wfn.org | Kurewa appointed to E. Stanley Jones Chair of Evangelism

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Feb. 21, 2000 News media contact: Linda Green·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.
10-31-71B{085}

By David Manyonga*

OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) -- Africa University's founding vice chancellor,
the Rev. John W. Z. Kurewa, returned to the United Methodist-related
institution in January as an associate professor in the E. Stanley Jones
Chair of Evangelism. 

A noted African theologian, Kurewa served at Africa University from 1989
until his retirement in 1997. In his new role, he will lead efforts to
research, extend and support the ministry of evangelism in churches and
communities across the African continent. The endowed chair, set up in the
Faculty of Theology, was funded by the Foundation for Evangelism of the
United Methodist Church.

"The greatest challenge facing churches in Africa today is how to extend the
Christian faith in a typical African way," Kurewa said. "The number of
emerging churches is a sure sign that people are in search of something." 

As he defines and implements program activities for the E. Stanley Jones
Chair, Kurewa said he intends to take the study of evangelism beyond the
classroom walls. Workshops and seminars are planned for pastors and lay
people alike, and will be offered to students across faculties and at
denominational, ecumenical, national and international levels. 

Key objectives for the E. Stanley Jones Chair include shaping an
understanding among believers that everyone is an evangelist; enabling
people to speak about evangelism in both the African and global contexts
with confidence; and helping evangelists share the faith in ways that suit
their personalities and lifestyles. 

"I am pleased that John Kurewa continues to serve in the building up of
Africa University," said Professor Rukudzo Murapa, vice chancellor. "His
presence here and contribution will only strengthen this university's impact
and witness in the area of evangelism."

Kurewa served as the World Council of Churches' secretary for evangelism
from 1978 to 1980. He went to Africa University in 1989 from the post of
secretary to the Parliament of Zimbabwe. He did his undergraduate and
postgraduate studies in the United States. He holds a bachelor of arts
degree in history, philosophy and sociology from Asbury College in Kentucky
and a bachelor of divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary in
Illinois. He earned his master's degree and doctorate from Northwestern
University in Illinois.

As Africa University's first vice chancellor, Kurewa played an important
role in efforts to get the institution chartered and launched in Zimbabwe.
Africa University opened in 1992 with 40 students in two faculties --
agriculture and natural resources and theology. Today, the institution has
870 students and undergraduate programs in five faculties. The faculties of
theology and management and administration also offer postgraduate programs.

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*Manyonga is a program assistant in the Africa University Information
Office.

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United Methodist News Service
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