By Takudzwa Masiko
In his 230th online sermon since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Bishop Mutendi told church leaders, whom he referred to as shepherds, to keep God’s people in greener pastures and to bring backsliders back home.
The Man of God challenged leaders in the church to be dealers in hope, who instill faith and courage in God’s flocks.
He said this while reading Ezekiel 34: 4, which says, “You have not made the diseased ones strong or made well that which was ill, you have not put bands on the broken or got back that which had been sent away or made search for the wandering ones, and the strong you have been ruling cruelly.”
He added, “We are going through tough times characterised by the Covid-19 pandemic and as a church we need leaders who are dedicated and committed to shepherding God’s people as well as ensuring their safety.”
Bishop Mutendi explained that it is a norm in some cultures that when a hen breaks its leg no one is interested in finding what happened, or in healing it, but in simply slaughtering it.
“Could it be the same thing happening in the church today, that if one backslides, the shepherds comfortably move on as if nothing has happened,” he asked rhetorically, urging the body of the ordained in the church to develop a strong relationship with church members in their parishes.
He pointed out that some leaders in the church are not committed enough to God’s duties, to such an extent that they leave God’s people astray when they were anointment to look after their spiritual well-being.
“Feed God’s people with his word by encouraging them to listen to all church sermons.
“That is the best way of making the diseased strong, comforting the oppressed, as well as encouraging backsliders to come back home,” he continued.
He concluded by urging church members not to panic even if experiencing economic hardship and an epidemic, because the Lord of Zion is still in control, and they remain under his wings.