Bishop Gift Machinga Takes Over as UMC Zimbabwe’s New Leader

Bishop Gift Machinga Takes Over as UMC Zimbabwe’s New Leader – The United Methodist Church (UMC) in Zimbabwe has ushered in a new era of leadership, as Bishop Dr. Gift Machinga officially took over from Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa in a symbolic ceremony held in Harare on Sunday.

The event, attended by congregants and church leaders, marked a significant transition for the church. In his farewell speech, outgoing Bishop Nhiwatiwa emphasized the spiritual importance of the leadership handover.

“The church works with symbols; we have the symbol of the cross for attainment. What we have done today is a transfer of authority and leadership. He is now becoming the shepherd, the good shepherd,” he said.

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Bishop Machinga, reflecting on the momentous occasion, encouraged Zimbabweans to embrace peace and unity.

“This is a momentous occasion for me and the Christian faith in Zimbabwe. My message to Zimbabweans is that of peace—Jesus came preaching peace. Let us live peacefully with our neighbors and everyone,” he stated.

Prominent church member Dr. John Mangudya expressed joy over the transition, praising the foundation left by Bishop Nhiwatiwa.

“Today is a special day for the United Methodist Church. With the transition of Bishop Nhiwatiwa and Bishop Machinga, we are so happy. Bishop Nhiwatiwa left a strong foundation, which Bishop Machinga will build on to transform the UMC to greater heights,” he said in an interview with ZBC.

The inauguration marks a new chapter for the UMC in Zimbabwe, with high expectations for continued growth and spiritual leadership under Bishop Machinga.