Glitzy banners, posters all over town

I would like to ask a question: Has much of the church in Zimbabwe commercialised Christianity? Of late Harare has seen a deluge of visiting and local pastors, prophets, teachers and all manner of church leaders with big titles to their names. I see glitzy banners and posters all over town, on billboards, attached to trees and carried on motor cars. The star attractions seem to be men and women and gospel choirs.

One recent gathering brought in a guest speaker and announced the words in their flyers or adverts, ‘Anointed for Business: Nation Transformation.’ The conference cost $50 and $75 for a day registration. You could also book a special dinner with the guest speaker for $25 at the Meikles Hotel.

We were told that these conferences would equip leaders in every way for effective and transformational impact on the world around them. Funny! I thought that only the Holy Spirit of the living God could bring transformation – through broken and contrite hearts and complete submission to God through Christ Jesus. I am in business and the Word of God has never told me that I am ‘anointed for business’. As far as I can see the unction, the anointing of the spirit of God is largely missing today and I wonder why?

And then there is the ‘Catch the Fire’ Conference at the National Sports Stadium with a provision for VIP registration. Again a well know visiting pastor is the draw card. We have huge billboards with pictures of praising “Christians,’ hands lifted up and inviting people to come to the ICC as we celebrate the launch of special banking halls. What or who are we worshipping here? Could it be the altar of mammon?

To top it off we have another popular pastor, known as the founder of the Toronto Blessing or laughing phenomenon, on his way to Zimbabwe. All of these events cost a great deal of money and seem to elevate man.

I was involved in all of these ‘goings on’ in the church for years. Some are side issues and some are simply false gospels. The gospel begins with the righteousness of God. Does not much of the teaching today appeal to the common lusts of humanity? I think it does! C.T Stud said that only what is done for Christ will last. He is right.

What will history say about the gospel when it came to Africa? Our hearts’ cry is that by a mighty working of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God we will come back to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.