Reflections on the experiences of pastoral caregivers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe-central diocese during the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Abstract

The tragic COVID-19 outbreak from Wuhan, China, prompted governments to enact public health measures to stem the virus's spread after the World Health Organization proclaimed it to be a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The epidemic had a devastating global impact that forced Governments to implement public health measures to stop the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 lockdown laws prohibited in-person gatherings which traditionally served as the foundation for Christian worship. In order to develop pastoral care strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the main goal of this research study was to reflect in depth on the experiences of pastoral caregivers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe-Central Diocese (ELCZ-CD) during the lockdown restrictions. Using qualitative research methodologies, the researcher collected data from forty (40) purposively selected pastoral caregivers. Desktop research was utilized to supplement field research. Moyo’s 2015 pastoral care theology formed the principal underpinning theoretical framework complemented by Martin Luther’s neighborliness care and the indigenous Karanga social philosophy of ukama (related and interrelatedness) propounded by Hungwe and Ndofirepi (2021). Two major findings that emerged were: first, the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions killed the tried and tested physical gathering coping mechanisms of the church. Second, although it posed several social challenges, COVID-19 lockdown restrictions provided opportunities for the church to learn new ways of doing traditional things differently (Moyo, 2016). Recommendations are that the church should embrace technology and invest in the media ministry for effective pastoral care during lockdowns.