Abstract:
There are many misconceptions about the role of the church in society. This
is because the church is neither a political institution nor a social organisation
but a mystery of grace. The church can best be defined or understood in terms
of its mission or its work. This article will explore the mission and work of the
Christian church; specifically the church in Zimbabwe. One cannot talk about
the Christian church without reflecting on Jesus Christ’s mission. The church is
the body of Christ, the true representative of the broken body of Jesus Christ.
Paradoxically, while church leaders say that they are concerned about the poor,
the downtrodden, the oppressed, they seem not to fight against harmful socioeconomic
and political structures that dehumanise many of God’s creation. The
church, as God’s compass to direct humanity for the total good of all creation,
should always advocate in favour of peace and social justice. Christian leaders
have a moral and social responsibility in their proclamation of the gospel of Jesus
Christ in an environment which is characterised by despondency, uncertainty
and fear. This paper identifies moments of prophetic resistance to social evil.
It is to be noted that such a prophetic dimension is an enduring reality of the
life of an authentic church, despite the complex (and at times compromising)
relationship between church and state. This article proposes possibilities for a
new paradigm shift in Christian ministry with a view toward a rebirth of a socially
conscious church within the established platform of Christian ministry.
