Sundaymail Editor
FRIENDS and workmates last week burst into fits of laughter when they found me studiously reading the Bible and a commentary to get a deeper understanding of scripture.
It got even worse when I told them that I intended to enrol for a pastoral course.
But can anyone blame me?
Who in this world does not want to don swanky apparel, shiny pointed shoes and drive top-of-the-range vehicles?
Who in these challenging times would not want to live freely when worshippers can pay for your food, DStv and send your children to school?
Who under the sun does not want to command so much respect that they can dictate to members of their flock what to eat and what not to eat; whom to marry and whom not to?
Unlike yesteryear pastors and religious leaders who were unmistakable for putting on inexpensive sun-baked outfits and strong rubber-soled shoes to cope with long distances they covered while preaching the gospel of hope to strangers in remote areas, today’s pastors have a lot of clout.
Today’s pastor is like a deity who dictates what needs to be done and his words are swallowed hook, line and sinker by gullible followers seeking grace and riches.
It is, however, sad that some pastors abuse the trust bestowed upon them by parishioners and bed their wives, daughters and relatives.
Some men of the cloth steal from members of their flock.
This is not always the case, but rogue pastors do exist.
Pastors are leaders in religious organisations who are charged with helping to shape the vision, direction and messaging for their congregations.
A pastor’s duty includes providing religious, moral and emotional support for congregants.
A pastor is also charged with being the public face of their church.
But, a lot of pastors are having it easy at a time when their worshippers are wallowing in poverty and unsure of where to get their next meal.
Called “Papa”, “Prophet”, “Muranda Washe”, “Samukuru”, “Baba vezvemweya”, “Mutumwa”, “Changamire”, “Mufundisi” or “Men of the cloth”, pastors are enjoying a place in the sun in most communities.
Some literally fall over each other to have romantic liaisons with the pastor in order to get a share of benefits that come with the office.
All they do is arm themselves with scriptures, deliver messages of hope and appear to be able to cast away demons and people will fall over themselves to join their churches.
As I commit pen to paper gentle reader, Bible colleges and seminaries are so full of people aspiring to be ordained pastors because of the rich pickings that come with the office.
Did you know that some pastors are so loaded that they can afford to pay for anything under the sun because there are congregants willing to pay whatever they can to carry favour with them?
Pastors charge a lot of money to baptise people, solemnise weddings, officiate at engagement parties, conduct burial rites and even preside over baby-christening ceremonies. They also work hand-in-glove with some loudmouths whom they pay large sums to lure customers.
Being a pastor is big business.
“People long ago looked down upon pastors, but the tide has changed. The blokes make a lot of money by charging for their services.
“If there is a funeral, people must put money together to ensure the man of the cloth has money for fuel.
“He also has to get an appearance fee and cash or even a new suit so that he looks presentable,” one Richard Musembura of Mabvuku told this writer.
He said being a pastor was a pathway to riches and the moment something good or bad happens to a parishioner, it means a lot of money for them. And Musembura is not the only one who holds this view.
Mrs Jacqueline Sandumo of Mbare said she too was enjoying life through connecting a streetwise pastor with people seeking his services.
“Being a pastor is akin to owning a diamond mine. Money flies in from all corners. Some people do not go to church and when they intend to wed, they have no choice but to hire a pastor to solemnise the marriage.
“Some married men wishing to secretly wed their lovers also consult our streetwise pastors so that the deal is done pronto. There is money in pastoral work. It is like a low-hanging fruit,” she said.
Gentle reader, being a pastor comes with so many privileges.
One is treated like a king the moment someone realises they are a pastor.
In some homes, there are special plates that are not often used, but whenever a pastor visits, he or she is served princely meals in those plates.
The same applies to the royal treatment pastors are accorded by worshippers who invite them to their homes for sleepovers.
If there is a profession that catapults one to instant riches, then being a pastor is one such.
Inotambika mughetto.
Online Reporter