When the Uniform Speaks Louder Than the Gospel: A Call to Handle Offence Inside the Church, Not in Court
A reflective Christian commentary on handling church conflict biblically rather than through courts, emphasising Matthew 18 principles, Adventist identity and the responsibility of believers to protect the church’s witness through reconciliation and grace.
Harry
By Dr. Masimba Mavaza
Harare — The Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches that we are “a peculiar people, zealous for good works.” Peculiar means set apart. Zealous means careful with how we represent Christ.
Recent events involving Evangelist Marufu, a well-known Adventist preacher, have left many believers asking a hard question: Are we protecting the Church’s name, or embarrassing it?
Marufu was arrested under Zimbabwe’s cyber-bullying laws after he commented on a video that went viral.
In the video, some Adventist pastors’ wives, wearing the Adventist uniform, were seen dancing to secular music.
Marufu posted a comment. The wives reported him to the police, not to church elders. He was arrested.
Let us be clear: No one is saying Christians cannot dance, or enjoy music. The concern raised was this: If you choose to wear the Church’s uniform in public, you are wearing the Church’s reputation too.
1. The Uniform is a Witness, Not a Costume. When a pastor’s wife, elder, or member puts on an Adventist uniform, it is not just fabric. To the community, it says: “This is what an Adventist looks like. This is what Adventists value.”
Mixing that visible identity with worldly entertainment sends a mixed message. It confuses new believers, gives critics ammunition, and, many would argue, borders on disrespect to what the uniform is meant to represent.
If you want to dance to any music you like, you are free to do so as a private citizen. But the uniform asks you to remember: You no longer represent only yourself.
2. “Would Jesus Have Reported You to the Police?” This is the heart of the matter for Christians.
Matthew 18:15-17 gives the blueprint: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone... If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
The Bible does not say, “Go and report him to the authorities first.” It says, “Go to him.” Then, if needed, take 2-3 witnesses. Then, take it to the church.
When believers bypass the church and run to the police over a sermon, a comment, or church discipline, we do 3 things:
1. We embarrass the whole faith. The world watches and says, “So Christians cannot settle things among themselves?”
2. We weaponise the State against the brethren. Police and courts are for crime, not for internal church correction or theological disagreement.
3. We lose the chance to win a brother. A private, prayerful conversation could restore. A police docket creates permanent damage.
Ask yourself: If someone corrected you sharply online, would you want them in a cell, or would you want them at your table with the Bible open?
4. Power and Proximity Are Not a Weapon.
It is one thing for any member to be offended and it is another when those close to church leadership use that access to target individuals.
Using influence, position, or connections to “deal with” a preacher outside church structures is not Christlike. It looks like retaliation, not reconciliation.
It fails to demonstrate the humility, patience and forgiveness that Adventism preaches from the pulpit every Sabbath.
The Church is already under scrutiny. We do not need self-inflicted wounds.
What Should Christians Do Instead?
1. Guard the Uniform: If you wear it, wear it with reverence. If you disagree with a standard, discuss it inside the Church, not by testing it on TikTok.
2. Respond, Don’t Report: If a sermon or comment offends you, respond with Scripture, reason, and respect. Comment back. Ask for a meeting. Write to the elder. Do not call 999 because your feelings are hurt.
3. Follow Matthew 18: Offence → Private talk → Witnesses → Church board. Police is not step 1.
4. Remember the Mission: We are trying to take people to Jesus, not take each other to court. Every headline about Adventists arresting Adventists is a door that closes for evangelism.
To Evangelist Marufu, To the Pastors’ Wives, To All of Us: Marufu’s tone may have been sharp. The wives’ dancing may have been unwise. But both sides are Adventist.
Both sides will sit at the same table in heaven, if we do not destroy each other on earth first.
The world is watching. Let them see a Church that can correct itself with grace, not one that needs the police to keep it in order.
The uniform speaks. The Gospel speaks louder. Let us make sure they are saying the same thing.
