Speaker: Rev. Dr. Clifford Mushishi
Introduction
On the second day of the MUMC gathering, Rev. Dr. Clifford Mushishi challenged men to embrace practical and effective methods of soul winning. Drawing from Scripture and practical ministry experiences, he emphasized that evangelism is not only about preaching but also about living a life that attracts people to Christ through love, fellowship, compassion, and service.
The Concept of “Kubvuwa”
A key concept discussed was Kubvuwa, which means to attract, draw, pull, or win people towards Christ. It is about becoming a beacon that lights the way for others.
Rev. Mushishi posed the question:
“Zvii zvamakaona nekunzwa zvakaita kuti mutevere?”
(What did you see and hear that made you follow Christ?)
Many people are drawn to the church because of:
- Fellowship and Christian unity.
- Visiting the sick.
- Singing and worship through ngoma nehosho.
- Kuchemana – carrying one another’s burdens.
- Pastoral visitation in homes, even where only one spouse attends church.
Since 1897, Methodist singing has been a powerful tool of attraction. The vibrant worship and music ministry of the church have continued to draw people to Christ.
The Importance of Worship and Participation
Every section program should include time for singing and prayer.
“Paprogram yesection panoda slot yekuimba nekunamata.”
Visitors should also be given an opportunity to participate. Even if someone contributes only a single word in prayer, it can be a meaningful step in their spiritual journey.
Practical Ways of Winning Souls
- Food Bank Ministry
One practical strategy is establishing a Food Bank.
“Ana baba vanounganidza mari vogadzira dura rechikafu.”
Men can contribute funds to create food reserves that assist needy families. At the end of each month, these resources can be used to support those facing hardships.
Support may include:
- Food assistance.
- School fees.
- Emergency relief.
Such practical acts of love become powerful tools of evangelism.
“Let’s be practical about it.”
- The Zacchaeus Method
Drawing from Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, believers should intentionally build relationships with people whom society may reject or avoid.
“Jesu kuna Zakeyo method.”
This involves:
- Visiting people.
- Befriending them.
- Praying with them.
- Demonstrating genuine care.
There are many households where wives attend church while husbands do not. Visiting such homes and praying with family members can open doors for salvation.
Even those who do not attend church often recognize deep inside that prayer is valuable and meaningful.
Soul Winning Requires Wisdom and Patience
Rev. Mushishi likened evangelism to fishing.
“Kubvuwa is like fishing.”
A fisherman requires:
- The right bait.
- Good timing.
- Understanding the behavior of the fish.
- Patience.
Similarly, soul winners must understand people and approach them wisely.
“Hauite ruzha nekuti hove dzinobva dzadzika pasi.”
Making unnecessary noise scares fish away; likewise, an insensitive approach can drive people away from the Gospel.
MUMC members are fishers of men, but successful soul winning requires patience and wisdom.
Going Where the People Are
Christians should not isolate themselves from society.
Rev. Mushishi encouraged believers to visit places where people gather, start conversations, and build relationships.
“Kuenda kunzvimbo dzinogotchwa then you start conversations with people from other tables.”
We should not fear what people may say when they see us engaging with individuals in public places.
The goal is not to participate in worldly activities but to reach people where they are.
Evangelism During Times of Bereavement
Funerals and times of mourning provide opportunities to minister to people.
However, believers must choose their words carefully.
“Panhamo muchiparidza your choice of words can affect the purpose.”
Often, Christians focus on those already in church instead of reaching those outside the faith.
Rev. Mushishi encouraged MUMC members to sing and minister at funerals, even when the deceased or family are not members of their church.
House-to-House Ministry
“Kuita mavhuserere.”
Visiting homes remains one of the most effective ways of sharing the Gospel. Personal contact allows believers to understand people’s struggles and minister directly to their needs.
Friendship Evangelism
Another powerful method is Friendship Evangelism.
This involves:
- Visiting friends.
- Sharing the Word of God.
- Talking about personal faith experiences.
- Inviting friends to church.
People often respond positively when the invitation comes from someone they already trust.
Acts of Compassion
The Gospel must be demonstrated through action.
Acts of compassion include:
- Helping those in need.
- Visiting the sick.
- Supporting struggling families.
- Encouraging the discouraged.
When people experience Christian love in practical ways, they become more open to receiving the message of Christ.
Sharing Testimonies
Personal testimonies are powerful tools of evangelism.
Believers should share their experiences of God’s grace:
- At funerals.
- At family gatherings.
- At community events.
- In everyday conversations.
A testimony demonstrates the reality of God’s power and encourages others to seek Him.
Biblical Foundation
Rev. Mushishi anchored his teaching in Scripture:
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our good works should point people to God.
James 2:17
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Faith must be expressed through practical acts of service and compassion.
The Unique Calling of MUMC
Different church groups have different strengths.
“Ana Mai vanokwadzana, which is fellowship. Youth it’s fellowship. But MUMC vanounza vanhu.”
While fellowship is important for all church groups, the special calling of MUMC is to actively bring people to Christ.
Men are called to lead in evangelism, outreach, and soul winning by demonstrating Christ’s love through practical service, friendship, compassion, and faithful witness.
Conclusion
Soul winning is not confined to the pulpit. It happens through singing, fellowship, visiting homes, helping the needy, comforting the bereaved, sharing testimonies, and building meaningful relationships.
As MUMC leaders and members, we are called to become “Vabvuwi”—fishers of men—who patiently, wisely, and lovingly draw people to Christ. By combining faith with action and allowing our light to shine before others, we can effectively fulfill Christ’s Great Commission and bring many souls into the Kingdom of God.