The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) has appointed Reverend Enefatu Lesa as the new Deputy Chairman at the CCCS Annual General Assembly on Monday at Malua.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Rev Enefatu, 66, said he was shocked to be elected and did not expect to be the new deputy chairman for the church.

"I was shocked when my name was one of the three nominees for the election of the new deputy chairman," Rev Enefatu said.

"I honestly did not expect this, and all glory to God for all He has done today," Rev Enefatu added.

The new Deputy Chairman said he was very humbled to accept this new role, even though he knows it's not easy, but was ready to serve the church with all that he has.

Rev Enefatu, who is serving with his wife at Tanoaolei'a CCCS Church at Vaivase-Uta, said the new role comes with challenges in his journey as a servant of God.

"Of course, there will always be challenges along the way, but with God, anything and everything is possible," he added.

Rev Enefatu will automatically move to become the new chairman of the CCCS after the main conference on Friday, and the church will then elect a new deputy chairman to take over.

Rev Enefatu has become the new deputy chairman to take over from Reverend Esera Auatama who was appointed to the post in 2023. Rev Esera will retire on Wednesday in a special ceremony that will honour all church Ministers who have already reached the age of 70 and will no longer serve at their congregations.

According to the church protocol, the main conference where important issues about the church and its members cannot convene unless the whole executive is present.

The appointment of the new deputy chairman was the first matter on the church's conference on Monday.