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Rev. Dr. Filimão M. Chambo is a Mozambican pastor who serves as General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.
On June 26, 2017, during the 29th General Assembly, Dr. Chambo was elected as the 42nd General Superintendent on the 7th ballot. He officially assumed office on July 26, 2017.
Prior to being elected as General Superintendent, he served as the Africa Regional Director of the Church of the Nazarene.
He succeeded Rev. Dr. Eugenio Duarte in the role of Regional Director when Eugenio Duarte was elected as the first non-North American General Superintendent in 2009. Now, Dr. Chambo serves alongside Eugenio Duarte, Gustavo Crocker and Carla Sunberg as non-U.S.-born leaders in the Church of the Nazarene.
Early Life and Call to Ministry
Filimão Chambo was raised in a pastor’s home in Mozambique. His parents, Rev. Manuel Tshambe and Rev. Bessie Louisa Tshambe, met at the Nazarene Bible College in Tavarne, Mozambique, where they were married in January 1969. His mother later became the senior pastor of the Central Maputo congregation in 1992.
Filimão first felt a call to Christian ministry at nine years of age. Later in life, he responded to God’s call to full-time ministry at the age of 17. Tragically, in 2009, he lost his brother, Morgan, to an automobile accident.
Education and Ordination
Dr. Chambo pursued theological education at various institutions. He studied at Seminário Nazareno in Mozambique, Nazarene Theological College in Muldersdrift, and the University of Johannesburg.
He was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in January 2000 on the Gauteng District, South Africa, by Dr. Jim Diehl.
Ministry Experience
Dr. Chambo has served in various pastoral and academic roles within the Church of the Nazarene. His pastoral ministry included serving at:
- Igreja do Nazareno da Matola Cidade, Mozambique
- Mphagane and Eldorado Park Churches of the Nazarene, South Africa
In addition to his pastoral work, he contributed to Christian higher education as:
- A lecturer at Nazarene Theological College, South Africa
- A lecturer at Seminário Nazareno, Mozambique
- President of Seminário Nazareno, Mozambique
- Diploma in Theology at Seminário Nazareno in Mozambique 1993
- Bachelor of Theology (ThB) at Nazarene Theological College 1997
- Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies at the University of Johannesburg 2000
- Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Biblical Studies at the University of Johannesburg 2009
Regional Director
Before his election as General Superintendent, Dr. Chambo was deeply involved in leadership within the Church of the Nazarene. In 2005, he was appointed as the Regional Education Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene in Africa. Later, in 2009, he was served as the Africa Regional Director.
Duties as Regional Director
As Africa Regional Director, Dr. Chambo focused on church planting, leadership development, and theological education across the continent. His role included expanding educational opportunities, strengthening pastoral leadership, and promoting the growth of the Church of the Nazarene in Africa.
Achievements and Qualifications
2000 in South Africa he attained his Masters of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies from the University of Johannesburg. His Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Biblical Studies(PhD) was also earned at the University of Johannesburg and was completed in 2009. His vast experience in ministry, leadership, and education has made him well-qualified for the role of General Superintendent.
Personal Life
Dr. Chambo is married to Rev. Samantha Chambo, who is also an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Together, they have two children: a daughter, Tsakani Gabriella and a son, Emanuel. Currently, Dr. Chambo resides in Kansas, USA, where the Church of the Nazarene headquarters is located.
Conclusion
Dr. Filimão M. Chambo’s journey in ministry, education, and leadership has prepared him well for his role as General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene. His extensive experience in pastoral ministry, theological education, and regional leadership reflects his dedication to the church’s mission. As he continues to serve in this capacity, his commitment to church growth, leadership development, and theological education will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Church of the Nazarene worldwide.
