Clergy

The Rev. Moore Ganda, senior pastor, prays for the congregation at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. Due to COVID-19 and the country’s economic crisis, the congregation is being asked to help augment clergy salaries. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.

Laity giving pastors a boost during pandemic

Lay leaders in the Zimbabwe East Conference are asking all church members to contribute $1 per month to help augment pastors’ salaries during COVID-19.

Church Growth

The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. Photo courtesy of Wesley Theological Seminary.

Young elder numbers near historic low

United Methodist clergy age study shows modest growth period has been followed by drops in the number of both men and women elders under age 35.

The Rev. Paul Nyagomo (left), pastor in charge of four United Methodist churches in the Marange District, visits with 79-year-old Agness Takodza in Mutare City, Zimbabwe, after delivering her medication. Seated with Takodza are her grandchildren, Nomsa (6) and Lessley (7), and Gift Takodza. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Motorbikes keep pastors moving during COVID-19

Donations help rural pastors in Zimbabwe stay safe as they conduct vital ministries during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mission and Ministry

Chris Yuen (right) gets a bouquet of balloons during his hospital stay for the coronavirus. Yuen, a 32-year-old member of Midland Park United Methodist Church in New Jersey, spent about 20 days on a ventilator. Doctors and nurses lined the hall to cheer when he went home on April 22, after nearly a month’s hospitalization. Photo courtesy of Chris Yuen.

Clergy, laity tell harrowing COVID-19 stories

“Respect this virus,” pleads a pastor battling the coronavirus. Others in the denomination who have been directly affected agree.

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