The indefinite lockdown in Zimbabwe due to Covid-19 is
taking a toll on the church as its operations are sustained by tithes and
offerings.
Church activities almost froze when the offerings stream
dried up over the last three months.
While some churches have resumed physical services, only 50
congregants are allowed in each service and therefore church funds are still in
a tight spot.
Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring all the tithes into the
storehouse, that there may be meat in my house and prove me how herewith, says
the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you
out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Bishop John Musadziruma, founder of Pastors Support Network
(PSS), argued that tithes and offerings do not benefit God. Rather, he said
they benefit the giver. As a result, he argued that even during this difficult
period, every Christian is obligated to pay tithes and offerings faithfully.
But can pastors and bishops be considered vulnerable?
Prophet Edwin Masango, founder of Greater Joy International
Ministries, said pastors have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. He said
some pastors are not even receiving their salaries and allowances.
In 1 Corinthians 9:14 says, “Lord ordained that they which
preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
The idea here is that those who minister in spiritual
things should be financially supported by those they minister to.
But there are church members who have lost their jobs,
especially in the informal sector. They are looking forward to receiving
hand-outs from the church at a time when church coffers are running dry.
Reverend James Madi of Evangelical Church of Zimbabwe has
said church members should ensure that the church’s work goes on through
religious payments of their offerings and tithes even as they follow digital
services.
But Mr Simbarashe Mwoyowaonda, founder of the Pan-African
Institute Development Trust (PAIDT), said collecting money from suffering
Christians is equal to exploitation.
It is encouraging to note that some pastors are working on
various projects to sustain their families, instead of wholly relying on the
church. Manica Post
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