CLERGY HITS OUT AT GOSPEL OF PROSPERITY
CHURCH leaders should desist from coercing members to contribute money towards the church for their own selfish benefits.
Bishop Roger Jeffrey, leader and founder of Tabernacle of Worship Family Ministries International, said it is worrying that many leaders were now taking the Christian ministry as a business.
He was speaking on the sidelines of his graduation celebrations which were held at his church in the capital.
“The main problem with today’s church is that most of the leaders are in it for prosperity.
“To some, the church is now a business venture, something I am against as a church leader,” said Bishop Jeff.
Bishop Jeff graduated with a degree in Religious and Theology with the Zimbabwe Open University, as one of the best students, last week.
The respected church leader said instead of exploiting members, the church should empower people spiritually and economically.
“I have invited influential people from different sectors, including the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the National Aids Council to address the congregants as I celebrated this achievement.
“We want church leaders that help in eradicating poverty so as to complement the government’s efforts.
“My thrust is to ensure that pastors within my ministry have to be educated so that we don’t exploit people.
“As we preach the word of God, we have to teach people on how to empower themselves.
“We don’t want pastors, or church leaders, who just exploit the congregants.
“It’s not that giving is bad but we want church leaders who empower people.”
Bishop Jeff, who runs orphanages in Harare said he is now building a school in Mutoko.
“As a ministry, we are going to work tirelessly and we will continue to do it, we have got an orphanage in Mufakose and churches in different parts of the country.
“We also want to build a church in Mutoko, which I believe is important in complimenting the government’s efforts on having as many schools as possible in the country.”