University Homepage

Local pastor receives two treated mosquito nets from a member of the
Baltimore Washington Conference delegation as part of the UMC's
"Nothing But Nets" global campaign

More than three hundred United Methodist clergy and laity gathered at the Africa University campus, from 11-15 June, for a five-day Pastors' School. The bi-annual event, jointly hosted by the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area and the Baltimore-Washington Conference in the United States, was aimed at enhancing the skills of pastors to make them more effective in their different ministries.
Facilitators were drawn from the Episcopal areas. This year's theme, "Equipping the clergy", supported activities to develop pastoral excellence. Participants focused on the Shalom concept, an Old Testament teaching, as they explored how communities can work together for the greater good of the whole society.

"Shalom looks at the various partnerships between the church and communities and is an asset-based phenomenon which builds on the strengths of the group and not the weaknesses," said Bishop John Schol, the Episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
"The pastors have been very responsive, engaged and grappling with material issues," said Bishop Schol. "We hope that when they get back to their parishes, they will continue with the work that they have started here."
Reverend George Magamba of the Bulawayo- Midlands district, an Africa University alumnus, described the Pastors' School as an eye-opener. "Sometimes you feel like there is nothing more to learn, but I have discovered here that learning is a continuous process," said Rev. Magamba." The seminar was thought provoking and a time to meet and interact with other colleagues. It was also a reminder to me, that even as we continue to work in different circuits, we remain one body in Christ."

Reverend Togara Bobo, a Chaplain at the Mutambara Mission, said he found the issues discussed were very relevant to his work. "The content had a lot to do with practical ministry and the challenges faced by the local pastors," said Rev. Bobo.
"Previously, the elders used to speak on behalf of the local pastors, but this school has democratized the space and allowed every individual to express their views freely and openly."

Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area described this year's Pastorsí School as "unique success... It was highly organized and the presenters were well prepared and ready for the work at hand, what a joy! The responses and the feedback from the pastors' school will ultimately set an agenda for the church to discuss at a higher level." The Pastors' School is held every two years as part of an ongoing partnership between the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area and the Baltimore-Washington Conference. This year's event drew participants from across Zimbabwe and from Malawi. It was the fourth of its kind.

More than 50 United Methodist pastors underwent voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS at the just-ended Pastors School, which took place at the Africa University campus in Mutare.
"Pastors need to take an active role in voluntary counseling and testing, as they are the main opinion leaders in their given parishes," said Elizabeth Brisbane, a pastor from the Baltimore- Washington area who attended the school. "As HIV/AIDS continues to ravage nations, it is essential that we preach the message of healing, wholeness and
completeness in spite of physical suffering and physical death," said Brisbane. Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa of the Zimbabwe Area also noted that in order to remain relevant, the church in Zimbabwe must respond to the shifting demands of society.