Much has changed in the church and the world over the past 20 years, but a partnership built on a shared relationship between Denver Presbytery and the Presbytery of Zimbabwe has helped mid council and church leaders adapt and grow stronger through the uncertainty of global politics, declining church support, the urgency of the Covid pandemic and changes to mission models.
This year, delegations from Denver and Zimbabwe are crossing the Atlantic to worship, fellowship and sign a new memorandum of understanding to honor their partnership and affirm its future. A delegation from Denver completed a visit in February 2025, while another group of delegates from Zimbabwe plans to visit Denver in this month.
According to Presbyterian News Service, the partnership began in 2004 when the Rev. Tom Sheffield, lead pastor of Denver Presbytery (the executive presbyter position at the time), welcomed the first delegation from Zimbabwe through the recommendation of a seminary classmate of his, the late Rev. Max Chigwida.
The partnership grew due to the advocacy of Chigwida and with the help of PC(USA) mission co-workers serving in the area over the years. During that time, homes and hearts were opened in Denver and Zimbabwe as delegations went back and forth every few years and communication increased. Mutual ministries and missions developed that affected lives in both places.
“Zimbabwean ministers were given rest in Denver, and retired Denver ministers found new ways to use their gifts among leaders and members of congregations in Zimbabwe,” Sheffield said.
While visiting City Church in Harare, Sheffield learned of his mother’s death back in the United States.
“I was a long way away, and it was decided services would be held later when the whole family could gather. However, I would not have the last word.”
“Unbeknownst to me, the ministers and their spouses in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe organized a service for my mother. Every minister of the presbytery and all their spouses came and surrounded me and my Denver colleagues who had accompanied me with embraces, beautiful words, joyous and triumphant songs, and an unforgettable time of healing and hope in our risen Christ,” he said.
Sheffield added, “We are living in a difficult, turbulent, and divisive time. The partnership offers a possibility to find a unity in Christ and a connection as Presbyterians.” He noted that along with setting up a mission together, the partnership has developed “a depth of relationship that has gone far beyond any cultural superiority or worn-out colonial attitudes.”
“It truly has brought a sign that together and in Christ we are never alone.”
Reverend Paul Neshangwe has been a part of the Denver-Zimbabwe presbyteries partnership since its founding. He and his wife, Lydia, lived in Denver for five years during which Paul offered his gifts for ministry and mission as a staff member of Denver presbytery while Lydia attended seminary in Denver.
Learning how to embrace women’s gifts for ministry has been an important outcome of the relationship between the Denver Presbytery and the Presbytery of Zimbabwe, which is now a part of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA).
After the Neshangwes returned to Zimbabwe, Paul and Lydia both followed their calls. Lydia now serves as the moderator of the UPCSA, a denomination with ministries that stretch from the Cape of Good Hope north into Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her tenure spans 2023–25, and she is the second woman to hold this position. Paul and Lydia are currently colleague ministers (co-pastors) at St. Columba’s Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe of the UPCSA.
“The two presbyteries have been intentionally working together, providing mutual spiritual support and prayer, engaging in theological discussions, sharing insights and perspectives on faith and practice, and collaborating on mission and evangelism efforts.”
“There is the mutual benefit of spiritual growth and development and appreciation of what God is doing elsewhere in a way that offers encouragement,” he said. “There is also the benefit of practically enriching friendship in a world where hostility is life-damaging.”
In February 2025, the Neshangwes welcomed a delegation of five members of Denver Presbytery to Zimbabwe. Paul remarked that a highlight of the exchange was witnessing the joy expressed in song and dance when the new Memorandum of Understanding between the two presbyteries was signed during an ordinary meeting of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.
