Pastoral Letter: 1st Quarter 2025
March 20, 2025
Pastoral Letter: 3rd Quarter 2025
September 5, 2025Pastoral Letter: 1st Quarter 2025
March 20, 2025Pastoral Letter: 3rd Quarter 2025
September 5, 2025
AFM Family,
AFM Family,
Earlier this year, we had the privilege of visiting and spending valuable time in ministry and impartation with our Regional Pastors, Assembly Leaders, Governing Body Members, Department Leaders, and members during the 2025 NOB Regional Empowerment Visits. Our theme for 2025, “Sustaining the Fire!”, resonated deeply throughout these visits. It reminded us of the importance of remaining passionate and committed to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Just as a fire requires fuel to stay alive, our spiritual fire needs to be sustained through prayer, worship, the Word, and a life of obedience, as Romans 12:11 (NIRV) urges us: “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.”
We are grateful to everyone who participated in these visits and for the spirit of unity, engagement, and hunger for growth that was evident in every region. Thank you for joining us and for your ongoing commitment to the Lord's work. In this Pastoral Letter, the National Office Bearers present an extended reflection on the core topics of the 2025 NOB Empowerment Visits. We trust that it will bless and empower you.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH
Ministry and life are demanding, both spiritually and physically. To serve God effectively for the long run, we must take care of our bodies. Our physical health is part of being good stewards of what God has given us. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
The Toll of Ministry Stress. Ministry often involves long hours, emotional pressure, and irregular schedules. If we neglect our physical health, we risk burnout, illness, and fatigue, which can hinder our ability to serve well. Stress affects both the body and soul, so finding balance is crucial for long-term ministry. Consider the following practical steps towards better health:
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity 3 to 4 times a week. Staying active keeps us strong for the work God has called us to do. Eat Healthy: Avoid relying on fast food and unhealthy snacks. Choose nourishing meals that give lasting energy. 1 Corinthians 10:31 encourages us to glorify God even in our eating habits. Prioritise Rest: Sleep and rest are essential. Psalm 127:2 reminds us that rest is a gift from God, not a sign of laziness. Embrace a Balanced Life: Physical, spiritual, and emotional health are all connected.
In 3 John 1:2 (NIV) John, the elder, wrote: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” Taking care of your body is not selfish - it helps you serve God better. We must ask God to sustain us and to give us wisdom and strength to build and sustain healthy habits.
REVIVE. REACH. PLANT: THE AFM’S CALLING TO EXPAND THE KINGDOM
The AFM was founded in 1908 and is the largest Pentecostal church in South Africa. “Pentecostal” means that it is a church that believes that the Spirit of God is given to believers to live dynamic and overcoming lives. It also implies that believers can demonstrate the character, love and power of their Lord, Jesus Christ, in their daily lives.
Central to the AFM’s identity is its missional focus, derived from the foundational belief in John 3:16, which underscores God's love for humanity and the redemptive mission of Jesus. This commitment to being "agents of God" shapes the church's purpose and activities, fostering a community dedicated to sharing the gospel and demonstrating the principles of God's Kingdom in everyday life.
The AFM is characterised by two key elements: the baptism in the Holy Spirit and a passion for the Great Commission. These elements inspire the church to mobilise its members, referred to as "apostolic agents," to reach out to their communities with the message of hope and salvation. The desire to saturate society with God’s presence reflects a unique approach to church growth that prioritizes revitalizing existing congregations and planting new ones.
Several strategies underpin the church's growth initiatives, including:
Prayer and Discernment: Recognising that spiritual growth requires divine guidance and a commitment to prayer.
Visionary Leadership: Empowering pastors with a compelling vision that resonates within their communities, fostering a culture of growth.
Leadership Support: Ensuring that leadership teams are equipped and inspired to pursue church growth passionately.
Sacred Service: Understanding the privilege of serving the Lord with a transformative message.
Compassionate Outreach: Emulating Christ’s compassion in ministering to the needs of others.
he AFM emphasises the importance of authentic, Christ-centred living among its members, viewing their lives as powerful testimonies that attract others to faith.
Services are structured to be Christ-focused, with sermons emphasising the redemptive power of the cross and opportunities for individuals to accept Jesus as their Saviour.
With a vision to expand to 2,805 congregations by November 2034, the AFM is committed to continuing its legacy of growth and outreach, fostering a community where every individual can find a spiritual home and contribute to the mission of spreading God’s love.
EVANGELISM: IGNITING HEARTS, TRANSFORMING LIVES
Let us turn our hearts and minds to the profound call of Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission. Here, Jesus commands us to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This is not merely a suggestion; it is a divine mandate that invites us to participate in a transformative journey of faith for ourselves and those around us.
An Invitation to Change Lives. At its core, evangelism is an invitation to change lives. It is our joyful response to Christ's command to share the hope and love we have found in Him. What does evangelism mean to you? For many, it may evoke feelings of fear or hesitation, but let us remember that it is also an opportunity to witness the miraculous work of God in the hearts of others.
The Biblical Foundation. The Great Commission serves as our biblical foundation, reminding us that evangelism is not an optional activity but rather a core aspect of our faith. Romans 10:14 poses a critical question: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?" This underscores the urgency of our mission. The world is waiting for the light of Christ, and we are the vessels through which His message flows.
An Action-Oriented Mandate. The command to "go" is action-oriented, calling us to step out of our comfort zones and actively engage in the process of making disciples. This involves leading others to Christ and nurturing their spiritual growth. The scope of this mandate is universal - "all nations" means that every corner of the earth is waiting for the gospel, regardless of cultural or social background.
Making disciples is a three-step process: Proclaim the Gospel: As John 3:16 reminds us, God loves the world and desires that all come to Him. Our testimonies of transformation can be powerful testimonies of God’s grace and love. Teach and Baptise: Acts 2:41 illustrates the importance of teaching and baptism in the life of a believer. Teaching is essential for spiritual growth, while baptism signifies a public declaration of faith. Equip and Multiply: Discipleship is a continuous journey. As Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, we are called to equip others to share their faith and make more disciples.
Practical Strategies for Evangelism. As we embrace the call to evangelism, we can employ various practical strategies: Personal Evangelism: Begin relationships with those who need the gospel and share your authentic testimony, just as Philip did with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). Community Outreach: Organise engaging events like movie nights or music festivals to build community and discuss faith-related themes. Digital Evangelism: Utilise social media to share inspiring content and facilitate virtual home groups and Bible studies. Prayer Evangelism: Pray for opportunities and individuals to come to Christ, inviting God to guide our efforts.
The rewards of evangelism are abundant. Witnessing lives transformed by the gospel brings immense joy and showcases God’s power. Every soul saved contributes to God’s kingdom and has lasting significance. As Luke 15:7 reminds us, heaven rejoices for every repentant sinner, making our efforts meaningful.
We must equip and mentor one another to foster a culture of evangelism. Training programs and workshops can give believers the tools to share their faith effectively.
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19, consider where God is calling you to "go." This week, challenge yourself to share the gospel with one person. It can be a simple conversation or a heartfelt message. Embrace imperfection; remember, evangelism is not about perfection but obedience. Like Isaiah, may we respond to God’s call, "Here am I. Send me!".
IMPACTING THE NEXT GENERATION
I’m grateful to be part of The AFM of South Africa. My family has been part of this church for generations. The AFM is truly a multi-generational church – from babies to elderly members – all are present in our assemblies. In this article, I want to focus on the next generation. I recently engaged with the data about our ordained pastors. The numbers are concerning:
- Over 50 years old (but under 65): 1,209 pastors
- 40 to 50 years old: 387 pastors
- 30 to 40 years old: 107 pastors
- Under 30: only 11 pastors
Nearly 70% of our pastors are over 50, while around 50% of South Africa’s population is under 25. This shows how urgent it is to reach, mentor, and equip young people and potential pastors to carry the church forward.
Why the Next Generation Matters. Psalm 78:4-7 tells us to pass on God’s works to the next generation. If we don’t share our faith, knowledge, and experience, we risk losing the message of the Gospel. Every generation must hear about God and follow His commands. Our mission is not complete without investing in those who will lead after us. How can we impact the next generation?
a. Discipleship and Mentorship. 2 Timothy 2:2 encourages us to teach others who can teach in return. The next generation needs guidance and support. Sadly, many older leaders don’t take the time to mentor younger believers. But the young are eager to learn and grow. I commend our President, Dr. Henri Weideman, for starting the Legacy Leadership Program, which mentors young leaders. The first group completed the program in 2024, and a new group started in 2025. This is the kind of initiative we need in the church.
b. Investing in Children and Youth Ministry. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us to teach our children God’s Word in everyday life. This requires effort from both church leaders and parents. Churches must offer quality, relevant youth and children's ministries. We can’t use outdated methods and expect results. Young people need to be reached in ways that connect with their world today.
The easiest group to grow in your church is the children of current members. If we engage them with love and truth early, many will stay committed to Christ. Research shows that many teens in the U.S. stop attending church in their 20s due to weak discipleship. Some return later, but strong early foundations make a big difference.
c. Encouraging Youth Involvement in Ministry. 1 Timothy 4:12 reminds us not to look down on young people. They can be strong leaders, too. But often, older leaders feel threatened by younger ideas, especially in areas like technology. We must listen to the youth, support them, and help shape their ideas into action. As a young leader, I faced rejection from older leaders who dismissed my ideas. That memory drives me now to listen carefully to the young people in my church. Even if I don’t agree with everything, I try to find ways to include and guide them. If we ignore them, they’ll find another church where they feel welcome.
d. Biblical Examples. Moses and Joshua – Moses trained Joshua to lead. We must also prepare young leaders to continue the mission. Eli and Samuel – though Eli wasn’t perfect, he helped guide young Samuel, who later became a powerful prophet. God can use us, even with our flaws, to guide the next generation.
We must act. Hoping the next generation will follow Christ isn’t enough. We must mentor, teach, and empower them. As pastors and leaders, we are responsible for preparing them to lead the church into the future. Let’s make that commitment today.
CONCLUSION
This past May, the AFM of South Africa joyfully celebrated 117 years of Spirit-filled ministry! From a powerful podcast reflecting on our Church’s birth and growth, to a visionary session on our future and the role of the next generation, the celebrations were both inspiring and unifying. Local AFM Assemblies across the country joined in commemorating AFM Logo Day, proudly displaying our emblem as a symbol of shared identity and mission. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this a meaningful celebration of our rich Pentecostal heritage!
Early Registration for the AFM of SA ABLAZE National Conference is now OPEN! Don’t miss this powerful time of refreshing, equipping, and divine encounters at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). Early Bird registration is only R200 and valid for 30 days (9 June–9 July) — but seats are limited and filling fast! Secure your place now and be part of what God is preparing for us. 👉 Register here or use the QR code available.
As we reflect on all that God has done and look ahead with faith, may we never let the fire in our hearts go out. Let us keep it alive—serving the Lord with passion, purpose, and unwavering devotion.
Friendly Regards!
Dr Henri Weideman
