Time to revisit church’s mission

THE gunfight that claimed the lives of five congregants at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) is unfortunate as it brings the entire Christian church into disrepute.

With the country under the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic and the gender-based violence scourge, church violence could not have made an appearance at a worse time. With the church expected to provide spiritual succour during times of distress, this incident will add to the mood of agitation in the country.

Reports point to factional rivalries over the control of the IPHC by the grandsons of the founder, the Reverend Frederick Samuel Modise. The church has been beset with violent confrontation since the death of the founder’s son, Glayton Modise, triggering succession battles by his three sons. With the IPHC boasting more than 3 million members and being one of the wealthiest churches in the country, it is clear that money played a key role in the sibling rivalry.

The issue of money has recently become a contentious point with the mushrooming of churches started by flamboyant pastors not scared to flaunt their wealth. Members at these churches are urged to contribute by way of tithing or other monetary pledges, with promises of abundance. This money is not used for philanthropic projects. Much as churches need money to function, salvation is not about money.

The church has to recapture its relevance in the light of the current challenges. Making money should never be the main preoccupation.

The church should function as a place of worship marked by sermons directed at real-life issues, a place where spiritual disciplines are imparted. Most importantly, it should offer practical services to the community, such as soup kitchen projects.

The time has come for the Christian church to embark on a process of introspection to revisit its earthly mission.

As for the perpetrators of the attack, they must face the full might of the law. Violence has no place in the church and violates the Christian code of love.

NATHANIEL LEE | Johannesburg