- His public endorsement reframes the transition not as a retreat, but as a courageous recalibration in the face of economic realities.
In a move that has stirred both admiration and debate across Kenya’s religious and digital spheres, Rev. Lucy Natasha’s decision to relocate her church from Biashara Plaza to an online platform has received strong support from media regulator and moral advocate Dr. Ezekiel Mutua.
His public endorsement reframes the transition not as a retreat, but as a courageous recalibration in the face of economic realities.
Rev. Natasha, known for her charismatic preaching and modern ministry style, announced the shift amid growing financial pressures—an issue many churches silently grapple with. Her pivot to virtual operations was met with mixed reactions, with some interpreting it as a sign of weakness or decline. But Dr. Mutua, in a widely shared Facebook post, challenged that narrative.
“This is not weakness,” Mutua wrote. “It’s inspiration and an eye-opener. It’s a bold decision that’s not sugarcoating the challenges, but is real and pragmatic.”
Mutua’s statement struck a chord with many Kenyans, especially those familiar with the financial strain of maintaining urban ministry spaces. He emphasized that churches, like any legal entity, face rent, salaries, and operational costs. “Even churches with their own buildings are not immune,” he noted, citing maintenance burdens and the need for diversified income streams.
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His remarks come at a time when many religious institutions are rethinking their models. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption, but for some, the return to physical gatherings has been financially unsustainable. Natasha’s move, Mutua argues, reflects a deeper understanding of stewardship and sustainability.
“Churches must recalibrate their business and operational models,” he urged. “We must embrace affordable spaces or online operations without shame.”
The support from Mutua—himself a seasoned communicator and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Film Classification Board adds weight to the conversation around faith, finance, and digital transformation. His framing of Natasha’s decision as “prudent leadership” challenges traditional expectations of permanence and grandeur in ministry.
For Rev. Natasha, the shift is not just logistical—it’s theological. Her ministry continues to reach thousands online, maintaining spiritual engagement while shedding the financial strain of a city-center lease. Her team has emphasized that the gospel is not confined to buildings, and that flexibility is key to serving a modern, mobile congregation.
Mutua’s endorsement also opens the door for broader reflection among church leaders. In a city like Nairobi, where rent prices soar and congregational giving fluctuates, the pressure to maintain physical presence can overshadow mission. His call to “diversify income streams” and “rethink sustainability” resonates beyond the pulpit.
As the dust settles, Rev. Natasha’s move may prove to be a blueprint for others—especially younger ministers navigating the intersection of faith and finance. With voices like Dr. Mutua affirming the shift, the stigma around downsizing or going digital may begin to fade.
In the end, the message is clear: boldness in ministry is not just about preaching—it’s about making hard decisions that honor both calling and context.
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