Online Reporter
Online Reporter
MORE than 200 pastors from different denominations last week agreed to take the call for the 18th “Call to Worship” anniversary into their congregations in a strong show of interdenominational unity to mobilise believers for the worship night slated for October 3 in Harare.
The church leaders made the commitment during a breakfast meeting in Harare on Thursday, where pastors from across the capital gathered for the anniversary celebrations and to discuss ways to mobilise their congregants to participate in the worship gathering.
The pastors pledged to spread the message through their respective churches, creating a broad-based mobilisation around a shared expression of worship to God Almighty.
Archbishop Gurupira of Faith in God Ministries said the initiative had a significant role to play in promoting unity within the Church.
“The Bible says ‘how good and beautiful it is for brethren to dwell together in unity’, and Call to Worship has been given a mandate to unite the Church of Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Gurupira said.
“The call is crucial for this nation right now. As preachers, we are coming behind, but the mandate right now is on worshippers, praise and worship.”
Drawing from the biblical account of Jehoshaphat, Archbishop Gurupira said worshippers could take the lead in a collective expression of faith.
“God told Jehoshaphat that they were not fighting the war themselves and instructed them to put the musicians in front,” he said. “So, as preachers, we are coming behind. The mandate right now is on worshippers.”
Bishop Guide Makore of Christian Marching Church, a founding member of Call to Worship 18 years ago, said the anniversary represented an opportunity for Zimbabweans from all walks of life to come together in worship.
“From the street kids to State House, from churches to corporates, let’s come and worship God together,” Bishop Makore said.
“We are grateful to God for His faithfulness. Had it not been the Lord who has been on our side all these year… we would not be here. Bring your friend, your neighbour, your family — bring everybody to worship the Lord.”
Bishop Makore said the gathering would transcend denominational boundaries, with Christians from different church traditions invited to worship together.
“Choirs from Pentecostal, Evangelical, Catholic, mainline, Zionist and Apostolic churches — everybody should come and worship the Lord,” he said. “Worship is all, for the glory of God alone.”
David Broom of Renewal Ministries said the gathering would provide Christians with an opportunity to demonstrate unity and collectively exalt the name of Jesus.
“The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity,” Broom said. “When we come together, God commands a blessing when we join together in unity. We are going to exalt the name of Jesus over the land of Zimbabwe.”
Pastor Glenda Lurie, speaking on behalf of Call to Worship, said the 18th anniversary was expected to be a special occasion for worshippers.
“We have a beautiful event planned, and you need to be there,” Lurie said. “This is the 18th anniversary, and we believe God has something special for us.”
Pastor Charis Dhliwayo of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe also urged Christians to participate in the gathering.
For Call to Worship Global, the pastors’ breakfast marks an important stage in preparations for the anniversary, as themobilisation effort shifts to churches and congregations across Harare.
The Night of Worship will mark 18 years of Call to Worship Global’s ministry – which was founded by Pastors Philip and Charlotte Pike – with Christians from different backgrounds expected to converge at Harare Gardens for an evening ofworship and thanksgiving.
