Arron Nyamayaro
APOSTLE Patricia Gowera has called on church leaders to become more involved in the communities they serve.
Addressing a leadership workshop, she urged them to focus on addressing relevant issues and making a tangible difference in people’s lives, rather than competing for membership growth. Gowera has emphasised that the main call of churches is to make disciples, as part of the Biblical great commission.
She also called on church leaders to mentor young people and empower them to continue the ministry upon their retirement.
Gowera called on churches to be more relevant in their communities, to make peace in homes, create jobs and empower residents.
She urged the church to bring the kingdom to earth and lead people to light rather than darkness.
“If we are to ask various communities, what benefit are they getting from churches, how many will pass the test?
“Are church leaders focusing on the main call of their ministries that of making disciples or they are competing for membership growth in order to receive more tithes and offerings.
“Makereke mazhinji kuita ruzha nekutsvaga nzira dzekutorera vanhu mari nepfuma yavo.
“Jesus Christ, according to Ephesians 4:11-13, gave gifts to some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some to be teachers for the purpose of equipping saints.
“A number of these ministers are not equipping saints or mentoring them to do the work of service, but are instead milking and fool them.
“Go and make disciples of all nations is not making money from members.
“Let us invade communities, make peace in homes, create jobs in communities, equip and empower them, instead of just offering long prayers and indoctrination,” said Apostle Patricia.
She said a number of youths were being lured into substance and drug abuse while the church is standing akimbo.
“Let the church be relevant in communities. Church leaders must continuously pray for national leaders, peace, families and for the nation to prosper.”