The ManicaPost
Pastor Lee Fore Kingdom Matters
As the country goes through the extended lockdown, it is crucial to acknowledge the reasons that informed Government’s decision.
At this juncture, the church must now take centre stage in proving its age-old influence in times of crisis.
However, a daunting question pops up.
Is the church capacitated for that role?
There is a lot expected from the church, apart from it being the spiritual ministry. Believers are known to be compassionate. Benevolence is a lifestyle in ministry work.
The church is commanded to do good to all men (Galatians 6:10), and to visit the fatherless and the widows when they are afflicted. These are some of the responsibilities of the church.
It was part of Jesus Christ — caring for the needy. He had compassion on people in their trials and He would heal them. When they were hungry, He would feed them.
Has the church considered doing that, especially during this global pandemic?
Prayers are being offered all over and a breakthrough over this pandemic is certain.
However, what is your church doing now to minister to the less privileged, even those within the church? Have you resorted to reaching out to the less privileged during this lockdown?
Where is the church?
Apostle Paul taught us about generosity. This is demonstrated in Acts 4:32-37. During the persecution of the church in Jerusalem, possessions were sold and the money was brought and laid at the apostle’s feet, and every men received a portion.
That model can still be used today during and after this global pandemic.
If implemented by the church today, this becomes the evangelistic model.
James asked what good it is to have faith without works. The Salvation Army founder William Booth also said, “Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” He was known for demonstrating his faith by giving to both believers and non-believers.
However, Apostle Joe Daniels (Chanza), founder of Gateway Church, argued that the church is not a profit making organis0ation, and therefore it is unable to assist non-believers at this juncture, especially given that “they don’t give anything to the house of the Lord”.
On the other hand, Madzibaba Andby, founder of Johane the 5th of Africa and Ruvheneko Rwenyenyedzi Trust, has defined the purpose of the church by donating food stuff to Mutare Remand Prison and some elderly people.
Rev James Madi, a pastor in the Evangelical Church of Zimbabwe said, “During times like these, the church must share with the needy to show the compassionate love of Christ. Above all, this is an opportunity to minister the gospel.”
In liberal theology, this can be regarded as “social gospel”.
May the church rise up in solidarity, meeting the social needs of the community, in such a time as this.
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