Building the Christian Church on a Rock: In Search of Virtues for the Church We Want in Africa

edited by Munyaradzi Mawere, Simbarashe Munamati and Mernard Musendekwa

Building the Christian Church on a Rock is a multidisciplinary theological volume that critically interrogates the persistent crisis of church fragmentation across Africa. Despite the rapid growth and influence of African Christianity, the church faces deep-seated challenges – including leadership disputes, doctrinal tensions, socio-political entanglements, and ethical failures – that undermine its unity and transformative mission. Bringing together diverse scholarly voices, this book situates contemporary ecclesial crises within historical, cultural, and theological trajectories, tracing their roots from pre-colonial religiosity and missionary Christianity to postcolonial and Pentecostal developments. The contributors demonstrate that church divisions are not merely doctrinal anomalies, but are deeply embedded in complex intersections of colonial legacies, power dynamics, gender relations, governance failures, and contested biblical interpretations. Using case studies from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and other African contexts, the volume explores how authoritarian leadership, prosperity theology, the politicisation of faith, and weak theological formation drive fragmentation. Concurrently, it advances constructive frameworks for renewal, championing Ubuntu-informed ecclesiology, ethical leadership, restorative justice, and ecumenical collaboration. Ultimately, the book calls for a paradigm shift toward proactive, contextually grounded strategies that prioritise accountability, inclusivity, and spiritual integrity. It envisions an African church firmly rooted “on the rock” – characterised by unity, moral responsibility, and a renewed commitment to its prophetic role in society. This volume is an essential resource for students and scholars in Theology, African Studies, Religious Studies, and Social Anthropology.

Publisher: Langaa RPCIG, Cameroon
Pages: 400
Year: 2026
Category: African Studies
Dimensions: 229×152 mm
ISBN:Shipping class: POD

Munyaradzi Mawere

Munyaradzi Mawere is a Professor in the Simon Muzenda School of Arts, Culture and Heritage Studies at Great Zimbabwe University. He holds a PhD in Social Anthropology; a Master’s Degree in Social Anthropology; a second Master’s Degree in Philosophy; a third Master’s Degree in Development Studies; BA (Hons) Degree in Philosophy; Certificate in Tertiary and Higher Learning; Certificate in Information Technology; and a Certificate in Diplomacy, Negotiation and Bargaining. He is an author of more than 50 books and over 200 academic publications straddling the following areas: poverty and development studies, African philosophy, cultural philosophy, democracy, politics of food production, humanitarianism and civil society organisations, urban anthropology, existential anthropology, environmental anthropology, society and politics, religion, decoloniality and African studies.

Simbarashe Munamati

Rev. Dr. Simbarashe Munamati holds a PhD in Religion, Gender, and Development. An ordained Reformed Church in Zimbabwe minister, he serves as Vice Moderator, Principal of Murray Theological Seminary, and Dean at Reformed Church University. A widely published international presenter, his research spans theological education, public health, gender, and community development.

Mernard Musendekwa

Rev. Dr. Menard Musendekwa is an Old Testament scholar and Minister of Religion. Currently the Chair of Theology at Reformed Church University and Vice-Principal of Murray Theological College, he widely publishes on Church History, Gender Studies, and Climate Change. He remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of theological scholars.