Difference between revisions of "Brethren in Christ Church, South Africa"

From Anabaptistwiki
(Created page with '{{GoogleTranslateLinks}} {{stub}} {{Infobox |Box title = Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania |image = Image:Tz-map.gif |imagewidth = 300 |caption = Tanzania: World Factbook, 2009<ref>"T…')
 
 
(61 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{GoogleTranslateLinks}} {{stub}} {{Infobox
+
{{GoogleTranslateLinks}} {{Infobox
−
|Box title = Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania
+
|Box title   = Brethren in Christ Church, South Africa
−
|image = Image:Tz-map.gif
+
|image       = Image:Sf-map.gif
−
|imagewidth = 300
+
|imagewidth   = 300
−
|caption = Tanzania: World Factbook, 2009<ref>"Tanzania," ''CIA World Factbook''. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/small/tz-map.gif (accessed 20 September 2009).</ref>
+
|caption     = South Africa: World Factbook, 2009<ref name="cia">"South Africa," ''CIA World Factbook''. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sf.html</ref>
 
|Row 1 title = Location
 
|Row 1 title = Location
−
|Row 1 info =   Musoma, Tanzania (Bishops Council's HQ)
+
|Row 1 info = <center>South Africa</center>
−
|Row 2 title = Contact / information
+
|Row 2 title = Date Established
−
|Row 2 info = The General Secretary,
+
|Row 2 info = <center>1988</center>
−
P.O. Box 1040, Musoma, Tanzania
+
|Row 3 title = Presiding Officer
 +
|Row 3 info = <center>Frank Nkala<ref>"Africa." Africa Summary. Mennonite World Conference, 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/files/Members%202009/Africa%20Summary.doc>.</ref></center>
 +
|Row 4 title = [[Mennonite World Conference|MWC]] Affiliated?
 +
|Row 4 info = <center>Working Towards MWC</center>
 +
|Row 5 title = Number of Congregations
 +
|Row 5 info = <center>13</center>
 +
|Row 6 title = Membership
 +
|Row 6 info = <center>764</center>
 +
}}
  
−
Tel: (255) 282620143 Office, email: jumanne_magiri@yahoo.com
+
The '''Brethren in Christ Church (BIC)''' is the primary Anabaptist-related group in South Africa. The Brethren in Christ congregation was established in South Africa in 1988 near the capital city of Pretoria. Currently the Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa has over 764 members in thirteen different congregations.  
  
−
|Row 3 title = Date established
+
== Stories  ==
−
|Row 3 info = <center>1934</center>
 
−
|Row 4 title = Presiding officers
 
−
|Row 4 info = <center>Bishop. S. Mang'ana (Chairperson) & Deacon J. Magiri (General Secretary)</center>
 
−
|Row 5 title = [[Mennonite World Conference|MWC]] Affiliated?
 
−
|Row 5 info = <center>Yes</center>
 
−
|Row 6 title = Number of Congregations
 
−
|Row 6 info = <center>283 (2006)</center>
 
−
|Row 7 title = Membership
 
−
|Row 7 info = <center>50 560 (2006)</center>
 
−
}} '''Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania (KMT)''', formerly Tanganyika Mennonite Church, is a Tanzanian Mennonite conference in [[Tanzania]]. KMT is officially associated with [[Mennonite World Conference]]. In 2006 KMT had 50,560 members in 286 congregations.<ref>"Africa." ''Mennonite World Conference''. http://www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/PDF-PPT/2006africa.pdf (accessed 20 September 2009)</ref>.
 
  
 
{{storiesblock
 
{{storiesblock
−
|PageName=Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania
+
|PageName=Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa
−
}}
+
}}  
  
 
== History  ==
 
== History  ==
Line 32: Line 30:
 
=== Origins  ===
 
=== Origins  ===
  
−
Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania formally began with the arrival of Lancaster County Pennsylvania missionaries in 1934<ref>"Kanisa La Mennonite Tanzania." p. 476.</ref> Elam Stauffer led missionaries in an effort to create a self-sustaining solid church.
+
In 1897 the first Brethren in Christ missionaries left New York for Zimbabwe in late November. Since they arrived just two years after the end of the second war of resistance to white colonial rule, the missionaries were viewed by the nationals as having the same ideals and culture as the colonists. The missionaries soon proved themselves and eventually the Zimbabwe Brethren in Christ Church spread to Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.<ref>Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.</ref>&nbsp; <br>The Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa was established in 1988 near the capital city of Pretoria. The original congregation consisted of four different tribal groups that evangelized by hosting tent revival meetings and ministering in prisons and hospitals.<ref>"BICWM | International Flag Processional Script." Brethren in Christ Church. Brethren in Christ World Missions, 2000. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;lt;http://www.bic-church.org/wm/global-impact/resources/script.asp&amp;amp;gt;.</ref> <br>The pastor and organizer of this first church was Rev. Hamilton Madlabane. Anna Engle, who was a missionary working to translate scriptures, first introduced Madlabane to the Brethren in Christ Church. Madlabane then left for the United States and attended Messiah College. At college Madlabane met some Brethren in Christ friends who persuaded him to establish the BIC Church in South Africa.<ref>Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.</ref> Until recently, Madlabane had been the leader of the Soshanguve Brethren in Christ Church for its entire existence. He has since died. <br>The second church created was the Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church, which is currently located in the Johannesburg area. This group was originally formed by expatriate Zimbabweans living in South Africa as refugees that wanted a support group for one another.<ref>Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.</ref> This small support group eventually created the church, as early leaders, David Masuku and Patrick Sibanda, made efforts to gather everyone together to worship. Their efforts eventually were successful when on January 22, 1991 their first BIC service was held in the home of Buhle Ndlovu. More people began attending, and the church became a uniting of both South Africans and Zimbabweans. This church did not have an official pastor for the first two years of its existence, but eventually the first pastors of this church were Simon Sibanda and Francis Moyo. <br>Three months after the Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church began, Rev. Ndlovu, who was on the Zimbabwe NIC Executive Board, travelled to South Africa to introduce the two newly founded groups. This effort was unsuccessful, as their relationship did not work out well.<br>
  
−
=== Growth  ===
+
[[Image:Hillbrow.jpg|418x278px]]
  
−
The church grew, but there were significant culture differences that influenced the way Tanzanians interacted with the church. The creation of churches, schools, hospitals, and community development characterized the early years of mission<ref>Ibid, 476-478.</ref>. The emergence of the East African Revival movement in 1942 had a profound influence on Tanzanians and missionaries alike, calling all to repentance and the breaking down of barriers<ref>Leatherman p. 29.</ref>. By 1950, four Tanzanian pastors were ordained and in 1967 Zedekia Kisare was chosen as the first Tanzanian Mennonite Bishop<ref>Shenk p. 134</ref>. The Mennonite Theological College of Eastern Africa, jointly run with Kenyan Mennonites, began in 1962 and continues today<ref>"Kanisa La Mennonite Tanzania." p. 476</ref>.
+
Visitors speaking at Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church&nbsp;<ref>"Picture of the Week: Hillbrow BIC Church." Africa and the Meeting House. Brethren in Christ, 14 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;http://africa.themeetinghouse.ca/2010/11/picture-of-the-week-hillbrow-bic-church/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</ref>  
  
−
=== Present ===
+
=== Growth ===
  
−
KMT currently is largely self-sustaining and embedded in key areas in the country. It is now made up of seven Dioceses.<ref>Ibid, 478.</ref>. KMT DIOCESE INFORMATION
+
After the church began in 1988, Bishop Jack Shenk and his wife Nancy played a vital role in providing the church structures that have helped the church to grow both numerically and administratively. Bishop Shenk is an individual that has been tasked by the Board of Missions in North American Brethren in Christ Church, and has a job to help the BIC Churches in the Southern African region as the Regional Administrator.<br>Like many other African churches, the Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa expresses and values their culture by singing and dancing during worship services. Through song and dance this group is able to connect with others to build a larger community, which is a factor in why they are so diverse.<ref>Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.</ref> <br>The youth make up a vast majority of the growth of the church. However, these youth have not made a logical connection to the Anabaptist faith, however, and so this creates questions of what the church’s identity will be in the future.<ref>Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.</ref>  
  
−
<br>
+
<br>  
  
−
KMT’s role is to coordinate and facilitate church activities and involvement in all dioceses. KMT has eight dioceses, each led by a Bishop. The following table summarizes the names of the diocese, their headquarters and Bishop:
+
== Contemporary Trends  ==
  
−
<br>
+
Currently the BIC church has branches in the following places: Freedom Park, Eersterus, Johannesburg South, Yeoville, Krugersdorp, Tembisa, Cosmo City, Ivory Park, Tsakane, Cape Town, and Pretoria. These branches have recently been given a General Conference status by the international Brethren in Christ Association (IBICA).<ref>Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.</ref> <br>Lately, Zimbabweans have been making efforts to nurture the Hillbrow group. The Zimbabwe Brethren in Christ Church sent Pastor Benedict Macebo to help strengthen their newly formed sister church. <br>Recently, efforts have been made to build relations with other Anabaptist churches, including Grace Community Church in Philipstown, South Africa.
  
−
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 800px; height: 192px;"
+
=== Identifying as Anabaptist  ===
−
|-
 
−
| '''Diocese<br>'''
 
−
| '''Headqurters'''<br>
 
−
| '''Bishop'''<br>
 
−
|-
 
−
| Arusha
 
−
| Arusha
 
−
| Joseph Mutorela
 
−
|-
 
−
| Central
 
−
| Dodoma
 
−
| Amos Muhagachi
 
−
|-
 
−
| Eastern
 
−
| Dar-es-Salaam
 
−
| Stephen Mang’ana
 
−
|-
 
−
| Lake
 
−
| Musoma
 
−
| Christopher Ndege
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mwanza
 
−
| -<br>
 
−
|-
 
−
| North Mara
 
−
| Shirati
 
−
| John Nyagwegwe
 
−
|-
 
−
| Tabora
 
−
| Tabora
 
−
| Jackson Magangira
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shinyanga
 
−
| Shinyanga
 
−
| Joseph Nyakyema
 
−
|-
 
−
| <br>
 
−
|
 
−
|}
 
  
−
== Key individuals in church life  ==
+
The church has committed itself to a message of compassion, peace, and reconciliation.<ref>"BICWM | International Flag Processional Script." Brethren in Christ Church. Brethren in Christ World Missions, 2000. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;lt;http://www.bic-church.org/wm/global-impact/resources/script.asp&amp;amp;gt;.</ref> Members in the Brethren in Christ church do not participate in wars. Learning to lead a separate lifestyle from that of the world is encouraged and necessary as an Anabaptist in this church. The church also puts a lot of emphasis on living simply, and forgiveness is a core part of their teaching.<ref>Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.</ref>
  
−
'''''[perhaps someone could add birth/death dates for those who are deceased and brief biographical descriptions for any individual that you have information about (e.g, where they lived,how they served the church, their significant contributions, etc]'''''
+
=== Important Individuals  ===
  
 +
*Pastor Benedict Macebo - He is currently the pastor at Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church in South Johannesburg. Pastor Macebo has done a lot of work with the Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA). <ref>"About ANiSA." The Anabaptist Network in South Africa. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;http://anisa.org.za/about&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</ref> He is an influential leader within the Anabaptist community, and has had success in creating connections within the different branches. <ref>Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.</ref>
  
−
A lot of characters ordained and non-ordained, from within and without Tanzania, have contributed immensely to the present state of the Tanzanian Mennonite Church (KMT) and her institutions. The truth is neither space nor time can suffice a comprehensive list of such people, their profile and detailed account of their individual contributions.
+
[[Image:Benedict 2.png]]
  
−
Herein listed, are only few individuals who were entrusted responsibilities at the '''national level''' and or beyond:-
+
Benedict Macebo ''Photo contributed by Aspen Schmidt''  
  
−
*Bishop. Z. Kisare (RIP)&nbsp;: Last Station - Shirati,&nbsp; North Mara Diocese. Was the first African Bishop for the Mennonite Church of&nbsp; Tanzania &amp; Kenya. Best remembered for being reserved and a proponet of peace everywhere. <br>
+
=== Current Challenges  ===
−
*Bishop. N. Sarya (RIP&nbsp;:Last station - Bukiroba, Lake Diocese.&nbsp; Was the first Bishop for the Lake Zone (Diocese). A reknown powerful preacher&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
 
−
*Bishop. S. Butengé: Last Station - Dar es salaam, Easten Diocese. A reknown powerful preacher &nbsp; <br>
 
−
*Bishop. J. Mbeba: Last Station - Shirati, North Mara Dioces. Known for his efforts to modernize the Church to meet current challenges <br>
 
−
*Bishop. N. Birai (RIP)&nbsp;: Last Station - Bukiroba, Lake Diocese. Admired for his administrative cum accounting skills.&nbsp;
 
−
*Bishop. D. Mahemba (RIP)&nbsp;: Last Station Mwanza, Mwanza Diocese. A vigorous reminder of our Anabaptist faith.&nbsp;
 
−
*Bishop. S. Mutani:&nbsp; Last Station Shirati, North Mara Diocese. Prominent in striking articulation while communicating to the believers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; General Secretary.&nbsp; K. Migire&nbsp;: Last Station Shirati Tanzania &amp; Kenya Mennonite Church. Always a character with straight talk for development and defence of equality and justice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
−
*General Secretary E.Mauma (RIP): Last Station Musoma, Tanzania &amp; Kenya Mennonite Church. A jovial man who liked to sing and proper documentation of&nbsp; the necessities in administration. <br>
 
−
*General Secretary. M.Chirangi (RIP): Last Station Bukiroba, Lake Zone ( Diocese). Smart in planning &amp; organisational efforts in education &amp; management&nbsp; &nbsp;
 
−
*General Secretary.J.Okidi (RIP): Last Station Musoma, Bishops Council. Pushed for Organizational and Development Trainning in the whole Church&nbsp;
 
−
*General Secretary. M. Kawira&nbsp;: Last Station Musoma, Bishops Council:&nbsp; Stood for good Church PR&nbsp; and Networking for the Church in Tanzania and abroad&nbsp; &nbsp;
 
−
*General Secretary. M. Nyitambe: Last Station Musoma, Bishops Council:&nbsp; Spearheaded the Church Constitutional review to address the contemporary challenges&nbsp; &nbsp;
 
−
*Treasuer. N.Itinde (RIP)&nbsp;: Last Station Bukiroba, Tanzania &amp; Kenya Mennonite Church.&nbsp; A peace maker and advocate to good stewardship&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
−
*Treasurer. D. Mtoka (RIP): Last Station Bukiroba, Lake Zone ( Diocese). Encouraged and supported Church developmental projects&nbsp; and the Theological College&nbsp; <br>
 
−
*Treasurer. E. Messo:&nbsp; Last Station Bukiroba, Tanzania &amp; Kenya Mennonite&nbsp; Church. Promoted accountability on Church funds and properties<br>
 
−
*Treasurer. Togoro (RIP): Last Station Bukiroba, Lake Zone ( Diocese). A man who stresses humility and good stewardship &nbsp;
 
−
*Tutor. Mrs R. Igira (RIP): Last Station Bukiroba, Domestic Science College. Good humoured and supporter for Women development in the Church &nbsp;
 
  
−
<br>
+
Probably the biggest problem of the Brethren in Christ Church is the capacity to finance all of the church programs. <ref>Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.</ref> While the church continues to grow at a very good pace, many of the members are unemployed and do not help the church financially. While the church desires to plant 60 churches by 2014, they do not have enough money to develop a strong leadership program. <ref>Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.</ref> Another issue within the church is the continued affects of apartheid. In this way, xenophobia within the church is sometimes a serious challenge. Some problems to mention would also be that tribalism is also felt in the church. Poverty is a constant frustration among members. The church is still at an infant stage, which is a challenge in itself. Crime is very prevalent in the South African society. Faith Healers also challenge the church as members are leaving the church in large numbers. <ref>Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.</ref> One of the challenges facing the BIC Church in South Africa today is the growing numbers of youth in the church. While many churches would feel blessed to have such a young church, it can pose as a problem if the youth have not completely latched on to the Anabaptist ideals. This has come as a concern since the youth are the future of the church. A further challenge within the BIC branches is that there is a lack of knowledge about Anabaptism. The Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA) is an organization that is working to fix this, but hopefully the problem is not too big at this point.<ref>"About ANiSA." The Anabaptist Network in South Africa. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;http://anisa.org.za/about&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</ref>  
  
−
== '''NEWS about KMT:'''  ==
+
<br>
  
−
'''Obituary: Pastor, Matiku Nyitambe'''
+
<br>
  
−
[[Image:Matiku nyitambe condolences.JPG]]
+
== Annotated Bibliography  ==
−
 
 
−
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ''(Pic.design by wa- Chirangi)''
 
−
 
 
−
<br> '''Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,'''
 
−
 
 
−
<br> We are sorrowfully informing you of the sudden death (on October 03, 2010) of Pastor Matiku Nyitambe , who at the time of his death was serving as the Tanzanian Mennonite Church (KMT) Executive Council Member. Apart from that by the grace of our LORD Pastor Nyitambe served KMT as the General Secretary between 2001 through August 25, 2007. He worked very conscientiously at various capacities in the Church and the Tanzanian Government. For the church he also served as the Mennonite World Conference Executive Committee member.
 
−
 
 
−
<br> The deceased was involved in an accident which took place while driving from his native village (Kirongwe) at the border with Kenya. His body lies in Tarime Hospital morgue and will be transferred to the Musoma Regional mortuary this coming Thursday (October 7th , 2010).
 
  
−
''“……The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”'' (Job 1:21) RVS).
+
*"About ANiSA." The Anabaptist Network in South Africa. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://anisa.org.za/about&gt;. <br>
  
−
<br> Mrs. Penina Nyitambe who was with him in the vehicle survived with sustained injuries on her head. We praise the LORD that she is now at her residence in Makoko Musoma after being discharged from the hospital in Tarime. We pray for her quick complete recovery and that may the LORD of widows, orphans and the needy grant her comfort. We further pray that the bereaved family continues to be united throughout this time of grief. May the Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with us all.
+
::This website helps connect the Anabaptist churches in South Africa. The creators’ goal is to help define what it means to be Anabaptist in a South African context, and allows churches all around the country to have a common place to connect. Along with general information on Anabaptists, ANiSA has contact information for a couple Brethren in Christ churches in the country.
  
−
<br> In collaboration with the family members we are working on funeral arrangements. We will keep you updated as more is known about the funeral service. We plan to have a funeral service in Kirongwe a few kilometres North of Shirati after the a bereavement service that will be held in Musoma on the 8th October 2010 at the Kitaji KMT Congregation.
+
*"Africa." Africa Summary. Mennonite World Conference, 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &lt;www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/files/Members%202009/Africa%20Summary.doc&gt;.
  
−
<br> With great sorrow,
+
::This website directs the reader to a document that lists the different Anabaptist and Mennonite World Conference churches within Africa. The document lists the African countries in alphabetical order, with a list of each church in the pertaining country. Under the church’s name is the number of members and how many congregations exist within each church.
  
−
'''Deacon, Jumanne Magiri''' 'KMT General Secretary (jumanne_magiri@yahoo.com)
+
*"BICWM | International Flag Processional Script." Brethren in Christ Church. Brethren in Christ World Missions, 2000. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.bic-church.org/wm/global-impact/resources/script.asp&gt;.
  
−
<br> excerpt posted by: Musuto wa -Chirangi (mchirangi@gmail.com)
+
::While the need for a processional script is unclear, this website provides a little information on when the Brethren in Christ church began. It also lists a few things that the church has been focusing on.
  
−
<br> 6th October, 2010.
+
*Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
  
−
**************************************************************************************************************<br>
+
::This is one of the most thorough books on Anabaptist history within the African context that I used during research. While it focuses on the whole continent, this book pays ample attention to the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Southern Africa. There was even a small section specifically on the Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa. This was a primary source.
  
−
'''News Alert: The Tanzanian Mennonite Church (KMT) new Leadership.'''
+
*Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  
−
The former Secretary for the Tanzanian Mennonite Church (KMT) Youth Organization well known as Umoja wa Vijana wa Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania (UVKMT), Deacon Alfayo Wangwe has reported that, following the recent UVKMT – general conference held in Musoma , the following were elected as the new leaders for the organisation at the national level for the coming period of three years from now.
+
::Benedict Macebo is the pastor at Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church in South Johannesburg. Through this interview Benedict presented his obvious and clear passion for the church, as well as provided some very direct and necessary information about the Brethren in Christ Church. He answered every question in the interview in full detail, delighted that someone was interested about his church. Benedict is a major leader within the South African Anabaptist community, and really knows his history but also where he wants to lead the church in the future. This was a primary source.
  
−
*Japhet Wangwe - Chairperson <br>
+
*"Picture of the Week: Hillbrow BIC Church." Africa and the Meeting House. Brethren in Christ, 14 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://africa.themeetinghouse.ca/2010/11/picture-of-the-week-hillbrow-bic-church/&gt;.
−
*Okech Mwangwa - Deputy Chairpeson <br>
 
−
*Herry Dhudha - Secretary <br>
 
−
*Makori Kisare - Depurt Secretary <br>
 
−
*Tuma Kazare - Treasurer
 
  
−
In the same pipeline, we are also been notified by the incumbent KMT general Secretary, Deacon Jumanne Magiri that, on the Friday of 03rd September 2010, the KMT (Church) General Conference shall meet in Musoma for deliberation on different crucial development plans and for the general election of Church Leadership for the coming period of three years.
+
::This site doesn’t have a lot of information on the Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church, however there is a picture of the church and congregation.
  
−
We ask for your prayers and all results shall be posted herein as soon as we receive them.
+
*Suderman, Andrew. "Tell Me About the BIC Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  
−
<br> Reported by: Musuto wa- Chirangi, 01st September 2010.
+
::Andrew is one of the web developers for the Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA). He knows a lot about the Anabaptist churches working within the country.
−
 
 
−
**********************************************<br>
 
−
 
 
−
Following the KMT General Assembly of 03rd September 2010 the following are the elected Leaders for the next three years.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Top&nbsp; Church Officials'''
 
−
 
 
−
*Bishop. S. Man'gana - Chairperson
 
−
*Biship.&nbsp; J. Nyagwegwe - Deputy Chairperson
 
−
*Deacon J. Magiri - General Secretary
 
−
*Rev. Mnanka&nbsp; -&nbsp; Asst. General&nbsp; Secretary
 
−
*Rev. J. Nyangi - Treasurer
 
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Central Committee (Kamati kuu) Members'''
 
−
 
 
−
*Mrs. Sattima
 
−
*Mrs. Birai
 
−
*Rev. Makonyo
 
−
*Rev. Kateti
 
−
*Rev. Nyamataga
 
−
*Rev. Nyitambe
 
−
 
 
−
<br> '''Departmental Directors'''
 
−
 
 
−
*Rev. Agutu - Evangelism
 
−
*Mr. F.Magare - Economic &amp; Development
 
−
*Mr. Mseti&nbsp; - Education
 
−
*Dr. Mokami - Health Services
 
−
 
 
−
<br> '''Institutional Board Chairpersons:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*Mrs. T. Mwaipopo -&nbsp; Musoma Press
 
−
*Bishop. A. Muhagachi - Nyerere Designated District Hospital. Other Members: Mr. Muhochi, Mrs L. Makoyo &amp; Rev. Machota&nbsp;
 
−
*Bishop. J. Mtolera -&nbsp; Shirati KMT Hospital. Other members: Mrs. Masaigana, Mw. Samala &amp; Mr. Makoseo, &nbsp;
 
−
*Bishop J. Nyakyema - Mennonite Theological&nbsp; College of Eastern Africa: Other members. Rev. G. Chirangi, Rev. J. Magoti &amp; Hellen Bradburn
 
−
*Rev. L. Makonyu - Shirati Nursing School: Other members. Doc Kisare
 
−
*Rev. A. Mathube -&nbsp; Kisare Nursing School: Other Members. Mrs. Monyu
 
−
 
 
−
<br> My appologies for mispelled names (if any).
 
−
 
 
−
Reported by: Musuto wa- Chirangi
 
−
 
 
−
3rd September 2010
 
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
*Electronic Resources
 
−
 
 
−
== Annotated Bibliography  ==
 
−
 
 
−
*"Kanisa La Mennonite Tanzania." The Mennonite Encyclopedia: Volume V (A-Z). Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1990.
 
−
*Leatherman, Catharine. "Ye Are God’s Building: The Story of Twenty-five Years in Tanzanyika." Salunga, PA: Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and *Charities, 1959.
 
−
*Shenk, David W. ''Mennonite Safari.'' Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1974.
 
  
 
== Citations  ==
 
== Citations  ==
  
−
<references />
+
<references />  
  
 
== Acknowledgments  ==
 
== Acknowledgments  ==
  
−
Annali Smucker compiled much of the information presented here in a student research paper for a spring 2009 Anabaptist History Class at Goshen College.
+
This information was compiled by Aspen Schmidt, working through the Anabaptist/Mennonite History course at Goshen College in Goshen, IN.&lt;/center&gt;&lt;/center&gt;&lt;/center&gt;
 +
 
 +
[[Category:South Africa]]

Latest revision as of 03:56, 19 April 2011

Brethren in Christ Church, South Africa
Sf-map.gif
South Africa: World Factbook, 2009[1]

Location

South Africa

Date Established

1988

Presiding Officer

Frank Nkala[2]

MWC Affiliated?

Working Towards MWC

Number of Congregations

13

Membership

764

The Brethren in Christ Church (BIC) is the primary Anabaptist-related group in South Africa. The Brethren in Christ congregation was established in South Africa in 1988 near the capital city of Pretoria. Currently the Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa has over 764 members in thirteen different congregations.

Stories

Create new articles that tell stories about the Anabaptists of Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa and insert links to those stories here. Click here to learn more about stories.

History

Origins

In 1897 the first Brethren in Christ missionaries left New York for Zimbabwe in late November. Since they arrived just two years after the end of the second war of resistance to white colonial rule, the missionaries were viewed by the nationals as having the same ideals and culture as the colonists. The missionaries soon proved themselves and eventually the Zimbabwe Brethren in Christ Church spread to Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.[3] 
The Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa was established in 1988 near the capital city of Pretoria. The original congregation consisted of four different tribal groups that evangelized by hosting tent revival meetings and ministering in prisons and hospitals.[4]
The pastor and organizer of this first church was Rev. Hamilton Madlabane. Anna Engle, who was a missionary working to translate scriptures, first introduced Madlabane to the Brethren in Christ Church. Madlabane then left for the United States and attended Messiah College. At college Madlabane met some Brethren in Christ friends who persuaded him to establish the BIC Church in South Africa.[5] Until recently, Madlabane had been the leader of the Soshanguve Brethren in Christ Church for its entire existence. He has since died.
The second church created was the Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church, which is currently located in the Johannesburg area. This group was originally formed by expatriate Zimbabweans living in South Africa as refugees that wanted a support group for one another.[6] This small support group eventually created the church, as early leaders, David Masuku and Patrick Sibanda, made efforts to gather everyone together to worship. Their efforts eventually were successful when on January 22, 1991 their first BIC service was held in the home of Buhle Ndlovu. More people began attending, and the church became a uniting of both South Africans and Zimbabweans. This church did not have an official pastor for the first two years of its existence, but eventually the first pastors of this church were Simon Sibanda and Francis Moyo.
Three months after the Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church began, Rev. Ndlovu, who was on the Zimbabwe NIC Executive Board, travelled to South Africa to introduce the two newly founded groups. This effort was unsuccessful, as their relationship did not work out well.

Hillbrow.jpg

Visitors speaking at Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church [7]

Growth

After the church began in 1988, Bishop Jack Shenk and his wife Nancy played a vital role in providing the church structures that have helped the church to grow both numerically and administratively. Bishop Shenk is an individual that has been tasked by the Board of Missions in North American Brethren in Christ Church, and has a job to help the BIC Churches in the Southern African region as the Regional Administrator.
Like many other African churches, the Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa expresses and values their culture by singing and dancing during worship services. Through song and dance this group is able to connect with others to build a larger community, which is a factor in why they are so diverse.[8]
The youth make up a vast majority of the growth of the church. However, these youth have not made a logical connection to the Anabaptist faith, however, and so this creates questions of what the church’s identity will be in the future.[9]


Contemporary Trends

Currently the BIC church has branches in the following places: Freedom Park, Eersterus, Johannesburg South, Yeoville, Krugersdorp, Tembisa, Cosmo City, Ivory Park, Tsakane, Cape Town, and Pretoria. These branches have recently been given a General Conference status by the international Brethren in Christ Association (IBICA).[10]
Lately, Zimbabweans have been making efforts to nurture the Hillbrow group. The Zimbabwe Brethren in Christ Church sent Pastor Benedict Macebo to help strengthen their newly formed sister church.
Recently, efforts have been made to build relations with other Anabaptist churches, including Grace Community Church in Philipstown, South Africa.

Identifying as Anabaptist

The church has committed itself to a message of compassion, peace, and reconciliation.[11] Members in the Brethren in Christ church do not participate in wars. Learning to lead a separate lifestyle from that of the world is encouraged and necessary as an Anabaptist in this church. The church also puts a lot of emphasis on living simply, and forgiveness is a core part of their teaching.[12]

Important Individuals

  • Pastor Benedict Macebo - He is currently the pastor at Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church in South Johannesburg. Pastor Macebo has done a lot of work with the Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA). [13] He is an influential leader within the Anabaptist community, and has had success in creating connections within the different branches. [14]

Benedict 2.png

Benedict Macebo Photo contributed by Aspen Schmidt

Current Challenges

Probably the biggest problem of the Brethren in Christ Church is the capacity to finance all of the church programs. [15] While the church continues to grow at a very good pace, many of the members are unemployed and do not help the church financially. While the church desires to plant 60 churches by 2014, they do not have enough money to develop a strong leadership program. [16] Another issue within the church is the continued affects of apartheid. In this way, xenophobia within the church is sometimes a serious challenge. Some problems to mention would also be that tribalism is also felt in the church. Poverty is a constant frustration among members. The church is still at an infant stage, which is a challenge in itself. Crime is very prevalent in the South African society. Faith Healers also challenge the church as members are leaving the church in large numbers. [17] One of the challenges facing the BIC Church in South Africa today is the growing numbers of youth in the church. While many churches would feel blessed to have such a young church, it can pose as a problem if the youth have not completely latched on to the Anabaptist ideals. This has come as a concern since the youth are the future of the church. A further challenge within the BIC branches is that there is a lack of knowledge about Anabaptism. The Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA) is an organization that is working to fix this, but hopefully the problem is not too big at this point.[18]



Annotated Bibliography

This website helps connect the Anabaptist churches in South Africa. The creators’ goal is to help define what it means to be Anabaptist in a South African context, and allows churches all around the country to have a common place to connect. Along with general information on Anabaptists, ANiSA has contact information for a couple Brethren in Christ churches in the country.
  • "Africa." Africa Summary. Mennonite World Conference, 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/files/Members%202009/Africa%20Summary.doc>.
This website directs the reader to a document that lists the different Anabaptist and Mennonite World Conference churches within Africa. The document lists the African countries in alphabetical order, with a list of each church in the pertaining country. Under the church’s name is the number of members and how many congregations exist within each church.
While the need for a processional script is unclear, this website provides a little information on when the Brethren in Christ church began. It also lists a few things that the church has been focusing on.
  • Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
This is one of the most thorough books on Anabaptist history within the African context that I used during research. While it focuses on the whole continent, this book pays ample attention to the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Southern Africa. There was even a small section specifically on the Brethren in Christ Church in South Africa. This was a primary source.
  • Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
Benedict Macebo is the pastor at Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church in South Johannesburg. Through this interview Benedict presented his obvious and clear passion for the church, as well as provided some very direct and necessary information about the Brethren in Christ Church. He answered every question in the interview in full detail, delighted that someone was interested about his church. Benedict is a major leader within the South African Anabaptist community, and really knows his history but also where he wants to lead the church in the future. This was a primary source.
This site doesn’t have a lot of information on the Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church, however there is a picture of the church and congregation.
  • Suderman, Andrew. "Tell Me About the BIC Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
Andrew is one of the web developers for the Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA). He knows a lot about the Anabaptist churches working within the country.

Citations

  1. ↑ "South Africa," CIA World Factbook. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sf.html
  2. ↑ "Africa." Africa Summary. Mennonite World Conference, 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <www.mwc-cmm.org/en15/files/Members%202009/Africa%20Summary.doc>.
  3. ↑ Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
  4. ↑ "BICWM | International Flag Processional Script." Brethren in Christ Church. Brethren in Christ World Missions, 2000. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;lt;http://www.bic-church.org/wm/global-impact/resources/script.asp&amp;gt;.
  5. ↑ Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
  6. ↑ Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
  7. ↑ "Picture of the Week: Hillbrow BIC Church." Africa and the Meeting House. Brethren in Christ, 14 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;http://africa.themeetinghouse.ca/2010/11/picture-of-the-week-hillbrow-bic-church/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.
  8. ↑ Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
  9. ↑ Checole, Alemu, et al. Anabaptist Songs in African Hearts. Ed. John Allen Lapp and C. Arnold Snyder. 3rd ed. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006.
  10. ↑ Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  11. ↑ "BICWM | International Flag Processional Script." Brethren in Christ Church. Brethren in Christ World Missions, 2000. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;lt;http://www.bic-church.org/wm/global-impact/resources/script.asp&amp;gt;.
  12. ↑ Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  13. ↑ "About ANiSA." The Anabaptist Network in South Africa. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;http://anisa.org.za/about&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.
  14. ↑ Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  15. ↑ Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  16. ↑ Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  17. ↑ Macebo, Benedict. "I Want to Know More About Your Church." E-mail interview. 10 Apr. 2011.
  18. ↑ "About ANiSA." The Anabaptist Network in South Africa. 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;http://anisa.org.za/about&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.

Acknowledgments

This information was compiled by Aspen Schmidt, working through the Anabaptist/Mennonite History course at Goshen College in Goshen, IN.</center></center></center>

Retrieved from "https://anabaptistwiki.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Brethren_in_Christ_Church,_South_Africa&oldid=6912"
Powered by MediaWiki