Our Pastor

Welcome Reverend Kudzaishe Manenji
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The Reverend Kudzaishe Manenji is the second incumbent of Spirit of Life MInistry and an ordained priest in the Anglican Church. He serves as Pastor of Spirit of Life Ministry in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is a member of the Anglican Diocese of Rupert’s Land. He began his ministry with the Spirit of Life Ministry in March 2026.
Rev. Manenji was born and raised in Zimbabwe in a devoted Anglican family. He is one of six children and, together with his twin brother, forms part of the second pair in the family. His faith journey began at a young age, serving as an altar server at just seven years old. By the age of 18, he had become a lay leader. From early in life, he sensed a call to ordained ministry a calling that has continued to guide his vocation.
He was ordained in the Anglican Diocese of Harare and received his theological formation at the National Anglican Theological Seminary in Harare, Zimbabwe. He pursued further academic studies at the University of Zimbabwe, where he earned two bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economic History. He also holds a Master of Science in Development Studies from Women’s University in Africa. In addition, he has received training in pastoral chaplaincy from Bishop Gaul College and holds certification in humanitarian assistance and program management.
At the age of 18, Rev. Manenji authored a book titled 7 Keys to Become a Better Christian: The Great Connection, reflecting his early passion for Christian teaching, spiritual growth, and practical theology. His academic and ministry interests include development discourse, pastoral care, and the application of theology in everyday life.
Rev. Manenji answered the call to serve Spirit of Life Ministry in the spirit of the full-communion relationship between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, established through the Waterloo Declaration. This partnership enables clergy from both traditions to share in ministry and witness together to the Gospel. He embraces this ecumenical calling and values the opportunity to serve within a Lutheran parish while bringing his Anglican experience and perspective to the life of the community.
His ecumenical experience began in Zimbabwe, where he was part of the organizing team for Easter combined services within the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (Waterfalls Ministerial Area), bringing together more than seven denominations in Waterfalls Harare. He later served as a steward at the World Council of Churches General Assembly held in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2022, an event that gathered Christians from across the world and from many different traditions.
Before coming to Winnipeg, Rev. Manenji served in the Diocese of Western Newfoundland and Labrador, where he ministered in Forteau. His work included preaching, pastoral care, community outreach, and walking alongside parishioners through the joys and challenges of life. These experiences have shaped his deep commitment to compassionate pastoral ministry and to building vibrant, faith-filled communities.
Rev. Manenji is passionate about preaching the Gospel, nurturing spiritual growth, and helping people discover how faith can be lived out in daily life. He is known for his strong pastoral presence and his ability to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life. He values the richness of Christian liturgy and tradition and believes that worship should both root the Church in its heritage and inspire people to serve their neighbours with love and hope.
At the heart of his ministry is a desire to foster welcoming and inclusive communities where people can encounter God, ask questions, grow in faith, and support one another. He believes the Church is called to be a place of prayer, fellowship, and service to the wider community.
Outside of parish ministry, Rev. Manenji enjoys reading, theological reflection, cooking, travelling, camping, and writing academic and motivational articles. He has also been involved in community work, including volunteering with youth-focused initiatives addressing health and social issues in Zimbabwe. He values building relationships and looks forward to journeying together with the people of Spirit of Life Ministry as they continue to grow in faith, hope, and love.
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