: aser.gensec@gmail.com
Additional Sections:
Notable Programs and Initiatives:
- Highlight significant programs or outreach initiatives led by the church.
Evangelical Lutheran Church AIDS Programme (ELCAP) in Rehoboth: Established in 2001, the programme is responsible for implementing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS strategy including prevention programme, care programme, VCT et. Al
Andreas Kukuri – Christian education Located in Okahandja and established in 1960, the Andreas Kukuri Centre serves as the hub for various church groups—including the Women’s League, Men’s League, Junior Mothers’ League, and youth groups—by offering Christian education, leadership courses, and other programs. The Centre also houses the music department, which includes the brass bands, and previously published a quarterly newsletter. - Desk for Social Development (Windhoek)
Established in 2003, the programme is responsible for developing strategies for poverty alleviation. The DfSD spearheads the campaign and the pilot project for a Basic Income Grant in Namibia as part of a big civil society coalition consisting of the four main umbrella bodies in Namibia (Churches, Unions, NGOs and AIDS Service Organisations). In recent years, DfSD-ELCRN has made major strides in land reform, social protection, poverty eradication, genocide project and advocacy for access to quality education.
Community Impact:
Since its establishment in 2001, the Evangelical Lutheran Church AIDS Programme (ELCAP) in Rehoboth has made a significant contribution to the church by implementing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS response. Through its prevention initiatives, care and support services, and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), ELCAP has raised awareness, reduced stigma, and provided vital support to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme has helped improve health outcomes and fostered a more informed and compassionate community.
Photo Gallery: Images from church events, services, and community activities.
The Government of the Republic of Namibia, under the leadership of the late Head of State, His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, instituted a National Prayer Day. The official service at State House was officiated by Bishop |Keib.
A group of vicars were solemnly ordained during a special service held at the Emmanuel Congregation in Keetmanshoop, Namibia. The event marked a significant milestone in their spiritual journey and in the life of the church, as these newly ordained ministers were officially commissioned to serve in various congregations across the country.
Pastor Ursula Hoebes was officially inducted during a special service held at Jubilate Parish in Usakos. During the ceremony, fellow pastors extended their hands in prayer over her as a symbolic act of blessing and support.
