Rev Dr. M Mpofu

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The Department came into operation on the 1st of October 2001 when the first Senior Chaplain was employed by the University. The Department of Chaplaincy Services conducts a program that is supportive of educational process of the Midlands State University , enshrined in its mission statement, which "devotes itself to effective teaching and training through flexible packaging and work related learning methodologies , as well as quality research for the immediate and ultimate benefit of humanity ....." The University's vision is "to come up with a unique pace setting and development oriented University with the capacity to produce innovative and enterprising graduates".

 

The Ecumenical chaplaincy services provides students, in particular , with another avenue by which to discover explore , understand themselves as whole persons (spiritually, physically, intellectually , psychologically, emotionally) and many facets of the world around them.

 

 

3.1 The Ecumenical Chaplaincy acknowledges the Unique role of providing spiritual guidance, Counseling and Pastoral care to the students staff and families of the Midlands State University. To be a community, which fosters the spiritual dimension of life and celebrates the diversity of God’s gifts to the University?

 

 

4.1 To Minister effectively to the needs of the University community and the society at large through the accompaniment of individual staff members and their families and students in their faith journeys towards wholeness, provisions of spiritual guidance, pastoral care and counseling , moral and material support.

 

 

5.1 The ecumenical Chaplaincy Services seeks to encourage and instills a spirit of self worthiness, self confidence , among the students and staff guided by the values of love , faith , honesty , trustworthiness , integrity , truthfulness, accountability , responsibility , respect (for all), participation, transparency , self discipline , hard work and striving for excellence.

 

 

6.1 The Department of Ecumenical Chaplaincy Services headed by the Senior Chaplain is one of the departments operating under the Division of Student Affairs.

 

6.1.2 To minister to the spiritual needs of the entire University (Students, staff and families) in times of celebration and morning. The Chaplain co-ordinates and conducts University Campus Community Services, special ceremonies denominational Fellowships, Christian Associations.

 

6.1.3 To provide a creative Christian presence in the university offering pastoral care for students faculty , staff and their families in times of trauma , indecision, sickness, bereavement of distress and to officiate at ceremonies honoring the ending of life , birth or moments of marriage or covenant.

 

6.1.4 To facilitate inter-faith that will contribute to wholesome relationships, create an atmosphere of religious tolerance and co-operation among the diversity Christian association and churches within the campus.

 

6.1.5 To coordinate the University Choir where students are encouraged to participate.

 

6.1.8 To coordinate Community? Charity Service.

 

6.1.9 To assist with very small short term loans to students under Chaplaincy Student Hardship Fund (if available) in times of emergencies like registration and / or death.

 

 

7.1 University Chaplaincy is a team Ministry consisting of a full time University Chaplain and a number of Associate and honorary Chaplains appointed by national denominations band churches, within Gweru with the aim of:

 

7.1.1 Promoting Christian nature and spiritual life within the specific traditions and backgrounds of the church for the purpose of common witness and service to the students and staff.

7.1.2 Participating in the formal occasions in the life of the University, such as new students and parents orientation, held twice a year (March and August), prayers at commencement services and end of semester services, University’s special ceremonies like graduation, memorial services, and other special worship services.

7.1.3 The Associate or honorary Chaplains are appointed by and accountable to their churches who pay for all their expense.

 

 

8.1 The churches and Ecumenical Partners in Zimbabwe and Overseas (USA, Australia etc) are actively involved in the spirit life, and socio-economic welfare of our students through the provision of tuition fees and living allowances.

 

8.2 The financial contribution towards the University projects namely:

- The Chaplaincy student hardship revolving loan fund.

-The chapel construction fund.

 

 

9.1 The Chaplains appointed by Churches, together with the Senior Ecumenical Chaplain of the University makes up the Chaplaincy Board.

9.2 The Chairpersons of the various Christian Associations from the following:

Roman Catholic , Main Line Protestant Churches meet with the Senior Chaplain from time to time to discuss the Semester activities of each group , plan on leadership workshops of these Christian leaders and the Religious Life on campus.

9.3 The Christian Groups on Campus go out on communities outreach within the neighbourhood and to the neighbouring rural communities preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.