The Media, Research and Publications of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is mandated to carry out research work, produce literature, translate literature into various languages, publish literature and make sure that such literature reaches all corners of the world where Methodist Christians are found. The department is also mandated to keep on reviewing our church literature so that it continues to be relevant and speaking to the generation and environment in which we are ministering to. Appreciating how the Muranda Weshoko/Inceku yelizwi leNkosi which was written several decades ago has served and ushered many preachers and minsters into the Lord’s vineyard, the department took note that the book has actually served its time. It is in this regard that the MR&P has published a second revised edition of Muranda Weshoko raMwari, and was written by Revd. O. Chagudhuma with the assistance of other several ministers in the connexion.
What makes this book different from the first edition is that it is designed in a way that it covers all practical aspects of preaching. In addition to the topics that were covered in the old version, the following topics have been added into the revised second edition (new book):
- Contextual Preaching [Preaching on several occasions]. The topic was inserted after having noted that Methodist Preachers do preach at funerals, memorial services, hospitals, birthday parties, etc. However, different occasions require different approaches and this starts on the sermon preparation stages. This chapter is helpful to every preacher; new and old.
- Textual synthesis. The Lectionary that we use as Methodist [The Common Lectionary] has three texts. Preachers struggle to come up with one sermon using those three text. In most cases three different sermons are preached. How do we synthesize the three texts and come up with one sermon? The details are in the book.
- Mentoring. Once a preacher if commissioned as a Preacher on Full Plan, the next stage is that he/she is given a student (Preacher on Note/On Trial) to travel with. But does he/she know what is expected of him/her as a mentor? What about the mentee? Does he/she know what is expected of him/her? All the details are in the book.
- Principles of Preaching. What is expected in a sermon? Obviously it has to be biblical; people should be able to apply what the preacher tells them; etc. The details are in the book.
- Sermon Preparation. How do we prepare sermons and the stages involved?
- Types of sermons. We have heard of terms like, Thematic Sermons, Biographic Sermons, Expository Sermons, etc. What are these? How are they outlined? The details are in the book.
- The MCZ Order of Service. What about our Order of Service? What is it? Is it just a structure which has to be followed? What does each item mean? The details are in the book
These are just some of the many topics that have been added. The book is meant to be a guide for all preachers, i.e. those on Full Plan and those On Trial. It is found in English, Shona, Ndebele and Tonga. Other translations are coming soon. The books are found at the Connexional Bookshop. Online purchases can be done at Akello Library using online payment methods. The bookshop teams can be contacted on 0777551744/ 0712366664 for assistance.
By Rev. O. Chagudhuma
(Connexional Media, Research and Publications Coordinator)
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