June 29, 2022
On Saturday we visited Mhondoro Preaching Point, a new church start in the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. In the UCCZ, a new gathering of worshipers begins as a Worshiping Group, with up to 19 people participating. Once the number reaches 20, it is considered a Preaching Point. At 40 or more worshipers, it has reached the level at which it can become a church. In three years time, Mhondoro already has the numbers…but numbers are but one part of the equation. There is plenty of teaching in the mix and an also the expectation that they will commit to being able to support pastoral leadership. At this point, the leadership, in the form of trained lay evangelists and student pastors, is provided by the Synod (the national church).
Many of the members at Mhondoro are new to Christianity, and even more are new to the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. Like the early Christians, “they devote(d) themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42 – keep reading through verse 47!) They are eager to learn about the way of Jesus.. They are embracing their time together in the “temple”, praising God, and breaking bread. They are committed to sacrificial giving and generous hospitality, to caring for one another as any has need, to teaching their children and in all things to live both the cost and joy of discipleship. Currently led by Student Pastor Jena, Mhondoro Preaching Point is lively, joyful, on fire with the Spirit! There is no doubt that day by day the Lord will add to their number – and to their faith. May God bless their ministry!
The photos will say it better than my words can!
