09 Apr FROM EK TO GK – THE PASSING OF THE TORCH
Story and pictures by Ranganai Tinashe Dzotizei
Pictures by Munya Matura and Tonderai Bonyongwa
The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe witnessed the culmination of a new era as the outgoing leader Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa officially handed over the leadership reigns to the new leader Bishop Gift Machinga at an event held at Chisipiti United Methodist Church
The event, known as the “Passing of the Gavel”, is the symbolic act of a leader or chair transmitting authority and responsibility to a successor, signifying a transition of leadership in the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Nhiwatiwa has led the church for the past 20 years.
Bishop Nhiwatiwa paid tribute to his predecessors, taking the church down memory lane chronicling the stories of the Bishops who have led this church in its 128-year history.
He urged the church to support Bishop Machinga as he takes the church forward and had some words of advice to his successor.
“God has given him the opportunity to lead the church. His is to accept knowing that God will not leave him at all,”
In his acceptance speech, Bishop Machinga outlined his immediate vision as he assumes the responsibility of leading the church, urging United Methodists not to lose sight of the main mission of the church to make disciples.
“Let’s remain united in the United Methodist Church and enjoy being part of it. Through our programs, our goal should ensure that we remain relevant in all spheres. The church is indeed alive. It is our collective responsibility to take it forward to another level”
Joyous scenes punctuated proceedings with award winning conference music champions Cranborne MUMC Choir, legendary music ensemble Harare MUMC Choir Vabvuwi and UMC Harare West District MUMC Choir setting the tone with great music.
Bishop Machinga makes history as he becomes the FOURTH black African Bishop for the Zimbabwean Episcopacy, following in the footsteps of the late Bishop Abel Tendekai Muzorewa, the late Bishop Christopher Jokomo and Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa.
The 61-year-old, who was elected at the 14th session of the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa a fortnight ago, will be leading the Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi Botswana Episcopal Area as it will now be known following the division of the Africa Central Conference into sections creating the new Southern Africa Central Conference which Zimbabwe will now fall under alongside Mozambique, Angola East, Angola West and Malawi.
A renowned prospective professional soccer player in his youth, Bishop Machinga chose to follow his spiritual calling, beginning his ministry journey in 1982.
He brings over 42 years of dedicated pastoral ministry, having answered his call to serve at the age of 18.
He was ordained as a deacon in 1984 at Mutambara United Methodist Centre and as an Elder in 1986 at Old Mutare United Methodist Centre.
Bishop Machinga earned a Diploma in Theology from Zimbabwe in 1986 and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Claremont School of Theology in 2004, as well as a Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education in 2008.
PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS
In a distinguished pastoral career, Bishop Machinga has served in the following circuits (churches)
- Harare-St. Paul (ZAC): Assistant Pastor (1982)
- Zimunya South Circuit, Munyarari (ZAC): Pastor-in-Charge (1987)
- Chiredzi, Chambuta & Zaka Circuits (ZAC): Pastor-in-Charge (1988)
- St. Peters Innercity UMC (ZAC): Pastor-in-Charge (1989–1996)
- Washington First UMC (Illinois, USA): International Pastor Exchange (1991)
- Interim District Superintendent (1991): Mutare District (ZEAC)
- District Superintendent (1997–2002): Mutare District (ZEAC)
- Twenty-Nine Palms UMC (USA): Student Pastor-in-Charge (2003)
- Westmont Pomona UMC (USA): Student Pastor-in-Charge (2004)
- St. Mark (Highfields, ZWAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2006–2007) and Adjunct Lecturer at United Theological College
- King David UMC (Mutare, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2008–2012)
- Hilltop UMC (Mutare, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2013–2014) and additional responsibilities in 2009
- Cranborne UMC (Harare, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2015–2022)
- Zimre Park UMC (Zimre, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2023-2025)
He has served in various capacities within the church in both Zimbabwe East and West Annual Conferences.
In the then Zimbabwe Annual Conference, Machinga served as Missions Chairperson, Registrar for the Board on Ordained Ministry, Vice Chairperson for Board of Trustees, Member on Council on Finance and Administration and Committee on Episcopacy respectively.
He served as Connectional Ministries Chairperson in the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference (ZWAC) before transitioning to the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference (ZEAC)
In ZEAC, Bishop Machinga was Chairperson for Board on Ordained Ministry, Board of Discipleship and Bishop Ralph Dodge Scholarship Fund respectively and at the time of his new role was the conference secretary.
In the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area, he has served as the Publishing Team Coordinator.
Within the ecumenical spheres, Machinga has been the church’s representative to the Christian Care Ecumenical Organization, chairperson of the United Theological College Council and Church Community Police Network respectively as well as an Advocate for ecumenism to foster unity across Christian denominations.
Within the general church, he has been a board Member for Africa Upper Room Ministries, supervisor for publishing teams under The General Board of Discipleship, standing Committee Member on Central Conference Matters and a Head Delegate for ZEAC to the General and Central Conferences.
Bishop Machinga is a distinguished author who has authored the following books, Being United Methodists for 100 years (1997), Time Is Now: Preparing Candidates for Baptism and Confirmation in the United Methodist Church (2011), The Christian Year (Liturgical calendar) in 2011 and A Guide to Candidates for Baptism & Confirmation, 2012 (Coordinator & Contributor)
A champion of community engagement, Bishop Machinga has sat on various boards as Advisory Board Member & Treasurer for Prison & Correctional Services-Manicaland, Region Vice Chairperson for Rukariro Rehabilitation Centre for physically handicapped, Advisory Board Member at Mary Mount Teachers College and Mutare Teachers College Justice respectively.
He also was the Peace & Advocacy Area Chairman for the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and Manicaland Church Community Police Network Chairperson.
Bishop Machinga is married to Dr Mazvita Machinga and are blessed with two daughters, Rujeko and Sussana and a son in law Akinola Asaolu.
Bishop Machinga’s four year term of office officially starts on April 1 2025.
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