364:"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."
235:
encountered resistance from the majority of the
Committee of Elders. After many attempts to initiate reforms within the EFKS Church, Faleto'ese resigned from the Church upon retirement to establish a new and more contemporary church that catered to the spiritual needs Samoan Christians, particularly those migrating from Samoa overseas. The mission was to set a denomination that focused on three main principles:
352:
The core purpose and focus of the Church is to offer a traditional space for
Samoans to worship God freely, with ease, and in simplicity (Fa'afaigofie, Fa'ataugofie, Fa'asa'oloto). The Church endeavours to provide extensive support to its members in all aspects of life, aiding them in nurturing their
480:
Today, the Church operates six active
Parishes spanning Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States with around 500 active members. Two additional parishes operate independently from the General Assembly, overseeing their own affairs while upholding a strong connection with the Church. They
246:
By 1990, Faleto'ese's perspectives and proposals for reform sparked curiosity and interest among some Samoan EFKS members residing in Sydney, Australia. They too sought change, recognizing the challenges of sustaining the financial obligations of the EFKS Church in their adopted homeland. Many among
533:
In 2007, the
Pacific LMS Samoan Church was established by the late Reverend Alapati Tu'uga and 14 Pastors and Parishes from the main church, stemming from a schism driven by reformations. Disagreements over the church's Constitution with other governing members prompted Tu'uga and his supporters to
325:
Effectively, the church experienced exponential growth, solidifying its position as a pivotal Church for
Samoans within Australia, New Zealand and the United States. By the turn of the millennium in 2000, the church had expanded to 24 congregations, with 10,000 individuals baptized and confirmed as
224:
and a member of the
Committee of Elders (Komiti o le 'Au Toea'iina), had a long-standing commitment to the EFKS church. Over the years, he served in various capacities within the EFKS, including as Pastor for EFKS Fagaloa (1955), Director of Boys Brigade (1959), Pastor for EFKS Christchurch (1975),
442:
Initially, the eligibility to become a Pastor was restricted to those who underwent training at the EFKS-affiliated Malua
Theological College in Samoa. However, as the number of congregations increased and the scarcity of Malua-trained pastors willing to serve the Reformed Congregation LMS Samoan
234:
congregation in
Australia, originally situated in Balmain and later renamed Rooty Hill. As an Elder, he advocated within the Committee of Elders for reforms aimed at prioritizing the spiritual growth of church members over purely physical aspects. Faleto'ese's perspectives, although influential,
521:
under the late
Reverend Siataga Tuiataga. However, a year later, 10 of the 14 pastors and parishes decided to reunite with Faleto'ese's Church. They elected Reverend Solomona Iosefa, who was the Pastor of the second Auckland branch in Glen Innes, as New Zealand's District Elder upon its return.
501:
In 2001, the late
Reverend Litaea So'oa'emalelagi and the New Zealand District of the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church sought independence from the main Church as part of a schism. Despite securing a majority vote at the General Assembly (Fono Tele) in 2001, So'oa'emalelagi's role as
410:
holds significant importance within the Church, playing a pivotal role in its operations. Responsible for addressing women-specific issues and overseeing the day-to-day maintenance of church property, they operate as a behind-the-scenes society, supporting the church in managing its affairs.
472:
The Church has experienced division over time, leading to the formation of additional denominations and the resignation of parishes, pastors, and members from the original Church Faleto'ese established. Despite these challenges, those who remain steadfast in their commitment to the
384:, which comprises all parish members. Pastors are elected to hold offices responsible for governing the Church. The General Assembly convenes annually, consisting of elected representatives from each parish, as well as all Pastors and their wives. The Committee of Elders
553:
During the General Meeting, the matter was deliberated, and a resolution was proposed: those who wished to comply with the Council of Churches' recommendation could do so but would lose their membership in the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church.
183:(LMS), which introduced Christianity to Samoa in 1830, the EFKS Church was formerly known as the LMS Samoan Church until 1962. The Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church has retained the original name LMS. By retaining the name of the
545:
In 2013, the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church sought membership with the Council of Churches in Samoa. However, they were membership was denied with the reason that they were using the name 'LMS', a copyright of the
537:
Presently, the church has restored its ties with the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church and operates 20 active parishes across Samoa, Australia and New Zealand with around 8,000 active members.
187:(L.M.S.), despite the society's inactive status, the church pays homage to the missionaries who first arrived in Samoa, thus emphasizing the significance of its foundational heritage. Embracing a
525:
Currently, the church operates with three active Pastors and Parishes in Auckland and has rekindled its relationship with the main church. It has around 100 active members.
506:
was not implemented by the Church which led to dissatisfaction within New Zealand's 14 Parishes and Pastors, prompting them to form an Independent Church in New Zealand.
353:
spiritual connection with God. It integrates Samoan culture and language seamlessly with their Christian faith, fostering a holistic experience of worship and community.
254:
in Balmain, Sydney Australia. Initially comprising only three families, the congregation experienced rapid growth, expanding to 30 families by the close of 1993.
469:
The Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church stands as a prominent denomination with a presence in Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States today.
724:
272:
and entered into a covenant with the late Reverend Alapati Tu'uga, a Lay Preacher of the EFKS Church (and Father to the famous Samoan Band, Fetulima/
198:
perspective, it not only upholds traditional values but also contributes to the ongoing narrative and evolution of its community and faith in God.
461:
Today, the predominant cohort among ordained Pastors consists of individuals who have served as lay preachers within the Church for many years.
451:
are also accepted. Pastors are required to undergo police vetting and background checks in accordance with the laws of each respective country.
447:
or student from any credible Theological College, provided they complete a one year internship with a selected Parish. Transferral Pastors
725:"Toe faapaleina Afoa Alapati & Sarai Tuuga Stevenson i le taitai Aoao Ekalesia LMS Pasefika – Samoa Times: Samoan Community Newspaper"
561:
in 2014. Today, the church comprises five active parishes with approximately 150 members across the United States, Samoa, and Australia.
965:
898:
630:
454:
Pastors are elected to serve a parish for a lifetime, unless they opt for retirement or the parish decides to terminate their covenant
458:
with the Pastor. The Parish retains the authority to dissolve the covenant at any time and select a new Pastor to assume the role.
547:
230:
220:
176:
1030:
943:
1091:
923:
880:
782:
755:
708:
666:
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210:(Ekalesia LMS Toefuata'ina Samoa) was founded by the late Rev. Elder Tepa Faleto'ese in Balmain, Sydney, Australia, in 1992.
1086:
1081:
1010:
990:
496:
260:
In 1993, alongside the late Reverend Siataga Tuiataga (a Pastor of the EFKS Church), they founded the inaugural first
1055:
557:
Under the leadership of the late Reverend Manusina Taulagi, five Pastors and Parishes opted to leave and establish
870:
772:
142:
Denomination based in Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. It traces its origins to
257:
Faleto'ese remained dedicated to its growth and ensuring the new Church adequately served Samoan immigrants.
944:"Tatala togiga aufaipese Ekalesia LMS Toefuataiina, Mt Ueligitone – Samoa Times: Samoan Community Newspaper"
924:"Usuia i Samoa le Fonotele a le LMS Toefuataina a le Lalolagi – Samoa Times: Samoan Community Newspaper"
800:
Origin and beginning of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) in Aotearoa New Zealand
580:
Origin and beginning of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) in Aotearoa New Zealand
966:"Congregationalism in the Antipodes Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, the South Pacific, Burma, India"
899:"Congregationalism in the Antipodes Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, the South Pacific, Burma, India"
631:"Congregationalism in the Antipodes Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, the South Pacific, Burma, India"
497:
Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church in New Zealand (Ekalesia LMS Toefuata'ina Samoa i Niu Sila)
319:
184:
180:
1011:"Toe taliu i fanua le usugafono Matagaluega LMS Pasefika – Samoa Times: Samoan Community Newspaper"
991:"Toe taliu i fanua le usugafono Matagaluega LMS Pasefika – Samoa Times: Samoan Community Newspaper"
550:. The Council of Churches recommended that they remove the 'LMS' from their name to be accepted.
443:
Church, the General Assembly in 1996 opted to broaden the criteria. They resolved to ordain any
1056:"Usu fono tele muamua Uluai Ekalesia Faafouina Samoa – Samoa Times: Samoan Community Newspaper"
50:
284:
with the assistance of the late Reverend Litaea So'oa'emalelagi, a Pastor and graduate of the
845:
821:
188:
150:
doctrines, while its core is firmly grounded in the Samoan language, culture, and tradition (
481:
retain the name of the Church, solidifying their association with the broader denomination.
491:
8:
78:
68:
276:), as their Pastor. That same year, Faleto'ese initiated the establishment of the first
403:
Each sub-district encompasses a cluster of parishes under its leadership and guidance.
357:
340:
237:
Fa'afaigofie, Fa'ataugofie, Fa'asa'oloto (Worship God freely, at ease, in simplicity) .
391:
The Church operates with a District System, wherein each country serves as a District
156:
Fa'afaigofie, Fa'ataugofie, Fa'asa'oloto (Worship God freely, at ease, in simplicity).
876:
778:
751:
704:
662:
608:
540:
191:
147:
388:
oversee the General Assembly and handles matters concerning Pastors and the Clergy.
798:
578:
288:, who assumed the role of Parish Pastor. In 1997, Faleto'ese established the first
434:(Choir). These groups collaborate to provide support and upkeep for the Parishes.
745:
698:
656:
602:
296:
and the Parish covenanted with their Pastor, the late Reverend Manusina Taulagi.
151:
273:
528:
1075:
335:
143:
316:
Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church (Ekalesia LMS Toefuata'ina Samoa)
139:
492:
Denominations formed from the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church
1031:"Samoa's EFKS Church objects to LMS membership of Council of Churches"
322:, which introduced Christianity to Samoa in 1830 and its new reform.
195:
484:
Reverend Apolimatai Tautaiolevao holds the position of Chairperson (
63:
Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, Council for World Mission
541:
The First Revival Samoan Church (Ulua'i Ekalesia Fa'afouina Samoa)
488:) currently within the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church.
414:
Within the Parishes, the Church comprises five primary subgroups:
338:
denomination with Congregational roots, adhering to the belief in
449:(Pastors who are currently in ministry with another Denomination)
380:
The Church operates under the governance of the General Assembly
326:
devout members of the Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church.
314:
In 1996, the General Assembly made the decision to rename it the
247:
them were Scholarship Students from Samoa studying in Australia.
374:
228:
In 1985, Faleto'ese initiated the establishment of the first
529:
The Pacific LMS Samoan Church (Ekalesia LMS Pasefika Samoa)
225:
and EFKS Aolo'au, before relocating to Australia in 1980.
517:
under So'oa'emalelagi and the Christchurch Sub-District
285:
175:
The Church emerged as a breakaway denomination from the
125:
Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, United States of America
37:
Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, United States of America
341:
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
218:
Faleto'ese, a distinguished Elder Pastor within the
477:continue to serve God diligently within its folds.
334:The Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church is a
964:
897:
629:
681:
1073:
513:was established, with the Auckland Sub-District
177:Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (EFKS)
306:'The Independent Samoan Congregational Church'
241:
22:The Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church
16:Church in Australia, United States of America
846:"Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia"
822:"Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia"
534:depart and establish the new denomination.
304:Faleto'ese initially named the denomination
213:
329:
160:The Church is sometimes referred to as the
872:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
774:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
747:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
700:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
684:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
658:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
604:Saili Matagi: Samoan Migrants in Australia
309:(Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Samoa Tuto'atasi)
437:
349:, recognized as the Head of the Church.
345:The church's core beliefs revolve around
252:Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church
208:Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church
136:(Samoan: Ekalesia LMS Toefuata'ina Samoa)
133:Reformed Congregational LMS Samoan Church
548:Congregational Christian Church of Samoa
395:, further subdivided into Sub-Districts
221:Congregational Christian Church of Samoa
268:. By 1996, a Parish was established in
1074:
962:
895:
627:
971:International Congregational Journal
904:International Congregational Journal
868:
770:
743:
696:
654:
636:International Congregational Journal
600:
250:In 1992, Faleto'ese established the
875:. University of the South Pacific.
777:. University of the South Pacific.
750:. University of the South Pacific.
703:. University of the South Pacific.
661:. University of the South Pacific.
607:. University of the South Pacific.
464:
13:
686:. University of the South Pacific.
14:
1103:
803:(PhD thesis). University of Otago
583:(PhD thesis). University of Otago
511:LMS Toefuata'ina Samoa i Niu Sila
356:The Church firmly ascertains the
112:The Late Reverend Tepa Faleto'ese
445:lay preacher (A'oa'o Fesoasoani)
1048:
1023:
1003:
983:
956:
936:
916:
889:
862:
838:
814:
791:
559:The First Revival Samoan Church
290:United States of America Parish
28:Ekalesia LMS Toefuata'ina Samoa
764:
737:
717:
690:
675:
648:
621:
594:
571:
286:EFKS Malua Theological College
154:). The motto of the Church is
1:
564:
368:
1092:Protestantism in New Zealand
399:, overseen by Elder Pastors
278:Auckland, New Zealand Parish
7:
963:Lyons, Keith (2009-03-01).
896:Lyons, Keith (2009-03-01).
869:Vaʻa, Leulu Felise (2001).
771:Vaʻa, Leulu Felise (2001).
744:Vaʻa, Leulu Felise (2001).
697:Vaʻa, Leulu Felise (2001).
655:Vaʻa, Leulu Felise (2001).
628:Lyons, Keith (2009-03-01).
601:Vaʻa, Leulu Felise (2001).
377:is the Head of the Church.
242:Establishment of the church
83:Reformed; Congregationalism
10:
1108:
1087:Protestantism in Australia
1082:Congregationalism in Samoa
682:Leulu Felise Vaʻa (2001).
373:The Church maintains that
201:
320:London Missionary Society
214:Tepa Faleto'ese (founder)
185:London Missionary Society
181:London Missionary Society
121:
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59:
49:
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33:
26:
21:
386:(Komiti o Au Toea'i'ina)
330:Structure, belief, focus
475:LMS Toefuata'ina Church
406:The Women's Fellowship
299:
179:. Originating from the
979:– via EBSCOhost.
912:– via EBSCOhost.
644:– via EBSCOhost.
438:Pastors and ordination
422:(Women's Fellowship),
1035:CathNews New Zealand
519:(Pulega Kalaisetete)
509:That same year, the
456:(Tatala le Feagaiga)
318:as a tribute to the
294:Salt Lake City, Utah
360:as its foundation:
270:Brisbane, Australia
79:Religious institute
262:New Zealand Parish
1037:. August 23, 2013
882:978-982-02-0325-9
784:978-982-02-0325-9
757:978-982-02-0325-9
710:978-982-02-0325-9
668:978-982-02-0325-9
614:978-982-02-0325-9
515:(Pulega Aukilani)
426:(Sunday School),
408:(Mafutaga a Tina)
192:Congregationalist
162:Lotu Toefuata'ina
148:Congregationalist
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420:Mafutaga a Tina
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358:Apostle's Creed
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166:Lotu Faleto'ese
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1059:. Retrieved
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585:. Retrieved
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502:Chairperson
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486:Ta'ita'ifono
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170:Lotu LMS Fou
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138:is a global
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60:Associations
51:Denomination
424:Aoga Aso Sa
401:(Toea'ina).
382:(Fono Tele)
42:Language(s)
1076:Categories
1061:2024-04-13
1041:2024-04-13
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641:2024-04-13
587:2024-04-13
565:References
418:(Church),
369:Governance
336:Protestant
152:Fa'a Samoa
144:Protestant
109:Founder(s)
88:Membership
850:Goodreads
826:Goodreads
432:Aufaipese
428:Autalavou
282:Glen Eden
196:Calvinist
140:Christian
73:Calvinist
69:Tradition
55:Christian
416:Ekalesia
397:(Pulega)
189:Reformed
122:District
34:Location
202:History
168:or the
101:Founded
96:History
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45:Samoan
877:ISBN
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300:Name
231:EFKS
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