By Tapiwa Dzuda, Harare
The Visiting New Jersey Annual(Regional) Conference in the United States of America, Bishop, John Schol, accompanied by his daughter Christine, recently led a one day workshop on ‘Vital Congregations’ at Chisipite UMC.
The workshop was attended by pastors and cabinet members of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area and was an initiative set
to equip spiritual leaders to make disciples and grow vital congregations that transform the world.
Bishop Schol elaborated on the need for the engagement of disciples in small groups and the number of ministries for children and youth as one of the four important areas to implement what he called drivers for growth. This was a call to action and regardless the size of any congregation, its location, or ethnicity, by having more programs for children and youths congregations can be revived to be more vital.
“You don’t need to be sick to get better” said the Bishop, “children bring life and are happy when they participate or hear those of their own age in worship, thus, they need attention and care as a principle to their ministry” he added.
He said involving children and youths in the life of the church brings energy, life and enthusiasm that create a sense of urgency for ministry.
Increasing vitality occurs when adults experience the vitality of young people and intentionally pass on a vibrant relationship with Christ to children and young people.
There are children in every community across the country gathering at community centres, parks, soccer games and attending area schools. Churches can go to the children in these places and provide ministry and share God’s love and grace.
Bishop Schol also presented Metrics to Grow and Evaluate vitality as a tool for effective planning of activities and programs useful for vitality. He said children and youth should be more involved in church through leading liturgy once or twice a month, doing bible reading, ushering, greeting worshipers in addition to singing in the choirs. This he said increases spiritual vitality and gives the young people opportunities to practice the faith.
The District Superintendent Rev. Tsitsi Madziyire reiterated that the activities for the children and youths across the District including revivals, talent shows and cultural exchange programs are helpful in developing faith giants within the church.
Bishop Schol urged present to start small and grow, saying that possibilities are endless as seen in many congregations where children and youths are invited to be actively engaged in worship leadership and service. This he said would have an immediate impact for the young people and children in the congregation as they soon recognize their value as a part of the community of faith.
Bishop Schol challenged all leaders, both clergy and laity, to work on the vitality of their congregations, building on what they are already doing and identifying disciples who are skilled in developing the ministry of youth and children with love.
Reference:
Implementing the 16 Drivers of Vital Congregations; John Schol, Bishop.
Using Metrics and Vitality Drivers to Grow Vital Congregations; John Schol, Bishop