The role of evangelists in the birth, growth and development of Madzimoyo Mission Station (1903-1966).

The role of evangelists in the birth, growth and development of Madzimoyo Mission Station (1903-1966).

Master of Theology (Church History and Church Polity)

This study deals with the role played by evangelists to the birth, growth and development of the church with Madzimoyo Mission Station (1903-1966) as a case study. This research looks basically to the works evangelists were doing to make sure that churches are planted. Evangelists were the first to reach a village to lay the ground so that those who come to declare the work has started.

Looking at the work done by evangelist in the church like preaching the gospel, as go between(in the past) and as teachers in the village schools for the so purpose of starting church, the researcher is sure that they did contribute to the birth, growth and development of Madzimoyo Mission Station. The study is based on a working hypothesis that evangelist contributed to the birth, growth and development of Madzimoyo Mission.
Historically the mission of the Dutch reformed church in Northern Rhodesia flourished when Madzimoyo was a head mission station and the normal school was opened at Madzimoyo in 1915.

The opening of this school made both the young and the old to be reached with the gospel through teacher evangelists. These evangelists used to double as school teachers during the school days while as evangelists on Wednesday and the weekend. In other words, evangelists were foot soldiers who evangelized and grew the village church in mission or congregations.

It was through these schools that evangelists were also able to teach people the world of God. With this system, a lot of school-churches were opened at each and every village. It was now after an evangelist has organized the work that the missionaries came to declare a mission open. The study considers also that with normal school, evangelist/theological schools at Madzimoyo local people used to be trained and in return went to teach and preach.

Having trained evangelists, they were sent in various place to do mission work. This led to the birth, growth and development of the church. From there the church realized that she needed ministers to nature the people evangelists had brought to Christ.

The challenges faced by evangelists in the mission field are salaries, transport and retirement to mention just a few. Did not tire then to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus around Madzimoyo and many other place in the Eastern Province.

Peter Bornface Kaela

Submitted to: Justo Mwale University

2018

Supervisor: Dr. V. Chilenje

All Right Reserved. Justo Mwale University

Physical Medium

English

The role of evangelists in the birth, growth and development of Madzimoyo Mission Station (1903-1966).