Key points:
- At Chisipiti United Methodist Church in Harare, United Methodist and Roman Catholic participants of all ages move, laugh and worship together through Zumba dance.
- “Joy, movement and fellowship,” says Bishop Gift K. Machinga, “are gifts from God that support healing and well-being.”
- He said the program demonstrates that spiritual care and physical health belong together.
Mental health is a pressing concern in Zimbabwe, affecting families and congregations. Rising stress, depression and anxiety have left communities searching for creative ways to respond.
Rukwadzano RweWadzimai, the women’s organization at Chisipiti United Methodist Church, has embraced an unexpected, yet joyful, solution: Zumba dance.
What began as a simple fitness activity has blossomed into a ministry of healing, fellowship and resilience. Children, youth, adults, pastors and their spouses gather to exercise together in lively dance sessions, joined by members of a nearby Roman Catholic congregation.
Together, they move, laugh and worship after discovering that dance can be both therapy and prayer.
Bishop Gift K. Machinga framed the initiative in theological terms.
“Human beings are created as whole persons — body, mind and spirit,” he said. “Mental health challenges require compassionate, practical and accessible responses. Joy, movement and fellowship are gifts from God that support healing and well-being.”
For Machinga, the program demonstrates that spiritual care and physical health belong together. By offering proactive approaches to wellness, the church becomes a safe and supportive space for emotional resilience.
“Communities that support one another in body, mind and spirit are needed in the church,” he said, pointing to the vision of combining spiritual formation with healthy living.
The Rev. John Makaniko, superintendent for the Harare East District, praised the initiative as “strategically valuable and of great significance.” He noted that it strengthens fellowship, promotes physical well-being and extends the church’s presence into community life.
“Such programs,” he said, “can be replicated in other congregations if grounded in Christian discipline and coordination. Since Chisipiti UMC initiated the dance, it is well positioned to support other circuits within the district and beyond.”
Quoting 1 Corinthians 6:19, Makaniko reminded participants that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,” and Zumba dance becomes a form of responsible stewardship.
Chibudu Chinaniso, Rukwadzano RweWadzimai sports and recreation chairperson, explained how the program emerged: “The outcry and trending on mental health challenges from Chisipiti UMC RRW members motivated us to organize the 60‑minute Zumba exercise dance as a way of improving physical fitness, social connectedness and spiritual development.”
Social media invitations drew people of all ages, and soon members of other denominations joined. Requests poured in to hold sessions weekly or every other week, with some willing to contribute a nominal fee. “Indications are that this may have created happier people with reduced anxiety, giving glory to the Lord God, the Creator,” Chibudu said.
Zumba instructor Elvis Mushawenyoka applauded the women for their initiative.
“Zumba dance is a form of cardio exercise, and cardio helps prevent killer diseases,” he said. The routines build endurance, tone muscles and support weight loss.
He recommended sessions every other week for maximum impact, supplemented by home exercises. For him, the program is not only fun, but also a serious investment in health.
Pastors and their families also embraced the program. Febby Kamusono, a pastor’s wife and Chisipiti Circuit Rukwadzano RweWadzimai chair, celebrated the success of the first three events. “Our objectives are to relieve stress, foster social connection across age groups and encourage self‑care exercise,” she said. “We ensured inclusion through universal music, mixing and mingling, and focusing on fun rather than perfection.”
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She shared testimonies of reduced stress, stronger relationships and even souls won to Christ. “We also involved our neighbors, Roman Catholic members, because in heaven there is no denomination as we are all equal children of God,” she said.
The Rev. Pauline Nyamudzura, the pastor‑in‑charge, echoed the sentiment. “I was happy with this event because it gave us an opportunity to socialize freely while addressing mental health,” she said. “Socialization, faith and well-being are intertwined. By addressing mental health, the church reduces stigma and promotes holistic care.”
The Rev. Mwaishora Magobeya, assistant pastor, emphasized the spiritual dimension.
“Zumba has strengthened my emotional, psychological and social well-being,” he said. “It also serves as a form of worship, as we pray before and after each session, share a short message and draw closer to God.”
For him, dance fosters community, reduces stigma and opens space for pastoral care. “Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,” Magobeya said. “Movement can be worship, celebrating as Zimbabweans and building connections with each other.”
Milcah Mudekunye, Rukwadzano RweWadzimai secretary, said Zumba dance has helped her burn calories and tone her body.
“It has also served as a form of mental therapy,” she said. “The sessions foster positive social interaction, enhancing my relationship with church mates in a relaxed environment. It encouraged me to adopt a healthier lifestyle through sharing information with other participants. Additionally, they support spiritual growth as we start with a prayer and end with a prayer from pastors.”
Marcia Duru, 24, United Methodist Youth Fellowship president, said Zumba boosted her confidence and made her feel more comfortable in her own body.
“The energy and vibe help me shake off stress and feel good. Dancing with others is a natural mood booster and creates a sense of community.”
Annie Buta attended alongside her children, Kim, 14, and Crystal, 5.
“Zumba boosted my self‑esteem and overall life satisfaction by offering a form of moving meditation that lowers anxiety and stress,” Kim Buta said. “Dancing with peers and adults creates a party‑like sense of belonging, breaking down generational stereotypes and reducing isolation.”
Her little sister said she loves Zumba and gymnastics. “Dancing makes me happy.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digests.
