Our Story

Get to Know Our History

SPCT began through the missionary calling of Mwl. Boyeon Lee (South Korea), who first visited Tanzania in 1995 and later returned for formal missionary service. Her early ministry emphasized teaching, church strengthening, and discipleship—especially mentoring young people called to ministry.

As discipleship matured, the ministry team relocated to Dar es Salaam in 2006, and the discipleship work was formally named Shekinah Mission Centre, established to disciple and equip young people and develop Christian leaders for gospel impact.

On May 13, 2007, an official worship service was held in Mikocheni, and the church began operating under the Presbyterian Church in Tanzania (PCT). The congregation was formally named Shekinah Presbyterian Church Tanzania (SPCT) to distinguish the church from the training centre.

In 2008, land was purchased in Madale (Dar es Salaam) to establish a long-term base for ministry and training, and in 2010 regular worship services began at the Madale site.

As the ministry expanded, SPCT began structured branch growth, with its first branch (“Shekinah B”) established in 2016.

In 2021, Shekinah Mission Centre issued its first constitution as governance needs grew; in March 2022, the ministry adopted the name SPCT to reflect expansion into a fellowship of congregations.

A long-standing status matter between SPCT and PCT concluded at the PCT General Assembly on July 11, 2025, where it was resolved that SPCT should stand as a fully autonomous denomination. On July 12, 2025, SPCT held its first official meeting in Madale to begin its journey as an independent Presbyterian denomination, with authority to ordain its own pastors. In the same meeting, SPCT pastors agreed to establish Shekinah Theological Seminary (STS) to serve this new season while welcoming students from various denominations.

Today, SPCT is described as experiencing remarkable growth, with over 40 branches across Tanzania, and a forward-looking vision to expand mission beyond national borders.

Shekinah Mission Centre

Since its inception, Shekinah Mission Centre (SMC) has been a place of spiritual formation, discipline, and calling. The Centre warmly welcomes young people who desire to grow in Christ and serve according to His will. It is not a requirement for every individual to come with a clear pastoral calling; rather, the foundational aim is that each person becomes a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this way, SMC is not merely a training institution but a place of transformation, where lives are shaped by the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Young people from different regions, tribes, and backgrounds come to SMC. We do not discriminate. All are received with love and guided toward a life that honors God. This diversity reflects the unity of the body of Christ, where all are one in Him despite cultural or ethnic differences.

At the same time, SMC has intentionally invested deeply in those who demonstrate a pastoral calling. Through careful teaching, mentorship, and practical exposure, these individuals are nurtured so that they may faithfully serve the Lord in ministry.

It is important to note that, up to this day, many pastors who are currently serving in SPCT churches have been raised and trained through SMC. This includes key leaders such as the General Overseer, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and many others. This testimony reflects the faithfulness of God in using SMC as a vessel for raising leaders for His Church.

Life at SMC

Life at SMC is centered on spiritual discipline, community living, and practical obedience to the Word of God. The youth live together in one place, cultivating a shared life of faith and accountability. Their daily routine is intentionally structured to form Christlike character.

Each individual is required to consistently engage in:

  • Reading the Bible aloud
  • Prayer
  • Witnessing (evangelism)

These are not optional activities but form the very foundation of life at the Mission. Through this rhythm, young people are trained to depend on God, internalize Scripture, and actively participate in His work.

A key requirement at SMC is that every young person must read the entire Bible at least twice before proceeding to the STS college. This ensures that those who advance in theological training are already grounded in the full counsel of God’s Word.

In addition to spiritual formation, SMC is committed to holistic development. Some youth who have the ability and desire to pursue formal education beyond biblical studies, such as attending secondary schools, are supported by the Mission where possible. This reflects our belief that education can be a valuable tool for serving God and society.

Furthermore, the youth are equipped with practical life skills. They are trained in various forms of work, including craftsmanship and other hands-on skills. Through daily participation in mission activities, they learn responsibility, diligence, and servant-hearted living.
This practical training is an essential part of discipleship, as it prepares them to live productive and disciplined lives both within and beyond ministry contexts.

Life After Studies

After completing their foundational formation at SMC, students proceed to STS for further theological training. Upon graduation, they step into ministry in various ways.

Some are sent directly by SPCT, while others are led by God to initiate or join ministries independently. SMC does not operate on a system of contractual obligation or guaranteed placement. Instead, emphasis is placed on personal conviction and calling.

Students are encouraged to discern their calling while still at the Mission, learning to seek God’s direction and take responsibility for their future service. This approach nurtures maturity, faith, and dependence on God rather than on institutional structures.

In all things, SMC remains committed to raising men and women who are grounded in Scripture, shaped by discipline, equipped with practical skills, and devoted to serving Christ faithfully wherever He leads them.