Apostolic Faith Foundation Ministries (AFFM) has celebrated its first anniversary after a year of rapid growth, church expansion and community empowerment under the leadership of its founder, Bishop Steady Munyanyi.
Since its establishment, the church has expanded its footprint with branches in Waterfalls, Westgate, Epworth, Stoneridge, Murehwa and Chibuwe in Chipinge, attracting a growing congregation across the country.
Beyond its spiritual mission, AFFM has distinguished itself through programmes aimed at economically empowering its members.
The church has assisted several entrepreneurs with business capital, business management training and spiritual guidance, enabling many members to establish and grow their own businesses.
Bishop Munyanyi attributed the church's growth to God's grace and its commitment to spreading the Gospel.
"I was sent to preach the Word of God, so when we see more labourers coming into the vineyard, we thank God. We are not in this for anything else but for the expansion of God's work," he said.
The bishop, who is also a businessman and philanthropist, said the ministry was committed to transforming lives through both spiritual and economic empowerment.
"We do not do these things for ourselves but for God. His will is for His children to live according to His purpose, and the growth of the church is a testimony of what He is doing," he said.
As part of strengthening its leadership structures, AFFM recently ordained several church leaders to support its expanding ministry.
Bishop Munyanyi said the church also seeks to redefine perceptions often associated with apostolic churches by encouraging education, entrepreneurship and personal development alongside spiritual growth.
While AFFM members wear the symbolic white garments traditionally associated with apostolic worship, he said the church promotes a balanced interpretation of scripture. Quoting 1 Timothy 2:9, Bishop Munyanyi said women in the ministry are not prohibited from styling their hair, stressing that God values inner beauty, modesty and godliness above outward appearance.
He added that AFFM's leadership philosophy is centred on stewardship and community empowerment rather than dependence on congregants' offerings, with the church focusing on uplifting members socially, economically and spiritually.
The church said it remained committed to expanding its ministry while continuing to equip members with the spiritual and practical tools needed to improve their lives and positively impact their communities.
