Bishop calls for abolition of church leases
Onalenna Kelebeile | Thursday September 11, 2014 12:08
Speaking during a sponsored walk to raise funds for the construction of the church’s headquarters in Marobela, Nkhwa said the P500 lease rental per annum puts a strain on the coffers of churches. He said churches are normally non-income generating societies that do not have much money. He added that churches are legally registered societies with an important role to play. He also expressed concern that allocation of plots to registered churches remains a challenge in the country. Though the problem of land allocation cuts across, he said it is worse when it comes to churches.
“Those in authority must consider churches as important stakeholders in the day-to-day running of the country,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Nkhwa encouraged the congregation to contribute their labour and skills in their areas of specialisation in the construction of the church in Marobela to reduce costs. “We have builders, plumbers and electricians within the congregation whose expertise could benefit the church,” he said.
The Minister of Transport and Communications, Nonofho Molefhi who was the chief walker donated P5,000 and 50 chairs to the church. Nkhwa implored the congregation to be motivated by the minister’s donation to contribute to the project.
Molefhi advised the church to remain united and avoid factions that could ultimately lead to splits.
He encouraged the church to stand firm to withstand challenges. He encouraged members to work hand-in-hand with the church leadership to ensure that the project is a success. He echoed the sentiments of Nkhwa in asking church members to contribute their skill and labour in the project.
He said professionals who are non-church members should only be engaged when necessary. “It is not easy for churches to access loans from financial institutions because church membership is a voluntary undertaking, hence the need for you to work as a team to accomplish your dream,” he said.
The minister advised the congregation to attend church to seek God, not prophesies because that is the main reason why congregantss hop from one church to another.