Prophetic preaching in the socio-economic and socio-political crisis of Zimbabwe

Abstract

In Zimbabwe, there are different preachers who have great names, but when it comes to prophetic preaching they lag behind as compared to South Africa, which has great preachers in prophetic preaching like Desmond Tutu. In this era, however, we are challenged with a situation of socio-economic and socio-political crisis: the enormous poverty among approximately 95% of the population. This article discusses the circumstances for prophetic preaching in the contemporary context of Zimbabwe, which are a clear understanding of the poverty position and cohesion of the church with the poor, a good understanding of the image of prophetic preaching as a specific type of preaching that encompasses the four elements of preaching: the preacher, as well as the congregation (hearers), the sermon and the Holy Spirit for prophetic preaching.Interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary implications: This article discusses the circumstances for prophetic preaching in the context of Zimbabwe, which are a clear understanding of the poverty position and cohesion of the church with the poor. In our analysis of prophetic preaching in Zimbabwe, the emphasis is put on prophecy, healing, deliverance and prosperity. This article argues that prophetic preaching is approaching the biblical text with a view to interpret it as preaching in a context of poverty. It should be done from the perspective of the poor, therefore in terms of their need for justice and righteousness.

Spiritual Fathering in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in Southern and Western Africa: Toward an Inclusive Model

“…TB Joshua passed on June 7, 2021, and many of his spiritual sons were shocked by this event as they still looked up to him for fathering (Oduor 2021). Similarly, Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe has Prophet Robert Kayanja from Uganda as his spiritual father (Fenga 2018). Chitando, Gunda, and Kügler (2013) confirm that most of these prophets in Zimbabwe have spiritual fathers from western African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.…”

“…Also, in Zimbabwe, Emmanuel Makandiwa had a spiritual father, Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng from Ghana (Fenga 2018). Walter Magaya of PHD Ministries asserts that Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as TB Joshua, is his spiritual father from Nigeria.…”

“…Scholars acknowledge that in many Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity domains across western and southern Africa, the pastor of a congregation is not only the shepherd but also perceived as the spiritual father of that congregation (Ukah 2003;Chitando, Gunda, and Kügler 2013;Dube 2018;Fenga 2018;Ramantswana 2018;Pondani 2019;Ojo 2020). According to Fenga (2018, 150), spiritual fathering is a "well-known and widely used aphorism in neo-Pentecostal Christianity in Zimbabwe."…”

“…Zimbabwean-born Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa calls Ghanaian Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng his spiritual father (Chitando, Gunda, and Kügler 2013). Fenga (2018) continues to note that these titles are used to perpetuate the influence of spiritual fathering in the Pentecostal movement. This is further enhanced by citing biblical examples such as Elijah fathering Elisha in the Old Testament, and Paul fathering Titus, Timothy, and Onesimus in the New Testament (Fenga 2018).…”

“…Fenga (2018) continues to note that these titles are used to perpetuate the influence of spiritual fathering in the Pentecostal movement. This is further enhanced by citing biblical examples such as Elijah fathering Elisha in the Old Testament, and Paul fathering Titus, Timothy, and Onesimus in the New Testament (Fenga 2018). Thompson (2019, 8) concurs that:…”