“It shall be well for God is always on our side…” -Pastor Samuel Mwangi

Introduction

Pastor Samuel Mwangi Ndegwa is a spiritual leader whose journey began in Nairobi, Kenya. Rooted in a strong family and a deep commitment to both his professional calling as an accountant for non-profits and his profound spiritual one, Pastor Samuel, alongside his wife Nancy, has cultivated a ministry at Imani Restoration Center Church that reflects his commitment to serve. But his story is more than just a career path; it’s a compelling narrative of an immigrant answering a compelling call not just to exist, but to pour into his community, both spiritually and tangibly. 

Join Afrik Digest as we dig into the inspiring background and restorative vision of this dedicated pastor, whose heart beats for uplifting individuals and enriching lives with the love of Jesus Christ.

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My Background & Call into the Ministry

My name is Samuel Mwangi Ndegwa, an immigrant from Nairobi, Kenya.  I am happily married to my wife, Nancy, and we have two wonderful children, a daughter named Anne and a son named Evans.

I graduated from National American University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Afterward, I pursued a Master of Divinity in Leadership from Liberty University. I’ve worked as an Accountant for Non-Profit Organizations for over two decades.

Currently, I am the Lead Pastor of Imani Restoration Center Church and a Co-founder of a Non-Profit Organization, Emmanne Ministries, serving a rural community in Kenya. Beyond my career, I’m passionate about community service, and I am very engaged within our Community here in the Denver Metro Area.

From the time I became a Christian in high school, I felt deep within my heart a strong urge to serve God, but it was unclear how to do it. At the same time, I had an unshakable feeling within me that my purpose was not just to exist, but to serve. It was a deep, compelling whisper in my heart, pulling me towards a path of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness. Though hesitant at first, unsure of what it would demand from me or how I would be equipped, I answered the call. This was a call to ministry—not just in action, but in spirit, to help others find their way as I had once found mine.

Our Vision and Mission:

At Imani Restoration Center Church, our vision is to inspire and uplift individuals through the transformative love of Jesus Christ. We believe in pouring into the community—spiritually and physically—to enrich lives, restore hope, and guide people toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

Our mission is centered on touching lives by demonstrating Christ’s love through worship, fellowship, and service. We are committed to preaching the Word of God, fostering meaningful connections, and putting faith into action through acts of benevolence that embody the Gospel’s message of love and compassion.

Community Partnerships and Ministry Initiatives

Recognizing the challenges facing our local community, Imani Restoration Center Church has joined forces with other churches and leaders to bring hope and relief to those in need. Through prayer and collaborative outreach, we address pressing issues such as homelessness, distributing warm clothing and essential supplies to those living on the streets, especially during harsh winters.

One of our most impactful initiatives includes hosting community outreach events, such as free health education forums to promote wellness, food drives to nourish families in need, and clothing distributions to provide comfort and dignity. These efforts go beyond meeting immediate needs; they create opportunities to share the Gospel in a tangible way, demonstrating God’s love through action.

Additionally, we have developed a youth mentorship program that brings young people together to explore faith, develop personal growth, and receive guidance through life’s challenges. By pairing youth with caring, faith-filled mentors, we foster a community of encouragement, accountability, and spiritual wisdom.

At Imani, we believe that serving others is at the core of our mission, and these programs reflect our dedication to spreading Christ’s love through meaningful engagement.

Faith in Today’s World:

In today’s world, faith can feel distant or misunderstood, with societal pressures causing many to hesitate in their spiritual journey. Guiding a congregation to balance faith with the complexities of the modern world requires divine wisdom. People may feel shy, afraid, or unsure about identifying as Christians due to societal pressures or the perception of Christianity as outdated or out of touch with contemporary issues. At Imani, we help guide the congregation in this matter by creating a safe, welcoming environment that fosters an atmosphere where people feel free to express doubts, struggles, and concerns. This helps people feel less alone in their spiritual journey and more open to growing in their faith.

We emphasize the relevance of faith by showing how Christianity speaks to the current issues of the world, such as social justice, mental health, and purpose. We do our best to demonstrate how biblical principles align with the challenges they face, hence making faith feel more relevant.  We also encourage members to share personal stories.  When members share personal testimonies of how their faith has impacted their lives, it makes others connect well with faith. Authenticity often helps others connect with the message of Christianity in a more meaningful way.

The Role of Worship and Cultural Identity

Music, worship, and language are powerful tools for spiritual connection. At Imani Restoration Center Church, our worship reflects the rich traditions of where we come from while embracing the diversity of our congregation.

We honor our heritage by incorporating worship in our native languages, ensuring that our community feels seen, heard, and valued. Worship isn’t just about songs—it’s about creating a space where believers find comfort, belonging, and unity in Christ.

Our services reflect the spirit of home, blending tradition with faith to create a worship experience that resonates with every heart.

Addressing the unique spiritual and social needs of the community
Addressing the unique spiritual and social needs of a community involves several approaches, each tailored to the specific characteristics and values of the group. This includes actively listening to the community; creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background, belief system, or identity; and offering educational programs that address spiritual growth, mental health, and social justice. These programs can help people deepen their understanding of their own faith while promoting a more inclusive community.

Challenges in Our Mission
Like many faith communities, our church faces a unique set of challenges at the intersection of culture, society, and faith. These obstacles test our resilience, but they also provide opportunities to grow stronger, deepen connections, and reinforce our commitment to God’s work.

One of the major hurdles we encounter is cultural and language barriers, which can limit participation in services, spiritual teachings, and church programs. Some members struggle to fully engage due to differences in worship styles or language preferences, making it crucial for us to bridge these gaps through inclusive outreach and communication.

Another challenge is the generational divide. While younger members may be eager to integrate into American society and adopt new traditions, older members often wish to preserve the cultural and spiritual practices of their homeland. This delicate balance requires patience, understanding, and leadership rooted in unity, creating a space where both groups feel valued and heard.

At times, identity and belonging can spark tensions, as members navigate their dual existence—both as immigrants and as part of the broader American faith community. The challenge is to ensure that everyone feels spiritually at home, embraced by faith, and empowered to walk confidently in their identity.

Financial strain is also a reality, especially for newer or smaller congregations. Many members are still establishing financial stability, limiting their ability to contribute consistently to church operations, outreach programs, and mission projects. While this can slow growth, it has also strengthened our faith in God’s provision and reinforced the importance of wise stewardship and creative solutions to sustain our ministry.

Despite these hurdles, our church remains a place of great spiritual and social strength. By celebrating cultural diversity, welcoming newcomers with open arms, and collaborating with other faith communities, we have overcome obstacles and thrived in fulfilling our mission

Transformation and Testimonies
The journey of transformation within our congregation has been nothing short of remarkable. Time and again, we have witnessed God’s hand at work, guiding people through their deepest struggles and unveiling miracles that strengthen faith.

One testimony that stands out is that of a woman who experienced divine healing—an encounter that ultimately led her to Christ. Stories of miraculous healing remind us that God moves among His people, transforming lives, restoring hope, and revealing His boundless grace. Each testimony fuels our mission to inspire faith, offer refuge, and bring healing, not just in spirit, but in every aspect of life.

Inspiring the Next Generation
Imani Church inspires younger generations to embrace faith by fostering an environment of inclusion, mentorship, and community. Through dynamic worship services, relevant teachings, and youth-focused events, the church makes faith relatable to the next generation. The church’s leaders take an active role in guiding young people, encouraging them to discover their spiritual gifts and find purpose in serving others. Imani Church emphasizes the importance of ministry, offering opportunities for young people to get involved in outreach programs, volunteer work, and leadership roles. This commitment to nurturing faith and empowering youth helps ensure the growth of a vibrant, purpose-driven community dedicated to spreading love and compassion.

What sets Imani Restoration Center Church apart
As Imani Church, we stand out as a unique congregation in Colorado due to our strong focus on inclusivity, community, and spiritual growth. Unlike many traditional churches, we at Imani emphasize the importance of cultural diversity, drawing people from various backgrounds and fostering a sense of unity among our members. Our commitment to social justice is another defining feature, actively engaging in outreach programs and supporting local causes that align with our mission of love and equality. At Imani Church, we also integrate modern worship practices, blending traditional elements with contemporary expressions of faith. Overall, Imani’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and dedication to making a positive impact in the community make us a distinct and beloved place of worship in Colorado.

Also, we are adapting to the changing times. Though it has not been easy, we have tried to incorporate technology in our worship service, including live streaming that has attracted a huge online audience.

Unity and Inclusion in Our Church

In Imani Church, we foster unity and inclusion by creating a welcoming environment where all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance, feel valued and accepted. As a church, we offer diverse programs and services that cater to the needs of various groups within the congregation, promoting a sense of belonging and support. Through community outreach initiatives, Imani Church extends its inclusivity beyond the church walls, actively engaging with local organizations and service projects. Regular fellowship events encourage members to come together, build relationships, and celebrate shared values and experiences. By prioritizing love, respect, and understanding, Imani Church cultivates a spirit of unity that resonates throughout both its congregation and the wider community.

Principles that guide our leadership and decision-making 

As the pastor and servant leader, I am guided by the biblical principle of humility, as exemplified by Jesus washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:14-15). This principle emphasizes that true leadership is not about power or authority, but about serving others selflessly, putting their needs first. Additionally, I am called to shepherd the flock with love, compassion, and integrity, leading by example and nurturing spiritual growth in the community (1 Peter 5:2-3).

A Vision for the Future: Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Impact
Our dream is simple yet profound—to touch more lives with the transformative love of Jesus Christ and strengthen our engagement within the community. As we move forward, we aim to expand our outreach, discipleship programs, and faith-driven initiatives, ensuring that every individual who seeks spiritual growth finds a place of refuge, restoration, and renewal.

A Book That Inspires: Philippians!
Among all the scriptures, the Book of Philippians resonates deeply—it is a message of strength, perseverance, and steadfast faith. A verse that stands as a personal guiding principle is Philippians 1:27:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”

This verse serves as a powerful reminder to walk in faith with unwavering conviction, holding firm to the principles of the Gospel while encouraging unity and perseverance among believers.

Leaving a Legacy
At the heart of ministry is the desire to serve, love, and uplift others in the name of Christ. When all is said and done, I want to be remembered as someone who touched lives, not for personal recognition but for God’s glory. To love well, to lead with compassion, and to inspire lasting transformation—that is the legacy worth leaving behind.