The Assemblies of God-Back To God (AOG-BTG) church is coming under increasing scrutiny from its members amid emerging concerns over governance shortcomings, alleged financial mismanagement, and the use of church resources to fund legal disputes.
Church leaders are reportedly facing criticism for delays in completing the widely publicised Mashava Auditorium project, with allegations that funds may have been redirected toward legal battles, particularly those involving the Assemblies of God-Spiritual Movement (AoG-SM) led by Phillip Zinyama.
In a recent High Court case, Justice Dembure, delivering an extempore judgment, imposed punitive costs on the Nathan Sethlako-led AOG-BTG, emphasising the need “to deter church leaders from irresponsibly dragging the church into litigation.”
The original case, registered as HCH 5359/23, resulted in the awarding of costs against the church.
Court records further show that another application concerning the same property has since been filed by AOG-BTG under HCH 6427/25, prompting questions among observers about the consistency and direction of the church’s legal approach.
According to church members, court filings indicate that AOG-BTG chairperson Sethlako and secretary Silas Mhazo have repeatedly appeared in litigation involving the church.
In several instances, resolutions authorising such legal action were signed by either of the two, despite the presence of a nine-member national executive.
This, some observers say, raises concerns about whether decisions related to litigation are being collectively made or subjected to adequate oversight by the broader executive.
Following the court ruling, representatives of the church reportedly proposed settling the amount, said to exceed US$8 000, through monthly installments of US$1 000, citing financial difficulties.
It is understood that the opposing party, AoG-SM, had expressed willingness to engage directly with church leadership in an effort to resolve the dispute amicably.
However, the matter did not progress toward a negotiated settlement, and the full amount was ultimately paid in a lump sum.
Documents reviewed by this publication indicate that the payment was made from an account associated with the Mashava Project, a fundraising initiative supported by congregants.
The use of funds from a project-specific account to settle legal expenses is likely to draw concern from members, particularly as the project itself is reportedly facing delays and financial strain.
Further concerns have been raised over a property said to have been purchased by the church in 2024 for approximately US$150 000, located in one of Harare’s affluent suburbs.
Publicly available information, including details on the church’s website, shows that AOG-BTG uses an address in Strathaven, Harare, which is also linked to a law firm that has handled legal matters on behalf of the church.
“This has raised questions in some quarters about whether the property forms part of the church’s assets,” a congregant said.
When contacted for comment, Sethlako declined to provide detailed responses.
“Just deal with the people who told you that, aren’t they claiming to be members of AoG-BTG? They must know everything, deal with them,” Sethlako said.
AOG-BTG, which is understood to have a largely rural membership base, depends significantly on contributions from congregants with limited financial resources.
In his 2025 end-of-year address, Sethlako acknowledged these constraints, noting that he had to shorten his message because many members lacked sufficient mobile data to follow a longer broadcast.
Full-time pastors are reportedly receiving a monthly stipend of around US$100, a figure that has raised concerns when considered alongside the church’s other financial commitments.
Some congregants have also pointed to deteriorating infrastructure, including the reported partial collapse of the Mkoba Convention Centre in 2024.
As internal processes and upcoming AOG-BTG elections draw closer, calls are intensifying for the national executive to take on a stronger oversight role.
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