Exploring the relevance of church resources to sustainable development in the mainstream groups: a case study of the United Methodist churches (UMC) focusing on Nyakatsapa curcuit of Mutasa district, Mutare, Manicaland

Abstract

Zimbabwe, if not the whole of Africa has continued to draw the attention of many associations due to the existential problems that hinder the promotion of sustainable development. The research bears in mind that a number of development agents and development organisations have made considerable efforts in order to promote sustainable development. However, they hardly succeeded to get rid of the challenges that hinder the holistic promotion of sustainable development because they undermine the religious contribution in making their policies and implementing changes. For instance, their food stuff, clothes, drugs among others were only effective in reducing the capability and ability of individuals because they considered people as objects which only need attention through providing for them rather than teaching them how to sustain themselves. The research recognises, unveils and appreciates the role of the Churches in the promotion of sustainable development. The research draws its case study from the experiences of Nyakatsapa United Methodist Church in relation to its commitment in the promotion of sustainable development engagements that empower the marginalised people in Mutasa district, Manicaland. It offers an exploration of the Nyakatsapa United Methodist Church resources which have been influential in the establishment and advancement of church related schools, hospitals, orphanage, advocating justice, human rights, and gender equality among others. These institutions and other addressed existing challenges reveal a unique church vision with a package of transformed lives through the use of available resources of the church. In this research, the writer is convinced that available church resources are making Nyakatsapa United Methodist very relevant and vibrant in the context of promoting sustainable development in Mutasa district, Manicaland. Therefore, the whole purpose of this research is to explore how the church resources of Nyakatsapa United Methodist in Mutasa district are relevant in promoting sustainable development.