Staff Reporter

A new and rather unorthodox form of “deliverance” has emerged from Zimbabwe, sending social media into a frenzy. A TikTok video, which has since gone viral, shows a Zimbabwean pastor energetically slapping members of his congregation in the name of spiritual healing.

The video, filmed at a lively church service, has sparked debates on both the internet and in local churches, with some praising the pastor’s “hands-on” approach and others questioning whether this is a holy intervention or just a slap in the face.

In the video, the pastor, whose name remains unidentified, can be seen laying his hands on individuals—only his hands happen to be a little too energetic.

With each slap, he declares the person “delivered” from various spiritual afflictions, much to the apparent surprise (and in some cases, delight) of his congregants.

One woman, after receiving a particularly forceful slap, is seen collapsing to the floor, only to be revived moments later by another “holy slap.”

The TikTok video has accumulated thousands of views and has garnered widespread attention, with many online users questioning the line between divine intervention and physical abuse.

One TikTok user commented, “I have heard of laying hands, but this is next-level deliverance. What’s next? Holy chokeholds?”

Another added, “I’m all for miracles, but I will pass on the slaps. A prayer will do just fine, thanks.”

Despite the criticism, the pastor has not backed down from his controversial approach. In a follow-up video, he addresses the growing buzz, explaining, “Sometimes, the spirit moves in mysterious ways—through my hands. Deliverance is not always gentle; sometimes, it’s a slap to wake you up!”

Experts are split on the phenomenon.

Pastor Tendai Chidavaenzi, a well-known cleric, described the act as “misguided and dangerous.”

“Deliverance is about spiritual restoration, not physical confrontation. Slapping people is not how Christ would have done it,” he said. 

Meanwhile, some members of the congregation, when interviewed, expressed their support for the pastor’s methods. “If it works, it works. I felt the power of the Lord in that slap,” said one enthusiastic churchgoer.

The incident has even sparked local discussion on Zimbabwe’s growing “miracle culture.”

“This is a reminder that the line between faith and performance is often blurred in modern-day churches. Whether it’s slapping, shouting, or dancing, some pastors seem to be more focused on keeping their congregations entertained than fostering true spiritual growth,” said social analyst Farai Muvhuti. 

For now, it remains to be seen whether this new trend of slap-based deliverance will catch on—or if it will be slapped down as a fleeting TikTok trend.