Bishop Colby Moyo Ndhlovu of Hosanna Mega Church International has urged Christians to exercise patience with new believers, cautioning against expecting instant transformation from people who are still beginning their faith journey.
Delivering a sermon at the church, Bishop Colby said meaningful change does not happen overnight and warned that the church often places unrealistic expectations on new converts, particularly when it comes to habits such as alcohol consumption or adultery.
He explained that spiritual growth is a gradual process and that pressuring believers to immediately abandon long-standing lifestyles can be counterproductive.
According to the Bishop, such pressure often leads people to hide their struggles rather than confront them honestly, creating a culture of hypocrisy within the church.
“Change takes time,” Bishop Colby said. “When the church punishes, judges, or ignores people who are struggling with sin, it fails to understand the journey they are on. Forcing people to pretend they are fine when they are not only pushes problems underground.”
Bishop Colby anchored his message on what he described as the “law of first actions,” emphasising that how people begin their spiritual walk is crucial because first steps often shape future outcomes.
He encouraged believers and church leaders alike to be intentional, supportive, and understanding from the very beginning.
“Beginnings matter,” he said. “How you start determines a lot about where you end up. Many people want instant results, but growth—especially spiritual growth—requires patience, guidance, and grace.”
He challenged the church to create an environment where honesty is encouraged and where believers feel safe to admit their weaknesses without fear of condemnation.
According to Bishop Colby, true transformation occurs when people are allowed to grow at a healthy pace, supported by teaching, mentorship, and prayer.
The Bishop also reminded congregants that Christianity is a journey, not a destination reached in a single moment. He said expecting perfection from new believers overlooks the reality that faith matures over time.
“God works with people step by step,” he said. “Our role as the church is not to rush the process, but to walk with people as they grow.”
Picture: Bishop Colby
