On Dec. 11-12, 2021, the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference convened online for the business portion and gathered in person at Mabelreign United Methodist Church for ordination. Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa presided.
Delegates approved several key actions:
- The conference will continue to pursue ways to maximize its real estate assets through sweat equity.
- The Agriculture Board and stakeholders will revive and increase production at United Methodist church farms.
- The Board of Ordained Ministry will communicate with the Board of Pensions secretary and principal officer on retiring pastors by September of each year.
- The Board of Ordained Ministry will notify the Board of Pensions principal officer of a member’s death within seven days.
- COVID-19 compliance and safety of clergy and staff will remain a top priority.
No churches left the conference, nor did any close due to financial issues related to the pandemic.
In other action, the conference voted:
- On the following car allowances for 2022 — rural members, $2 (U.S), and urban members, $5 (U.S); they also approved $1 (U.S) per month for COVID-19 allowances;
- To create a calendar program for orientation and training of conference delegates;
- That laity and clergy sessions of annual conference run concurrently;
- To upgrade Dindi High School to a low-cost boarding school, effective Jan. 1, 2022;
- To install solar-energy systems in parsonages and church offices;
- To transfer the Vhita Preaching Point to Goromonzi Circuit, Harare East District, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference;
- To divide Masvingo Innercity into Rujeko and Masving Innercity circuits, effective Jan. 1, 2022;
- To sell the Ascot property in Gweru and divide the proceeds between the two Gweru circuits; and
- To adopt the proposed 2022 conference budget with noted adjustments.
Clergy delegates to the 2021 General Conference include the Rev. Forbes Matonga and the Rev. Remember Masamba. Lay delegates are Shepherd Mpemba and Cuthbert Mukandiona.
Three pastors were ordained, and one was commissioned. Four clergy retired.
Membership stands at 65,775, down 1,120. Worship attendance is 14,704, down 11,450. Church school attendance decreased from 17,203 to 9,217. Professions or reaffirmations of faith increased from 66,965 to 67,872. The number of adults and young adults in small groups grew from 12,474 to 13,227. Worshippers engaged in mission increased from 12,474 to 13,227.
Chenayi Kumuterera, communicator, Zimbabwe West Annual Conference