adminArron Nyamayaro
PASTORS have been challenged to maintain integrity and uprightness in order to remain relevant in society.
The call was made by Apostle Stephen Mangwanya of New United Apostolic Church at a leadership seminar held in Chitungwiza over the weekend.
“When gold rusts, what will the iron do? Our society has faced a serious challenge where the youth are abusing drugs and substances daily ruining their lives while pastors are just waiting to preach.
“It is the responsibility of pastors to find time to counsel the youth daily. Marriages are at stake daily while pastors wait to minister to couples at church.
“We are here to sharpen each other to fight this scourge that has ruined our society and killed talented and gifted people that could help build our nation.
“It is disheartening to note that a number of church leaders are guarding secret sins and that is a big problem crippling a number of ministers from discharging their duties.
“Communities no longer seek help from pastors because the clergy are also in a quagmire of ignorance and keeping secret sins,” said Apostle Mangwanya.
He noted with concern the number of church leaders being caught with married women, as well as raping those consulting them.
“Integrity is all that society expects from church elders. Every pastor needs someone to oversee his or her pastoral duties since their duties involve dealing with people living in sin.
“Ukaona urimufundisi asirikubatsira vanhu munharaunda yaugere zvinoreva kuti urikurarama muzvivi zvinozivikanwa nevanhu varimunharaunda yaugere.
“There are three major challenges that can make anyone fail to discharge their duties. The love of money, love of women and pride will lead to your downfall.
“It takes more grace for one to discover that he or she has pride. A number of pastors fell from grace because of the love of women as well as the love of money.
“We cannot serve God and at the same time serve desires of the flesh because that becomes idol worship.
“When you compromise your duties, seek guidance from church elders because if you continue discharging your duties while living in sin, it affects you, your family and the community at large,” said Apostle Mangwanya.
He challenged young pastors enrolling at Bible Colleges not to do so to start their own ministries for the love of money.
Among the seminar facilitators were yesteryear gospel musician, Samuel Munyai, popularly known as Brother Sam of the Mukadzi Akanaka song released in 1995.
Online Reporter