Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga

Africa
Southern Africa Regional Conference
Zimbabwe Episcopal Area

Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga is the active Resident Bishop of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana Episcopal Area, elected on March 15, 2025, during the Africa Central Conference held at Birchwood Conference Center, South Africa. The Africa Central Conference was divided with Zimbabwe becoming part of the Southern Africa Central Conference.

BACKGROUND, EDUCATION & ORDINATION
A renowned prospective professional soccer player in his youth, he chose to follow his spiritual calling, beginning his ministry journey in 1982. He brings over 42 years of dedicated pastoral ministry, having answered his call to serve at the age of 18. He was ordained as a deacon in 1984 at Mutambara United Methodist Centre and as an Elder in 1986 at Old Mutare United Methodist Centre. Bishop Machinga earned a Diploma in Theology from Zimbabwe in 1986 and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Claremont School of Theology in 2004, as well as a Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education in 2008. His pastoral journey reflects a steadfast commitment to faith, leadership, and service across various capacities and world regions.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

• Zimre Park UMC (Zimre, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2023-2025)
• Cranborne UMC (Harare, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2015–2022)
• Hilltop UMC (Mutare, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2013–2014) and additional responsibilities in 2009
• King David UMC (Mutare, ZEAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2008–2012)
• St. Mark (Highfields, ZWAC): Pastor-in-Charge (2006–2007) and Adjunct Lecturer at United Theological College
• Westmont Pomona UMC (USA): Student Pastor-in-Charge (2004)
• Twenty-Nine Palms UMC (USA): Student Pastor-in-Charge (2003)
  District Superintendent (1997–2002): Mutare District (ZEAC)
• Interim District Superintendent (1991): Mutare District (ZEAC)
• Washington First UMC (Illinois, USA): International Pastor Exchange (1991)
• St. Peters Innercity UMC (ZAC): Pastor-in-Charge (1989–1996)
• Chiredzi, Chambuta & Zaka Circuits (ZAC): Pastor-in-Charge (1988)
• Zimunya South Circuit, Munyarari (ZAC): Pastor-in-Charge (1987)
• Harare-St. Paul (ZAC): Assistant Pastor (1982)

LEADERSHIP IN CHURCH GOVERNANCE
Zimbabwe Annual Conference:

• Missions Chairperson
• Registrar, Board on Ordained Ministry
• Vice Chairperson, Board of Trustees
• Member, Council on Finance and Administration
• Member, Committee on Episcopacy

Zimbabwe West Annual Conference:

• Connectional Ministries Chairperson

Zimbabwe East Annual Conference:

• Conference Secretary
• Chairperson, Board on Ordained Ministry
• Chairperson, Board of Discipleship
• Chairperson, Bishop Ralph Dodge Scholarship Fund

Zimbabwe Episcopal Area:

• Publishing Team Coordinator

ECUMENICAL ENGAGEMENT

• UMC Representative to the Christian Care Ecumenical Organization
• Chairperson, United Theological College Council
• Chairperson, Church Community Police Network
• Advocate for ecumenism to foster unity across Christian denominations

GENERAL UMC CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS

• Board Member, Africa Upper Room Ministries
• Supervisor for publishing teams under The General Board of Discipleship
• Standing Committee Member on Central Conference Matters
• Head Delegate for ZEAC to General and Central Conferences

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Advisory Board Member & Treasurer- Prison & Correctional Services-Manicaland
• Region Vice Chairperson, Rukariro Rehabilitation Centre for physically handicapped
• Advisory Board Member, Mary Mount Teachers College
• Advisory Board Member, Mutare Teachers College
• Justice, Peace & Advocacy Area Chairman – Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Manicaland Church Community Police Network Chairperson

PUBLICATIONS

• Being United Methodists for 100 years,1997 (co-authoring)
• Time Is Now: Preparing Candidates for Baptism and Confirmation in the United Methodist Church, 2011.
• The Christian Year (Liturgical calendar), 2011
• A Guide to Candidates for Baptism & Confirmation, 2012 (Coordinator & Contributor)

FAMILY LIFE
Bishop Machinga married Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga, an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church. She holds a Ph.D. majoring in Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is a seasoned psychotherapist and the Clinical Director of an organization she founded in Zimbabwe to provide comprehensive mental health, trauma healing, and substance use rehabilitation services. Dr. Mazvita Machinga served as the James Walker Endowed Chair for Pastoral Care and Counseling Services and Interim Dean of Student Affairs at Africa University. They were married in 1989 and are blessed with two daughters, Rujeko (married to Akinola) and Sussana. Rooted in faith and guided by God’s calling, their family is dedicated to serving, healing, and empowering others through different ministries. With love and commitment, they strive to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and transformative service in their respective communities and beyond.

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Office contact:
Dr. Anesu Mironga
exec.assist@umczzmbea.org