Zimbabwe

Methodist Church in Zimbabwe

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) is a vibrant faith community. Organised into 8 Districts, each led by a Bishop, the Church spans 1,800 congregations across all 10 provinces of the country. Its vision? To be an oasis of life, love, peace, justice and hope.

With 340 ministers and 6,150 Local Preachers, MCZ serves communities with compassion and purpose. Its holistic mission includes:

• Healthcare through clinics
• Education via 20 primary and 9 high schools (with plans for a university)
• Youth and human rights advocacy
• Support for vulnerable children through the Matthew Rusike Orphanage
• Agricultural development through its many farms

MCZ’s development arm, the Methodist Development Relief Agency (MEDRA), sees the church tackle pressing issues like gender equality, disability inclusion, human trafficking, and safeguarding.

Driven by scripture and a commitment to sustainability, MCZ continues to be a beacon of hope, especially for Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable.

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) traces its roots back to 1891, when British missionaries Revd Owen Watkins and Revd Isaac Shimmin, along with African evangelists, arrived in Mashonaland (now Zimbabwe) to plant the seeds of Methodism. Their first mission station was set up in Fort Salisbury—today’s Harare.

The movement gained momentum in 1892 with the arrival of Revd George H. Eva and eight passionate African teacher-evangelists from South Africa, including pioneers like Joseph Ramushu and Modumedi Moleli. These early trailblazers helped establish a strong foundation, leading to the creation of more mission stations such as Tengwani (1897), Sandringham (1913), Chemhanza, and Pakame.

For decades, the church was led by missionaries, but a major turning point came in 1977 when MCZ gained autonomy from the British Methodist Church. Revd Andrew Ndhlela made history as the first black President of the Conference of Rhodesia, marking a new era of local leadership and empowerment.

From humble beginnings to a vibrant, faith-filled community, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe continues to thrive through its evangelical mission and deep-rooted commitment to spiritual growth.