"Churches must stop creating their small heaven on earth and start working to develop their communities socially, economically and physically – thereby paving the way for spiritual freedom in society."

These are strong words from a prominent and dynamic Limpopo clergyman, Pastor Mulalo Madzivhe of the Thohoyandou-based Christingle Fellowship Centre, who is worried about the diminished role played the churches in the communities.

"There is no use to perform miracles, speak in tongues and get rid of demons if the church does not care about its society. The rate of crime is climbing up the ladder on a daily basis but we still say police and politicians will fix up the situation. If you fail to protect your brother next door, it means you are also failing to protect God, who created you and your brother."

Pastor Madzivhe says the church will never transform if sinners are still sidelined. "If one is doing bad things and you don’t go near him, it means you are encouraging him to go on with the bad things. How will these people understand us if we don’t become their friends? The church must say no to sin, but it must not judge sinners. We must give them special seats in the church so that they must know that we love them and it would be easier for them to transform."

He added that the church must make a difference in the lives of the people it serves. "Politicians are doing their best to preach peace but they will never succeed if the church does not assist them. The church is the mouthpiece of God and it should serve anyone, regardless of whether he is a Christian or not. If Jesus was still alive on earth, he would probably be worried because the church is not doing enough to help the poor, the deceived and the wicked."