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By Charles Mkoka
Evangelist
Silvanus Ngemera, author of African Orthodox Derekh: Unified and Africanized
Christianity, has today September 6, 2024, unveiled plans for a new
religious movement tailored specifically for Africans in 42 countries across
Sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking to journalists, Ngemera described the inception of
this unique denomination, aimed at returning to the roots of early Christianity
while empowering African believers.
Ngemera
emphasized that the church will not follow the traditional hierarchy seen in
many Christian denominations. "There will be no deacons, priests, or
pastors," he declared. Instead, the church will be led by apostles and the
congregation itself, reflecting a radical departure from established
structures.
In
explaining why this new denomination is distinct, Ngemera pointed to its
foundation in the original Jerusalem church, separating it from European and
American Christian traditions. "All Christian denominations in Sub-Saharan
Africa are extensions of European and American churches, governed from
abroad," he said. "This foreign control is a form of 'religious
colonialism,' which neither God nor His messenger, Jesus Christ, ever intended.
Christianity is the opposite of colonialism."
Ngemera
further explained the significance of the term Derekh, a Hebrew word
meaning "The Way of God," which was used by the early church in
Jerusalem. This emphasis on the authentic roots of Christianity distinguishes
the new movement from what he called "Westernized versions" of the
faith.
"African
Orthodox Derekh gives Africans both freedom and authority in their faith,"
Ngemera stated. By eliminating permanent leaders and hierarchies, the movement
aims to remove social stratification, placing all believers on an equal
footing. The church belongs to no one but God, with Jesus as the spiritual
shepherd guiding the congregation.
The
new African Orthodox Church is designed to separate itself from Western
Christianity and reclaim its foundational roots in Jerusalem, as evidenced in
the Bible (Micah 4:1-2; John 4:21-22; Acts 10:34; Matthew 21:43). Ngemera
revealed that plans are in place to reform traditional liturgy, theology,
catechism, and guidelines to reflect this renewed African perspective.
"This
church will lead believers to a direct connection with divinity, the saints in
the flesh, and God's messengers," he said, referencing biblical passages
that affirm humanity's divine nature (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 82:6; Romans 8:29-30;
2 Peter 1:2-4; Matthew 17:28; Ephesians 4:24).
To
further this goal, the church has established a training institution for its
ministers, focusing on preaching and altar service, while leaving financial and
administrative duties to the congregation. "Our servants will focus on the
spiritual and the rest will be managed by the believers," Ngemera noted.
The
church is firmly rooted in Matthew 6:33, declaring a single shepherd, Jesus
(referred to as ISHO), and rejecting the traditional roles of bishops, priests,
and pastors. "The word Derekh is Hebrew for Gospel, stripped of its
Greek interpretations," Ngemera said, emphasizing the movement’s focus on
the original language and meaning.
Ngemera
acknowledged that the church's mission represents a long-term revolution in
African Christianity. "This is a reformation that will take time," he
admitted. "There are over 30 American-based denominations in Africa, none
of which include African leadership, yet they operate here."
Despite
the challenges ahead, Ngemera is confident that this new denomination will
reshape Christianity on the continent, though he admitted it may take time to
fully succeed. He stressed that this reformation is crucial for the future of
Christianity in Africa.
Discussing
the nature of the faith, Ngemera added that their message does not concern
itself with judging others. "Christianity is not about condemning
people," he explained. "It's about leaving sin behind, and there is
no sin in the church—God is not looking for that."
Ngemera
concluded by highlighting the symbol of the African Orthodox Church: the
"Spear and Cross." This symbol, he said, represents the union of
African identity with Christianity. "We call it the Spear Cross,
the mark of a denomination that brings together Christian faith and African
heritage."
The
path to establishing the African Orthodox Derekh may be challenging, but
Ngemera’s bold vision for a unified, Africanized Christianity is already
stirring deep interest across the continent. By restoring the faith to its
Jerusalem roots and empowering African believers to lead their spiritual
journey, this movement could mark a new era in African Christianity.
With
its focus on dismantling religious colonialism and placing authority in the
hands of the people, the African Orthodox Derekh holds the promise of
transforming how millions of Africans engage with their faith. This movement,
though revolutionary, taps into a desire for authenticity, freedom, and a
return to the core tenets of Christianity—a vision that could inspire
generations to come. Ngemera's mission isn’t just to reform, but to ignite a
spiritual revolution, one that will resonate through the heart of Africa for
years to come.