Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa’s journey is truly remarkable and inspiring. From humble beginnings in a small village in Kenya to becoming a renowned academic, teacher, and pastor, his story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and faith. He is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a deep reverence for God.
The Life of Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa
He is an ordained minister and educator with extensive experience in both Kenya and the United States. In addition to his pastoral work, Bishop Waigwa has served as a professor and chair of a religion department at Wiley College and is currently the Chief Academic Officer at Jakes Divinity School in Dallas, Texas.
Bishop Waigwa was raised as an Akorino by his parents, Rev. Waigwa and Sister Wanjiku, in Ngaini Village on the slopes of Mount Kenya. He was trained as a schoolteacher and taught in various schools in Kenya for 16 years. His ministry spans over four decades. He began preaching as a teenager and later co-founded the Akorino Youth Convention. He was ordained by the African Holy Ghost Christian Church and licensed in 1993. He served as the Senior Pastor of Huruma Akorino Church in Nairobi, Kenya, before moving to the United States in 1996 for graduate studies in theology on a World Council of Churches scholarship.
In the U.S., he has served as a Pastor at Banah Full Community Church in Austin, Texas, and later as Associate Pastor at Temple Christian Center for thirteen years before relocating to the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) area where in 2016, he launched Rhema Gospel Church, in obedience to God’s voice and timing. Presently, he is the Senior Pastor here at Rhema.
He has been married for forty years to his lovely wife and ministry partner, Mrs. Tabitha Waigwa, a pediatric nurse.
Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa and his wife, Tabitha
They have three children: Dr. David Wachira, Dr. Elizabeth Wachira, and Ms. Priscilla Wachira, and one daughter in love, Mrs. Cecilia Wachira. He and his wife live on their farm on the outskirts of the DFW metroplex in a place commonly known as Kinangop Ranch, where they raise beef cows and chickens.
Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa and his family
Dr. Waigwa has been called upon to preach and counsel churches in various ways. He is known for his active role in supporting Diaspora churches through Pastoral and leadership training and mentorship as well as a church overseer. He is a well sought out speaker and trainer who reinforces the importance of Godly living and building strong families in God.
Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa’s life is full of many “firsts” as a quintessential trailblazer. He is one of the first Mukurino to migrate with his family to the US and remain connected to his faith. His unapologetic devotion to his Christian identity as a Mukurino, coupled with his love for God and family, is inspirational to many.
He has touched countless lives and inspired many to pursue their dreams and passions through education and commitment to God. His influence extends far beyond the pulpit, as he continues to be a sought-after speaker and leader in the community. His extensive theological training and ability to teach and preach the word sets him apart. Many in the community, academically and ministry-wise, consider him a mentor, a result of his profound impact on those around him.
From Kenyan Roots to Global Bishop
On December 17, 2023, he was ordained as the Bishop of the Diasporas by the African Holy Ghost Christian Church. His ordination, similar to other churches, is because of Rhema Gospel church and providing the oversight that a Bishop would. With the Akorino Church, as Bishop of the Diaspora, there are members across the Diaspora spanning the United States, London, Australia, and Germany that now have a Bishop available to them to provide ministerial support and oversight.
His ordination is unique in that he is the first Bishop of the Akorino Church based in the Diaspora, further showcasing the growth and reach of the Akorino people. Bishop Waigwa has been instrumental in providing a historical and theological analysis of the Akorino Church in his book titled “The Akorino Church in Kenya: An Indigenous Original Pentecostal Church.”
What sets Bishop Waigwa apart is not just his academic achievements but also his relentless commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in the world. As he shared in his personal remarks, our service to God should be in such a way that the “canal” “our work” speaks for itself, and indeed, his life’s work and ministry speak loudly and positively.
A hallmark of his journey is his lifelong pursuit of community and unity in our families and communities. Despite coming from a different cultural background and upbringing, he has forged strong relationships with people from all walks of life. His story reminds us that we can all learn from each other and that our differences should be celebrated, not feared.
On Sunday, April 28th, 2024, Rhema Gospel Church celebrated Bishop Waigwa’s ordination for those in the diaspora who missed the event in December. DFW pastors and the community at large graced the event. His influence was evident as the congregation was filled with those he had impacted. Many acknowledge his exegetical prowess and godly wisdom as a teacher and preacher of God’s word.
Bishop Waigwa is also passionate about family, and many look to him for mentorship in marriage and counseling. His impact was palpable as each featured speaker echoed his positive influence over their lives in one way or another.
His former Pastor and close friend, Pastor Kerry Sharp, Senior Pastor of Temple Christian Center, shared a particularly interesting story about their initial interactions. He initially felt unsure about pastoring Dr. Waigwa, given his extensive theological background, educational training, and societal status.
He went on to highlight their apparent differences. “Dr. Waigwa wears a turban, is from Africa, and has a different upbringing,” he explained. “On the other hand, I was born and raised in Texas and had everything.” Albeit these obvious differences, it was clear to all as they stood together, that they had found a way to overcome those differences.
Pastor Sharp’s next words hit home with the congregants and sparked a joyful chorus of hallelujahs. Both men understood that they were part of one church and had to intentionally submit to what the spirit of GOD willed: to embrace one another as brothers
Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa and his pastor, Kerry Sharp
“We did not surrender our individuality. We had to surrender our diversity,” Pastor Sharp said with a chuckle. He added, “It’s not easy. Sometimes, the spirit can nudge us to move a certain way, and we choose not to respond, but here, we were both willing to surrender to the spirit for the greater good. And what you see today is what was birthed. A lot of diversity but with unity. Diverse in terms of our cultural backgrounds, educational levels, and social and economic status, but united in our faith and love for God. Two brothers joined together by the love of God our Father, and 13 years later, we’re still loving and serving God together, irrespective of our differences. This unity in diversity makes our community strong and welcoming. It is a place where everyone can find acceptance and belonging. I am right at home when I minister here.”
Tributes from speakers:
Pastor Robert Mwaura: ”Bishop Dr. Waigwa continues to add value to many. I like that he frequently checks on me and challenges me to rise.”
Nick Karinge: “Bishop Dr. Waigwa embodies fatherhood, a father to the fatherless. He took me in as a son, creating that safe space when I was vulnerable and needed it most. He is my Bishop.”
Dr. Wachiuri (Optiven CEO): “Dr. Waigwa is an authentic and influential leader who is present, bold, and committed to his community.”
Deaconess Nancy Okemwa: “Dr. Waigwa, our Bishop, is a father figure to Rhema and the community. Very approachable.”
Student Ministry: “Thank you for your love, for embracing us like your own, and for encouraging us to be great.”
Florence Muchiri: “It’s an honor to serve under you. We wish you well and Rhema at large.”
I want to express our deep gratitude for Bishop Dr. Solomon Waigwa’s leadership and care. My family and I joined Rhema Gospel Church shortly after it opened, and our lives have been forever transformed. The wisdom and excellence we’ve experienced are just a few of the many blessings this ministry offers.
Bishop Waigwa and our First Lady, Mrs. Tabitha Waigwa, we are very grateful for your leadership and your positive impact on our lives.
On that note, I’d like to extend a warm invitation to join us for an authentic Holy Spirit-filled praise and worship experience at Rhema Gospel Church, where individuals from different backgrounds gather together.
The service will include worship and speaking that is representative of this cultural and age diversity, which challenges us not to allow our differences, whether tribal, generational or denominational, like turbans (kiremba), hold us back.
Just as Bishop Waigwa and Pastor Sharp embraced their differences, we can, too. Let’s come together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
We’d love to see you at our next service, whether in person or virtually. Visit our website at rhemagospelchurch.org to learn more about us or explore our teachings on YouTube. You can also follow and like us on Facebook for updates.
Related: Diaspora Church Launches A Special Needs Ministry with Hope
Attributions
I sincerely thank Dr. E for her incredible contribution to this biography. Her detailed recollections of Bishop Dr Solomon Waigwa’s background were essential to its accuracy.
Photo Credit: CO Photography
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