Welcome all to our 1st Bible Conference within the North Zimbabwe Conference (NZC).
The theme of this Bible Conference is “Empowered by His Word: Interpretation and Application.” Behind this theme, is a burning passion to equip teachers of the Word with tools that enable them to understand the Bible and teach it more convincingly. Times are fast changing. The onset of digital space has come to stay and with it are some threats to mission fulfilment and great opportunities for advancing the gospel mandate. Threats in the sense of access to diverse theological trends that flood the net. Great opportunities in sense of ready access and much space to reach many people easily. With this realization in mind, there is need to improve both quality and quantity of content to be shared on cyberspace. Unless such need is addressed promptly, preachers of the Word are tempted to feed their audience “stale bread” at the expense of the life-giving Word. Therefore, there is need to empower our frontline missionaries with relevant tools and skills to unlock the Word of God and teach it with confidence. Teachers of the Word must be firmly anchored on the Bible and the Bible alone as the sure basis of their preaching and teaching.
With the theme of this Bible Conference, NZC leadership seeks to reiterate our three-fold convictions: (a) the Bible is still the living Word of God (Hebrews 4:12); (b) the Bible should be interpreted properly by employing sound hermeneutical principles; and (c) proper interpretation of the Bible must inform our daily lifestyle. Such convictions imply the teachings and counsels of the Bible are still normative towards sound Christian behaviour among all believers. The NZC believes that proper understanding of the Bible is a essential toward fulfilling the mission mandate before us “making disciples for all nations and preparing people for the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
Considering the convictions highlighted above, this Bible Conference seeks to demonstrate some ideal interpretations of the Word. Several books of the Bible are unpacked in tune with sound hermeneutical principles. A team of carefully selected Bible scholars will present papers for the benefit all attendees to this conference. I appreciate the presenters’ willingness to spend quality time with us. In doing so, I believe that our frontline workers will be inspired and empowered to handle the Word of God with great care. It is my prayer that such exposure will inspire ministers of the Word to develop quality Bible lessons and preaching materials. May God help each of us to understand His Word and live according to its guiding principles. Once again, welcome to our 1st Bible Conference as NZC.
Oswell Dzvairo, PhD.
President
North Zimbabwe Conference.