The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) successfully conducted a One-Day Church Protocol, Etiquette and Professional Grooming Training for 35 members of the United Family International Church (UFIC) Hospitality and Decorations Team on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at the Cresta Oasis Hotel, Harare.
The capacity development programme was facilitated by renowned diplomacy and protocol expert Academic Vova A. Chikanda, who delivered practical and internationally recognised best practices in International Church Protocol, Church Event Management, Hospitality Management, Professional Grooming, Business and Social Etiquette and Personal and Professional Branding.
Designed to strengthen the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the UFIC Hospitality and Decorations Team, the workshop sought to enhance participants’ ability to deliver exceptional service while upholding the dignity, order and excellence expected during church services, conferences and special events.
In his opening remarks, Academic Chikanda described protocol as a ministry of service founded upon biblical principles of honour, humility, excellence and servant leadership. He encouraged participants to recognise that every interaction with congregants and visitors presents an opportunity to reflect Christ through professionalism, courtesy, respect and excellence.
The programme covered a broad range of practical and contemporary topics, including International Church Protocol, the biblical foundations of protocol, order of precedence, proper introductions and greetings, meeting and seating protocol, handling VIPs and visiting missionaries, forms of address within the United Family International Church, church security, invitations and RSVPs and the qualities of an effective Church Protocol Officer. Participants were encouraged to cultivate integrity, humility, discretion, excellent communication skills, teamwork, attention to detail and servant leadership as essential attributes of effective ministry.
Additional sessions focused on Church Event Management Protocol, Business and Social Etiquette, Pastoral Ethics, Conference Catering and Dining Protocol, Professional Grooming and Deportment, Image Management, Diplomatic and Professional Attire and Personal and Professional Branding, equipping participants with practical tools to strengthen both their ministry and personal effectiveness.
Participants actively engaged in practical demonstrations, discussions and case studies, expressing appreciation for the relevance of the training and its immediate application within the Church.
Following the successful completion of the workshop, Academic Vova A. Chikanda, on behalf of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, addressed a Letter of Appreciation to Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, expressing sincere gratitude for the opportunity to mentor and equip members of the UFIC Hospitality and Decorations Team through specialised training in the UFIC Protocol Ministry. In the letter, he commended the Prophet’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to investing in the development of ministry leaders, noting that such initiatives continue to foster a culture of excellence, professionalism, servant leadership and Kingdom values. He further reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting the Church through future capacity-building programmes.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy remains committed to partnering with churches, faith-based organisations, government institutions, diplomatic missions and the corporate sector in delivering world-class programmes that advance leadership, diplomacy, protocol, communication and professional excellence.
