As part of the Conference Zimbabwe Partnership, a small group of United Methodist laity from Zimbabwe will present a one evening Lay Academy at three different locations around Western Pennsylvania. The events are offered in the spirit of Chabadza, a community spirit of coming along-side someone who is already at work. Each evening will include presentations on Evangelism, Discipleship and Class Meetings from a Zimbabwean perspective, sharing ideas and practices that have led to growth there.

The same Academy program will be offered from 5-8:30 pm in three locations, and will include a light meal, fellowship and discussion. The locations are:

• Monday, October 22, 2018- Glenwood UMC, Erie, PA
• Wednesday October 24, 2018- Calvary UMC, Pittsburgh, PA 
• Thursday October 25, 2018- Calvary UMC Windber, Johnstown, PA

EVANGELISM
Christians are called to Evangelize and reach out to the lost. Evangelism is the work of the Holy Spirit. Our Zimbabwean brothers and sisgters will share how GOD has worked and moved and made differences through Christ in their lives. Share with us what their lives were like before meeting Jesus Christ and how they describe lives since accepting Jesus. They'll share ideas and/or examples that may be used in Western PA  on how churches/congregations in Zimbabwe match with their people's strengths with needs.  

DISCIPLESHIP
The presentation will focus on how Zimbabwean leaders help their congregations live into our mission of forming members into faithful Disciples of Jesus Christ living as Christ's witnesses in the world.  They'll offer suggestions and ideas for creating committed and spirit-filled discipleship groups for all ages. 

CLASS/CELL GROUP MEETINGS
This presentation will focus on the development of congregations/communities who share their lives, their walk with God and their witness for Jesus TOGETHER, just as John Wesley was intentional in placing individuals in small groups to foster and encourage their spiritual growth.

Our Zimbabwean sisters and brothers will lead a presentation and discussion by sharing their methods and their stories of how they build relationships and trust within the class/cell gatherings by "watching over one another in love" and becoming better followers of Jesus in the Zimbabwe community. They will share why it it is important to be committed to the formation of class/cell groups and of attending the class/cell groups. They'll also show how Zimbabwean Class leaders lead, how/where they plan their meeting and offer ideas that would be helpful in the formation of Class/Cell groups in Western PA. 

    (Select the site on the registration form.)