About

About Zion Christian Church

Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is one of the oldest independent African churches in Zimbabwe.

It was established when Reverend Samuel Mutendi received spiritual baptism in 1913. Rev. Samuel Mutendi (1880 – 1976) was born and grew up in the province of Fort Victoria (now Masvingo) when the country was still Southern Rhodesia under British colonial rule. Samuel Mutendi was visited by the Holy Spirit in 1913 whilst working as a policeman for the British South African Police (BSAP) in what was then called Hartley (now Chegutu).

His selfless dedication to Christian mission, his powerful preaching of the Word of God amongst the African people and his amazing gift of spiritual healing have been chronicled since colonial Rhodesia. After 63 years of Christian ministry preaching around the country Samuel Mutendi died in 1976 and his eventful end and promotion to glory has been the subject of dialogue and testimony for the past four decades.

His son Nehemiah Mutendi (born 1939) was consecrated as Bishop in 1978 and has led this dynamic church for the past 46 years.

He carries on the mission of his late father and at the helm has overseen the rapid growth of the church in urban centers of the country, and infused it with a global vision as seen in the establishment of parishes in neighboring countries and many other countries around the world [link to Contact page for all parishes here]. With its foundation rooted in the infallible Word of God and the primacy of biblical law, as manifested in the exemplary life of Jesus Christ, ZCC continues to set the standard for excellence in African Christian ministry. This is seen in the mark made in the lives of thousands of once hopeless individuals and families who were ensnared by illness, poverty and ignorance but have received a new lease of life through the church.

Our Team

Reverend Samuel Mutendi

Our Founder

2 Timothy 4
“7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Nehemiah Mutendi

Founder's Son

His son Nehemiah Mutendi (born 1939) was consecrated as Bishop in 1978 and has led this dynamic church for the past 46 years.

Our Church’s History

1913

The late Reverend Samuel Mutendi (born 1880) is baptised by the Holy Spirit at Chegutu/Hartley whilst serving as a policeman. In the same year is dismissed for his numerous Pentecostal seizures where he would speak in tongues. Goes back to his home area of Bikita where he stays at Mubveve Mission Station.

1923

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit Samuel Mutendi journeys to South Africa and receives water baptism from the Zion Apostolic Faith Mission (ZAFM) in Pretoria led by Rev. Mahlangu in which members spoke in tongues.
Samuel Mutendi returns to Southern Rhodesia/Zimbabwe as a ZAFM missionary and commissioned Reverend begins to preach the word of God baptising people and performing many faith miracles.

1924

Goes back to South Africa at the invitation of his friend Enginas Lekganyane where they form the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and submit registration papers in the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

1924-1932

Rev. Mutendi preaches across Southern Rhodesia in his mission of fighting sickness and poverty . He uses his Holy Staff (maphumhangozi) and holy water (machipisa uroyi) to cast out evil spirits. Many are converted as he establishes his reputation as a faith healer, rainmaker, wise counsellor and bold man of God.
He and his converts endure persecution from local chiefs as well as from white missionaries who believe only they can preach and baptise people not an African missionary.

1932-1976

Despite these odds Rev. Mutendi manages to spread the word of God across the country. During this period he manages to set up six schools in Masvingo, some which are banned and destroyed by colonial administrators.

1948

Enginas Lekganyane dies and, with increased control of cross-border movement by the South Africa government, contact with South Africa is lost.

1967

Due to his increased popularity the colonial powers finally move Rev. Samuel Mutendi and his followers to tsetse infested Gokwe (Marimasimbe) where he continues his mission and begins to develop the area by building schools as well as converting people.

1972

The colonial powers further relocate him to Defe Dopota (Gokwe) at the fringes of Chirisa Game Park.

1976

Rev. Samuel Mutendi passes on (20 July) and God reveals his Glory by showing his portrait on a Star in the night sky (Nyeredzi yaSamere) on 23 July 1976. The incident is witnessed countrywide by both church members and non-members. MaZion each year commemorate the passing on of their founding father at Defe Dopota, an event known as 20 July/Zuva RaSamere .

1978

Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi (born 1939) is ordained and continues with the church's founding principles of fighting sickness and poverty.

1981

Z.C.C. purchases Mbungo Estates in Masvingo, its current administrative headquarters.

1981-2004

Z.C.C. builds 11 schools countrywide. To date the schools have produced over 5000 graduates.

2006-2011

The construction of the House of God at Mbungo.

2011

Bishop Dr. Nehemiah Mutendi is awarded an honorary doctorate degree [Dr. Litt] by the University of Zimbabwe in recognition of the church contribution to education and social empowerment.

2012

Bishop Dr. Nehemiah embarks on a journey to Israel (The Holy Land) with 56 church members. This is now an annual event.

2013

ZCC celebrates its Centenary and commissions a Second Century of Christian work.

MILESTONES

Rev. Samuel Mutendi had a passion for education and the Church has had a long history of developing the communities in which it is based. When he left the police force in 1913 he went back to Bikita where he became teacher assistant at Gumunyu Primary School, joining the early cohort of African educators. From as early as 1932 he was building his own schools despite restrictions by colonial authorities. This spirit continues to guide the church with key construction and farming projects earmarked. Some of the key milestones have included:

1932

6 schools were built in Bikita, Gutu and Zaka.

1958

Mutarara Church and Office

1965

Mutarara Primary School

1967

Mutendi Primary School (Maramasimbe)

1973

Mutendi Primary School (Defe)

1983

Mutendi Primary School (Mbungo)

1984

Mutendi High School (Mbungo)

1988

Dzidzai Adult Literacy program launched

1988

Hebron High School (Mwenezi)

1994

Dopota Primary

2000

Defe Secondary School

2001

Mutevhure Secondary School

2003

Fombo Secondary School

2004

Mutarara Primary School

2004

Gweru Church

2011

Mbungo House of God

2011

Mbungo Guest Lodge and Administration block

2011

Rehabilitation of the Defe feeder road (23 km)

2012

Mbungo Pavilion

2013

Defe Pavilion

2013

Electrification of Defe (23 km ZESA Powerline)

2013

Belvedere Administration block