Silverdale Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church held its installation service for Pastor Milson Ndlovu on Sunday, Dec. 1. (Credit: Milson Ndlovu)
Ndlovu became a born-again Christian, participating in fellowships and gospel outreach teams before becoming a pastor.
At the age of 15, Zimbabwean Milson Ndlovu was attending regular church service when he heard a sermon that would transform his life.
“The preacher was preaching from Luke 16, the story of the Prodigal Son, and I got transformed,” said Ndlovu. “I experienced what I would call a new birth.”
Born on his family’s kitchen floor in the small town of Chivu, Ndlovu attended church throughout his childhood while conceding that he “lived in sin.” But after hearing the story of the Prodigal Son, he decided to turn over a new leaf.
“I got this conviction that many young people are lost, without being in Christ. I thought there is a missing vacuum when one is not in Christ,” said Ndlovu. “And it is because of this conviction that I became a pastor.”
Ndlovu became a born-again Christian, participating in fellowships and gospel outreach teams before becoming a pastor. At its peak, his church boasted over 12,000 congregants.
“It’s a high calling,” said Ndlovu. “And you are apolitical. You don’t belong to any political party. You minister across politics, ages, colors, creeds.”
Path to U.S.
Ndlovu first visited the United States in the summer of 2015 to attend the Mennonite World Conference in Minneapolis. He stayed with his cousin, a Minnesota resident.
More recently, Ndlovu’s son, Chrysostom, enrolled in Montgomery County Community College. While a student, Chrysostom informed his father of a vacant pastor post at the Silverdale Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church. Impressed by the church’s reputation and impact, Ndlovu submitted his application.
“The Silverdale church has been able to reach out to many people, those troubled,” said Ndlovu. “It has touched a number of lives.”
Church Bishop Brian Hawk speaks to Pastor Milson Ndlovu and wife Rejoice during Ndlovu’s installation service. (Credit: Milson Ndlovu)Mennonite roots
The Brethren in Christ Church was founded in the late 1700s by European settlers east of the Susquehanna River. Falling within the Anabaptist tradition of Christianity, the church has its roots in the Mennonite Church.
The Silverdale BIC Church was founded in 1863. Its website describes its congregation as “people looking wholeheartedly to Jesus as Savior and Lord, engaging in Christ-centered community and committing to the ministry of healing and reconciliation.”
Following a recruitment process, Ndlovu was selected as the church’s next pastor. In announcing its decision, the church said Ndlovu brings a “wealth of experience, passion for spreading the gospel, and a heart of serving the community.”
“Pastor Ndlovu’s deep-rooted faith, dedication to ministry, and commitment to fostering a spirit of love and unity align perfectly with the values we hold dear at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church,” said the church. “We are confident that his leadership and the unique perspective he brings will greatly enrich our congregation.”
Pastor Milson Ndlovu and wife Rejoice present their gift of African attire to the Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church family. (Credit: Milson Ndlovu)
Pastor Milson Ndlovu, wife Rejoice and church congregants enjoy a fellowship service and feast following the installation service. (Credit: Milson Ndlovu)Installation
Ndlovu, along with his wife Rejoice, relocated to Silverdale last month. His installation service was held on Sunday, Dec. 1, followed by a fellowship service the next day.
“The service was so great,” said Ndlovu. “The music and the preaching of the word was life-transforming. Not to mention, connecting with brothers and sisters, some whom I know, some whom it was the first time to connect with.
“The bishop came here and asked about our background, our family, how we feel since we’ve arrived here,” he added. “We did mention that we experienced snow, something that I never experienced back home in Zimbabwe.”
Ndlovu is the first Black, non-American pastor at the church. His installation marks the church’s first reverse mission, as its missionaries have historically traveled from the United States to Zimbabwe and other African countries. Ndlovu expressed excitement at his historic post, while feeling a deep obligation to be a good role model.
“I’m excited about it, but at the same time, I feel a lot of responsibility,” said Ndlovu. “I’ve got to excel in this role so that the opportunity that the Lord has opened will continue to be open for those that would sense a similar call that I sensed.”
“And also for the churches around in the United States to feel confident to hire, invite ministers from all over the world to serve them,” he added.
In his new role, Ndlovu looks forward to connecting with both believers and non-believers in the community and growing the church’s congregation, hoping to carry on its legacy of transformation.
“I want to reach out to those who have not heard about the love of God, who are lost in sin, who are sick, who need compassion, healing, reconciliation,” said Ndlovu. “There are people who find it difficult at times to relate to their family members. I sense the Lord is calling me to get involved in that ministry of reconciliation, where relationships are restored.”
“This is more than a church building. We are a family,” Ndlovu concluded. “We love and care for all people that God sends to us. The dynamic of this wonderful community of believers is seen and felt each time we gather. May we all experience God’s love, God’s power and God’s grace.”
