Bishop Gregory Eason Calls Churches to Embrace Technology for Spreading the Gospel.
At the 45th South West Zimbabwe Annual Conference held in November 2024, Bishop Gregory Eason of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church’s 20th Episcopal District passionately appealed for churches to embrace modern technology as a tool for evangelism.
Speaking to hundreds of gathered members at Young’s Chapel in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Bishop Eason emphasized the church’s need to reach wider audiences, especially younger generations, by leveraging digital platforms.
“We must use today’s technology to reach people wherever they are,” he said. “By livestreaming our services, we make it possible for someone in America or any distant place to worship with us. Young people need to lead this digital charge in partnership with church leaders.”
A Historic Gathering in a Historic Church
The annual conference was held at Young’s Chapel, the first AME Church in Central and Southern Africa, built in 1928. Nearly a century later, the building still stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness, bearing the inscription from 1 Samuel 7:12: “Ebenezer, Kude Kwalapa u Thixo Unathi” / “Hitherto the Lord Hath Been with Us.”
The event brought together delegates from Bulawayo and the broader Matabeleland regions, East, North, and South, for a spiritually enriching week that began on Wednesday and concluded today.
Taking the Gospel Global
Bishop Eason commended the Matabeleland East District for their active presence on Facebook and praised efforts already underway to stream services online. In fact, the closing service of the conference, streamed live by District Secretary Sister Doris Ncube, reached viewers worldwide.
These digital efforts, Bishop Eason said, are not just additions but essential parts of the church’s mission today. He encouraged churches to expand their online presence and equip young people to take the lead in navigating the digital space for ministry.
A Holistic Approach to Ministry
Bishop Eason’s message extended beyond technology. He also highlighted the church’s responsibility in promoting education, health, and economic empowerment.
“Education is a foundation for a better future, and I urge our young people to take their studies seriously,” he shared. “At the same time, we must remain vigilant about health, especially as new infectious diseases emerge. The church must keep its members informed and protected.”
Celebrating New Leadership
A highlight of the conference was the ordination of two new pastors. Rev. Precious Ncube was ordained as an Itinerant Elder, marking the completion of a rigorous five-year pastoral process. Rev. Tariq Khalima was ordained as an Itinerant Deacon, taking the first step in his journey as a church leader in the AME tradition.
Rev. Eustice Bekithemba Ginya, Presiding Elder of the Matabeleland East District and president of the Presiding Elders and Pastors in Zimbabwe, reflected on the spiritual significance of the gathering:
“We are here only by God’s grace. Some who were with us at last year’s conference have since gone to rest or are unwell. We thank God for bringing us together again, and for the guidance of Bishop Eason as we move forward in faith.”
Honoring the Hosts and Heritage
Special recognition was given to Rev. Ethel Moyo and her congregation at Young’s Chapel for organizing the conference excellently and the improvements made to the church facilities. As the “mother church” of the AME presence in Central and Southern Africa, Young’s Chapel continues to serve as a powerful symbol of legacy and mission.
A Vision for the Future
The AME Church’s 20th Episcopal District, which includes Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of Mozambique, is poised for a future that embraces tradition and innovation. With its global headquarters in the United States, the AME Church remains committed to empowering its communities worldwide through faith, technology, and holistic ministry.
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