PhD studies—ongoing (Evangelical Theologische Faculteit, Belgium), MA (Evangelical Theologische Faculteit), MA (Mzuzu University, Malawi), BA (African Bible College, Malawi), UCE (UNILIA, Malawi), Cert. in Mass Communication-Radio Programming (Training Institute of African Media Communicators, Egypt).

Department of Theology and Religious Studies

Position: Adjunct Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies

Contact Details

Phone

+265 (0) 88 22 98 427

+265 (0) 99 30 34 960

Email

godwinslwinga@gmail.com

I teach Philosophy courses, Liberation Theology and Religion and Environmental Issues. I do research in value-based anti-corruption approaches in light of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ethics of responsibility.

Publications

Books

Godwins Lwinga, Gospel and Culture in Malawi: Christian Missions and Ndali Traditions from 1900 to the Present, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2020 (Forthcoming).

Journal Articles

Godwins Lwinga, “The Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Problem of Corruption in Malawi,” Evangelical Review of Theology 44, no. 2 (April 2020): 164-174.

Godwins Lwinga, “The Socio-Religious Contribution of Viyele CCAP Congregation to the Community,” Religion and Culture, Mzuzu University, 2020 (Forthcoming).

UCE (UNIMA), BA (ABC), MDiv (Africa International University), PhD (MZUNI)

Department of Theology and Religious Studies

Lecturer in Theology and Religious studies

Contact details

Cell :  +265 (0) 999 421 486

Email: jmlenga@yahoo.co.uk

Address:      Mzuzu University

Private Bag 201

Luwinga

Mzuzu 2

I teach Theology courses and Religious Studies courses with some concentration in Systematic Theology and African Traditional Religions.

Publications

Book

Dual Religiosity in Northern Malawi: Ngonde Christians and African Traditional Religion,

Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2016.

Other publications:

Mlenga, Joyce. Culture in the Synoptic Gospels, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2012.

Mlenga, Joyce. The Concept of the Living Dead among the Phoka of Northern Malawi,

Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2013.

Mlenga, Joyce. Women in Holy Ministry in the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia: A Study of

Perceptions, Zomba: Kachere, 2008.

BA Biblical Studies, African Bible College, Malawi

Master of Divinity, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL, USA

PhD, Mzuzu University, Malawi

Position:  Senior Lecturer in Church History

Contact: Nyika.f@mzuni.ac.mw

I teach Church History, New Testament, and other theological courses. I am the Deputy Postgraduate Studies Coordinator and sub-editor of Mzuzu Journal of Religion and Culture. My areas of interest are Global Christianity, Pentecostal/Charismatic theology, Early Church studies, Lucan theology, Johannine theology, Ecclesiology, Missiology, Postcolonial theory, African Independent/Indigenous/Initiated Churches, African Traditional Religions, and African Philosophy.

Journal Articles:

Nyika, Felix Chimera, “A Survey of Post-Protestant Reformation Christian Restorationism”, Kachere Document No. 60, Zomba: Kachere, 2008.

Nyika, Felix Chimera, “The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11: An Eclectic Continuationist Appraisal”, MZUNI Documents No. 173, Mzuzu: MZUNI Press, 2012, pp. 20.

Nyika, Felix Chimera, “From Revival to Apostolic Networks”, Religion & Culture, No. 1, (November 2013)

Nyika, Felix Chimera, “Breaking the Religious Glass Ceiling in Malawi: The Case of Apostle Nellie Chigamba,” PentecoStudies, Vol 15, No 2, (2016)

Nyika, Felix Chimera, “African Agency amongst Malawian Neocharismatics”, in Malawi Historiography: A Salute to John McCracken, Wapulumuka Mulwafu and Kenneth R. Ross (editors), Mzuzu: Mzuzu University Press, pp. 2020.

Book Review:

Nyika, Felix Chimera, Book review of Ulf Strohbehn’s Pentecostalism in Malawi: History of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Malawi in Religion in Malawi, No. 16 (November 2011), pp. 43-45, erroneously ascribed to Mark Thiessen by the editors.

Conference Presentations:

Nyika, Felix Chimera, “From Revival to Apostolic Networks and Beyond: The Emergence and Development of Malawian Neocharismatic Churches”, paper presented online at the GloPent World 2020, https://youtu.be/nRGEeg0EkRA

Forthcoming Book:

Nyika, Felix Chimera, Apostolic Office amongst Malawian Neocharismatics Churches, Mzuzu: MZUNI Press, 2021.

1  Biographical Data

1.1       Name:                           Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler

1.4       Religion:                        Christian; member of the Baptist Convention of Malawi

2  Scholarship

1. Tertiary Education: Diploma in Agriculture in 1986, University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture.
2. University Certificate of Education (UCE) in 1994, University of Malawi, Chancellor College.
3. In 1995 I joined Zomba Theological College to study Theology and Religious Studies. After one and a half academic years I transferred to Canberra College of Theology in Australia and received a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1998.
4. In 1998, I rejoined the University of Malawi, Chancellor College and received a Masters degree with credit in Theology and Religious Studies in 2001.
5. From 2002 to 2007 I worked on my PhD in Church History with Chancellor College and transferred my candidature to University of the Free State in 2008. I received my PhD in Church history and Polity from University of the Free State, Bloemfontein in 2011

4 Experience in Teaching

1. Primary School Teacher: Zomba Private School (1990 – 1991)
2. Secondary School Teacher in Biology and Agriculture:  St Mary’s Girls’ Secondary School, Zomba (1991 -1992)
3. Secondary School Teacher in Chemistry and Agriculture: Bwaila Secondary School (1993 – 1994)
4. Secondary School Teacher in Agriculture and Biology: Mulunguzi Secondary School, Zomba (1994)

5. Experience in Lecturing, Research, Writing and Publications

1. Part-time lecturer in Church History and New Testament, University of Malawi Chancellor College (2002-2007)
2. Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Research Supervisor (University of Malawi, Chancellor College (2002-2007)
3. Lecturer in Church History (part-time) at Zambezi College of Ministry (2004-2005)
4. Lecturer in Gender Studies and Church History Mzuzu University (2008 -2013)
5. Senior lecturer in Gender Studies and Church History, Mzuzu University (2013-2017)
6. Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Research Supervisor, Mzuzu University (2008-2020)
7.  Promoted to Associate Professor in 2017, Mzuzu University
8. Sabbatical research projects: A book on Reading A History of the Church in Malawi 1900 – 2021; two anthologies (Gender Based Violence; Violence Against Street Children) Zomba, February 2020 – February 2021
9. Seminar Presentations: Gender Based Violence, Health and Healing, Zomba Theological College, Zomba; Institute of Healing of Memories, South Africa
10.  Publication (2008 – 2017) My books are on  www.africanbookscollective.com

4.2 Local Academic Research Experience

1. Local undergraduate dissertation research supervisor with the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Malawi, Chancellor College (2002-2008)
2. Gender Audit Research team member, Chancellor College (in co-operation with Norwegian Church Aid and WLSA), (2006 – 2008)
3. Local undergraduate dissertation research with the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Mzuzu University (2008-2017)
4. Local postgraduate dissertation research, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Mzuzu University (2008 – 2020)
5. Local postgraduate research with the Department of Education, Mzuzu University (2014-2017)
6. Local postgraduate research with the Department of Community of Transformative Development Studies, Mzuzu University (2014-2017)
7. Collaborative research through Urban Ark, Land Department, Mzuzu University, specializing on gender and disaster (2016-2017)

4.3 Academic International Research Experience

1. Collaborative research with the University of Carolina as Research Associate on gender and health (2011-2013)
2. Collaborative research with the University of the Free State as Research Associate (2011-2013)

Research Output

1. Through these research activities I have publications that are not only visible in Malawi but also internationally.
2. At international level my publications are in South African Based publications, European based publications and American based publications.
3. At local level publications based on my PhD and MA, have found outlet in Kachere Series and in Mzuni Press. Through the African Books Collective (Oxford) these are available and promoted internationally.
4. Dissertations supervised

PhD, Mzuzu University, Department of Theology and Religious Studies

1. Billy Mayaya, Deconstructing Conversion: An Investigation into Conversion that leads to Denominational Change for CCAP Blantyre Synod Christians to Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches, 2016

MA, Mzuzu University, Department of Theology and Religious Studies

1. Khetwayo Banda, “Word Alive Ministries International (WAMI) and its Wholistic Mission” (2012)
2. Ndongolera Mwangupili, “Ngoni and CCJP Approaches to Reconciliation in Katete Parish” (2012)
3. Towera Mwase, “The Marriage Instructions for Girls and Women in Mzuzu Churches” (2012)
4. Oswald Jimmy Banda, “The Role of Women in the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi” (2013)
5. Bridget Manda, Impediments to the Girl Child’s Realization of the Right to Access Basic Education in Malawi: The Case of Chintheche Area in Nkhata Bay District, (2015)
6. Willard Kamandani, The Life and Work of Anglican Women in Malawi, (2016)

MA, Mzuzu University, Department of Education

1. Maxwell Masikini, “Staying in the Profession: What Motivates Primary School Teachers in Rural Areas of Malawi: A Case of Namitambo Zone in Chiradzulu District”, 2015

MA, Transformative Community Development

1. Esther Stone Chirwa, “Climate Variability: How it Affects Women’s Capacity on Food, Water and Energy Needs”, 2015.

Experience in Curriculum Development

• Development of courses in Gender and Theology included in the TRS Curriculum: BTRS 1202 Religion and Feminist Theology,
  BTRS 2305 African Feminist Theology,
  BTRS 3307 Gender and Human Rights,
  BTRS 4803 Gender and Development
  Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dissertations in Gender Issues.
• Development of Theology and Religious Studies Curriculum for Mzuzu University
• Development of Theology and Religious Studied Curriculum for University of Livingstonia

Publications

Books

1. Rachel NyaGondwe Banda, Women of the Bible and Culture. Baptist Convention Women in Southern Malawi, Zomba: Kachere Series, 2005.

2   Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Coming of Age: A Christianized Initiation among Women of Southern Malawi, Zomba: Kachere Series, 2005, ²2007.

3. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Johannes W. Hofmeyr, Klaus Fiedler, African Feminist Hermeneutics. An Evangelical Reflection, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2016.
4. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, An History of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (1889 – 2007). Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2017.

In the process of publication:

5. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Gender Based Violence in Malawi, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2021

Under preparation

6. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Violence Against Street Children in Malawi, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2021
7. Reading Malawi Church History from A Families Perspective ( 1900-2021), Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2021

Articles Published

1. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Place of Religion in the Struggle for the Rights of Girl Children: A Case Study of Experiences of Girl Children in Initiation Pro­grammes in the Rural Communities of Southern Malawi,” Religion in Malawi 10 (2003), pp. 37-41.
2. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Pastors’ Wives and Patriarchy: Experiences of Church Women in Malawi,” Religion in Malawi 13 (2006), pp. 23-27
3. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Challenge of Theological Education for Women in Malawi,” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae 2009, vol. xxxv, supplement, pp. 119-134
4. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Conversion in Africa: A Look from the Women’s Side”, Journal for Christian Scholarship, Spesiale Uitgave 1, 2009, pp. 47-57.
5. Teri Lindgren, Ellen Schell, Sally Rankin, Joel Phiri, Rachael Fiedler, Joseph Chakanza, “Malawi religious organizations’ impact on HIV prevention and care: Garner’s ‘safe sects’ revisited,” The International Journal of Adolescent Health, 2011.
6. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and J.W. Hofmeyr, “The Birth and Growth of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians in Malawi 1989-2011,” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae XXXVII(2) – September 2011.
7. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and J.W. Hofmeyr, “The Conception of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians: Is it African or Western? Acta Theologica [Bloemfontein], 31:1 (2011), pp. 39-57.
8. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Ringen um Identität. Erfahrungen evangelikaler Frauen mit Initiationsriten für Mädchen in Malawi” [Battling with Identities: The Experiences of Evangelical Women with Girl’s Initiation Rites in Malawi], Evangelikale Missiologie 29 (2013) 3, pp. 143 – 147.
9. Linda M. Macintyre, Sally Rankin, Howard Pinderhughes, Catherine Waters, Ellen Schell, Rachel Fiedler, “Socially Disempowered Women as the Key to Addressing Change in Malawi: How Do They Do It? Health Care for Women International, 34:2, 2013, pp. 103 – 121.
10. Teri Lindgren, Ellen Schell, Sally Rankin, Joel Phiri, Rachel Fiedler, Joseph Chakanza, “A Response to Edzi (AIDS): Malawi Faith-Based Organizations’ Impact on HIV Prevention and Care, Journal Assoc Nurses AIDS Care, 24(3), 2013, pp. 227 – 241.

Book Chapters

11. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Against the Flow: Stories of Women Pastors in Malawi, 1961-2001,” in Isabel Apawo Phiri, Devarakshanam Betty Govinden and Sarojini Nadar (eds), Her-Stories. Hidden Histories of Women, Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications, 2002.
12. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Pastors’ Wives and Patriarchy. Experiences of Christian Women in Malawi”, in Isabel Apawo Phiri and Sarojini Nadar (eds), On Being Church. African Women’s Voices and Visions, Geneva: WCC, 2005, pp. 173-183.
13. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Preaching Christ in a Foreign Culture. A Case of Baptist Convention Women in Malawi,” in Thomas Schirrmacher and Christof Sauer (eds), Mission Verändert – Mission Verändert sich, Nürnberg: Verlag für Religionswissen­schaft / Bonn: Verlag für Kultur und Wissenschaft, 2005, pp. 484-488.

Submitted for Publication

14. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Role of Urbanization and Globalization in the Engagement of Baptist Convention Women of Malawi in Development” accepted for publication in the Festschrift of Dorcas Olubanke, The University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 10 pp.
15. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Transferability of Selected Theologies of Isabel Apawo Phiri on HI and AIDS Prevention and Care to Malawi Christian Women in Southern Malawi.” Submitted as a chapter in a book on Faith and HIV and AIDS, The University of South Africa. 2021, 14 pp.

Community Tools

16. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Nthenda ya Edzi Ilikodi, Zomba: Lydia Print, 2006, ²2007. Translated from the original Chichewa into English as: Be Careful. Aids is Real, Zomba: Lydia Print, 2006, and into Chitumbuka as: Tichenjere! Edzi Yiriko Nadi, Zomba: Lydia Print, 2007.
17. Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Tipewe kwa Azamba, Tinke ku Chipatala, Zomba: Lydia Print, 2008.

BA (UNIMA), MA (UNIMA), MEd (Concordia-Portland, Oregon), PhD (UFS)

Department of Theology and Religious Studies

Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies

Contact Details

Phone

+265 (0) 888 865 783

Email

munyenyembe.r@mzuni.ac.mw

I teach Religious Studies courses, Research Methods in Theology and Religious Studies and conduct research in Malawian Church History, especially Presbyterian Church History and related issues.

Publications

Books

Rhodian Munyenyembe, Pursuing an Elusive Unity: A History of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (1924-2018), Carlisle: Langham Publishing, 2019.

Rhodian Munyenyembe, Christianity and Socio-cultural Issues: The Charismatic Movement and Contextualization in Malawi, Zomba: Kachere/Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2012.

Rhodian Munyenyembe, Some Effects of Denominational Pluralism on Congregational Discords, Zomba: Kachere, 2012.

Journal Articles

Rhodian Munyenyembe, “The Voice of John Chilembwe on some Contemporary Malawian Issues”, Religion & Culture no. 2, 2014.

Rhodian Munyenyembe, “Revival History as it Affects Malawian Church History, with Special Reference to the CCAP”, Religion in Malawi, issue no. 17.

Rhodian Munyenyembe, “African Christian Scholars and the Study of African Traditional Religion (ATR)”, Religion in Malawi no. 12, pp. 36-40.

Rhodian Munyenyembe, “Combating HIV/AIDS at Congregational Level: Some Challenges and Suggestions”, Religion in Malawi no. 14, 2007, pp. 41-45.

Rhodian Munyenyembe and Johannes Wynand Hofmeyr, “Lofty but Not powerful: A Critical Analysis of the Position of the General Assembly in the Union of the Church of Central, Africa Presbyterian”, Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, 4 (3), 2016, pp. 1-21.

Rhodian Munyenyembe and Johannes Wynand Hofmeyr, “When Ecclesiastical Unity is Pursued but Not Realized: Synodical Independency and Denominational Pluralism within the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae. Doi 10.17159/2412-4265/2016/1243

Book Reviews

Jonathan Samuel Nkhoma, The Use of Fulfillment Quotations in the Gospel according to Matthew, in Religion in Malawi no. 13, 2006, pp. 45-46. (Reviewed by Munyenyembe, Rhodian).

Masiye Tembo, Touched by His Grace: A Ngoni Story of Tragedy and Triumph, in Religion in Malawi no 12, 2005, pp. 43-44. (Reviewed by Munyenyembe, Rhodian).

Molly Longwe, Growing Up: A Chewa Girls’ Initiation, in Religion in Malawi no 14, 2007, p. 46. (Reviewed by Munyenyembe, Rhodian).

Editorial Work

Jonathan Nkhoma, Rhodian Munyenyembe and Hany Longwe (eds), Mission in Malawi: Essays in Honour of Klaus Fiedler, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2018 [ISBN 978-99960-45-22-6] (Forthcoming).

Editor of the journal, Religion & Culture No.1 (A Mzuzu University journal of Religious and Cultural Studies). 2013

Editor of the journal, Religion & Culture No.2 (A Mzuzu University journal of Religious and Cultural Studies). 2014.

Sub-editor of the journal, Religion in Malawi, (Chancellor College TRS Dept). Responsible for the production of six issues so far: nos. 11 (2004), 12 (2005), 13 (2006), 14 (2007), 15 (2009) and 16 (2011).

Paas, Steven, Dictionary-Mtanthauziramau: English Chichewa/Chinyanja, Blantyre: Foundation Heart for Malawi, 22010 (Provided acknowledged editorial and lexicographical expertise, see p. 5).

Chakanza, J.C., Research in African Traditional Religions: Boys Initiation in Lomwe Society and other Essays, Zomba: Kachere, 2007.

Chakanza, J.C., African Ancestors’ Religion (AAR): Chipembedzo cha Makolo Achikuda, Zomba: Kachere, 2006.

Ndekha, Louis, “Chinula, Charles Chidongo 1885 to 1970 Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Malawi”, online Dictionary of African Christian Biography (DACB), http://www.dacb.org/stories/malawi/chinula_charles.html (supervised and edited by R.G. Munyenyembe, 2003).

Ndekha, Louis, “Yesaya Zerenji Mwasi b. c. 1870 Blackman’s Church (Independent) Malawi”, online Dictionary of African Christian Biography (DACB), http://www.dacb.org/stories/malawi/mwasi_yesaya.html (supervised and edited by R.G. Munyenyembe, 2003).

Ndekha, Louis, “Fredriko Brandson Jalazi (Mbale Mbuu) 1952 to 2002 Seventh Day Apostle Malawi”, online Dictionary of African Christian Biography (DACB),http://www.dacb.org/stories/malawi/jalazi_fredriko.html (supervised and edited by R.G. Munyenyembe, 2003).

Ndekha, Louis, “Gudu, Wilfred c.1880 to 1963 Ana a Mulungu Church (The Children of God Church) Malawi”, online Dictionary of African Christian Biography (DACB), http://www.dacb.org/stories/malawi/gudu_wilfred.html (supervised and edited by R.G. Munyenyembe, 2003).