A Missiological Response to Split-Level Christianity among Seventh-day Adventist Christians in South Zimbabwe Conference

Abstract

Missionary activities in Zimbabwe can be traced back to the 1400s. Those activities led to the opening of the first Christian mission station in Inyati, in Matabeleland North, close to Bulawayo in 1859. This mission was established by the London Missionary Society. In 1894, the Seventh-day Adventist Church was established at Solusi, in Matebeleland South, 50 kilometers outside Bulawayo. Therefore, Christianity is almost two centuries old in Zimbabwe. In such a scenario, one would expect that, by now, Christians in Zimbabwe have outgrown challenges emerging from the African traditional religious worldview. While the Seventh-day Adventist Church was established 123 years ago in the South Zimbabwe Conference territory, it is mind boggling to discover that some members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are still reported to patronize African traditional religious practitioners especially during times of crisis. The concern of this paper was to find practical ways of addressing this problem. In this paper, this phenomenon is referred to as split-level Christianity, it manifests itself as syncretism or dual allegiance. Therefore, to respond appropriately, the researcher set out to investigate the underlying causes of split-level Christianity among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Zimbabwe Conference. A qualitative research approach was used to unravel the issues of concern for this research. Interviews were the main source of data collection. In-depth interviews with three pastors, three elders and six church members were conducted. These interviews were complemented by focus group discussions and general observations. During the interviews, the respondents did not show any lack of Biblical knowledge or requirements regarding both dual allegiance and syncretism. It became apparent that they lacked the fortitude to remain faithful to God during times of crisis. They succumbed to fear and community pressure. Some revealed that they participated in witch-hunting rituals in solidarity with their community. Data significantly showed that a significant number of Seventh-day Adventist Christians visit or are inclined to visit traditional healers and diviners during times of uncertainty and crisis. Respondents also indicated that the church lacked a systematic way of dealing with their needs, hence split-level Christianity. Resultant data was used to develop a worldview transformation program aimed at counteracting split-level Christianity. Consequently, this study culminated with a worldview transformation intervention initiative as a response to split-level Christianity. Several programs were conducted. On evaluating this initiative, there was evidence of a breakthrough. The respondents openly stated their areas of deficiency in their Christian experience as a result of the worldview transformation initiative. Respondents exhibited an understanding of their condition in relation to God’s revelation. They were now also able to identify reliance to God as their only option to a better life. Therefore, a worldview transformation program is recommended as a means of dealing with split-level Christianity in this study.