Category: Publications

Download the PDF version of the Pastoral Letter here:

 AFM Pastoral Letter 3rd Quarter 

Dear Colleague,

Allow me to reflect on the 2018 GBM (General Business Meeting) and NC (National Conference), held on Sunday 9 September to Thursday 13 September at the Word and Life Assembly in Boksburg. Two words come to mind – historic and memorable! The theme of the Conference was “Go Tell”. It is anchored on Isaiah 6:8-9 (NIV):

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send” and who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go and tell this people: …”

Our strategic plan encapsulated in the phrase “One AFM Game Plan” is reaching an important implementation stage. During the evening services we unpacked the theme around implementation and established that it is time for our pastors, members and church structures to have a transformational impact in our society, through the sharing of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

This Conference was historic in the sense that it was used as a platform to celebrate the 110^th Anniversary of the AFM of SA. The church’s national office celebrated this anniversary on 25 May 2018, which was the “official” birthday of the AFM of SA. The Leadership thought it wise to allow the broader church to celebrate it during our September 2018 GBM and National Conference.

It was also a memorable event, as we honoured the pastors with 40 years of unbroken service before retirement in the AFM. This was done during the evening services. We also handed over tokens of appreciation to all those who contributed towards the unification of the church in 1996 (some were appreciated in 2016 and the rest were appreciated at this Conference). Further the program also included development sessions on topics such as “Financial Reporting and Tax Laws”, “A Healthy Family Life for Pastors”, “Bringing About Social Cohesion in Society” and “Praying the Psalms in Different Seasons of Life”. AFM ordained pastors that attended accrued PCD points.

Delegates to this GBM considered important amendments to our church’s constitution. These amendments deal with the issue of leadership succession in the church. The objective is to build into the succession plan, transitional mechanisms to allow orientation and a smooth hand over to the newly elected Officers. These amendments also seek to ensure a higher level of experience and clear core responsibilities for the Officers, especially at the national level. The possibility of creating an election pool, from which eligible candidates may be nominated and elected were also considered.

In this Pastoral Letter I share some of the highlights of the GBM and National Conference with you. I pray that it will bless you and give you a view into this historic and memorable event!

WHO WILL GO FOR US?

Past. M.G. Mahlobo – President of the AFM of SA

The 2018 General Business Meeting (GBM) celebrated the 110^th Anniversary of the AFM of SA. The official “birthday” of the AFM is 25 May 1908. Our name “The Apostolic Faith Mission” is a description of a people on a mission. The objective of this mission is to fulfill the Great commission of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20. It has the characteristics of the ministry of the Apostles and operates through faith.

“Our name “The Apostolic Faith Mission” is a description of a people on a mission.” 

In its early years missions described the reason for the existence of the AFM. It was done through evangelistic outreaches which involved church members and their leaders. As years went by the passion to reach subsided and only a few carried on with missions. The church established a department to take care of missions. Gradually missions shifted from the center to the periphery of the church’s ministry. The focus shifted to taking care of members at the expense of the lost. The Missions Department was later closed. Missions were carried by individuals who had to do it on self-support basis. In 2007 a Missions’ Advisory Committee (MAC) was established to coordinate missions’ projects.

During this time the leadership felt that the church needed to go back to its basics. MAC developed a missional strategy, which became known as: Vision 2020. It was also known as “Qalakabusha” (roughly translated as: ‘new beginning’). Vision 2020 sought to re-commit the AFM to its missional calling. The AFM would be:

“The whole church taking the whole Gospel to the whole world, saturating communities with the presence and principles of the Kingdom of God.”

The church’s slogan became prominent: “Wherever you find people you will find the AFM.”

Our vision of “the church that is accessible to all people, celebrating its God-given diversity, empowering its members for caring and transforming communities to the glory of God,” was combined with Vision 2020 and this led to the concept of a missional church. This concept became the anchor of the church’s strategic plan, namely the One AFM Game Plan. A missional church is a Christian community that defines itself and organizes its life around being the agent of God’s mission to the world, as its real purpose. The One AFM Game Plan is driven by five drivers which are broadly known as discipleship, empowerment, ecumenical involvement, community involvement (social responsibility) and governance (stewardship).

“A missional church is a Christian community that defines itself and organizes its life around being the agent of God’s mission to the world, as its real purpose.”

GO TELL
I have chosen Isaiah 6:1-10 and Matthew 28:18-20 in order lay the foundation for a missional church. Basically, there are four important issues in this regard. These are (i) our understanding of missional context, (ii) acknowledgment of God’s sovereign rule in a missional context, (iii) hearing God’s missional call and (iv) making a missional commitment. Let us briefly look at these.

Missional context for Isaiah, the Disciples of Jesus and our context. Missional context for Isaiah, the Disciples of Jesus and our context. In Isaiah the context is that of bereavement (king Uzziah has died) and moral degeneration in Judah (Isaiah 5:8-21). In Matthew 28, the Lord is risen from the grave and has all authority in heaven and on earth. Our context today points to the following: 35% of the world’s people claim to be Christians, the nominalism percentage is huge among Christians, poverty, war and diseases.

God’s sovereignty in all missional contexts. In the midst of bereavement, as a result of king Uzziah’s death, Isaiah is reminded that God is still reigning on His throne. The disciples of Jesus, in their moment of bewilderment and doubt, they are confronted by the risen Lord upon whom all Divine authority had been conferred. Jesus is still the Lord of lords and the King of kings in our context. We need to acknowledge God’s rule and power in all situations. It is through this power that we bring the good news to all nations.

God’s missional call: “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?”. God’s missional call requires messengers of integrity. One of the Seraphs had to do purification on Isaiah before God called him. The lives of those who are God-sent must exemplify a life of “walking the talk”. Our conduct must give credibility to our message. In Isaiah God’s call has to do with the state of Judah at the time. Jesus calls us to the unreached nations to represent Him in word and in deed.

“Here am I, send me Lord.”

Missional commitment. Isaiah saw, heard and made a commitment: “Here am I, send me Lord”. We are calling on our members, irrespective of race, color, language, gender and age to make a missional commitment and like Isaiah say: “Here am I, send me.” Pastors we need you to offer coaching to our members as they reach out to the nations with the Gospel of Jesus. Would you make a commitment today, by saying: “Here am I, send me?”

THE BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR THE WELLBEING OF PASTORS AND LEADERS IN THE CHURCH

Dr. Vincent Atterbury

To be called by God to serve as a leader in His work on earth is a great honor and privilege. Such a call is irrevocable (Romans 11:29) and comprehensive. It has bearing on the total being of those who are called. The call of God is never at the expense of anything that is part and parcel of the total existence of the called.

The wellbeing of those who are called by God to serve as leaders is relevant and addressed in the Bible over and over. The Biblical perspective on the wellbeing of God’s leaders emphasise that they are accountable for their own wellbeing and that it is an inherent requirement. Those who are called by God to serve as leaders have a personal responsibility for their own wellbeing. In Paul’s last meeting with the leaders at Ephesus, he emphasised that they have a responsibility for their own wellbeing and not only for the people God placed under their leadership.

“Those who are called by God to serve as leaders have a personal responsibility for their own wellbeing.”

ACTS 20:28 (ESV) “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.”

From the context it is clear that there are many challenges and threats that may have an effect and influence a leader’s ability to live his/her calling with sustainable fruitfulness. Paul’s message to Archippus is clear and applicable to all leaders in the church “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord’s service.” (Colossians 4:17 – GNB). This is not something that will be achieved without focus and without a disciplined lifestyle that enhances personal wellbeing. Each leader has the responsibility to respond in a responsible way to God’s call by attending to their own wellbeing in order for them to be an example to those they lead in fulfillment of God’s call.

In Romans 12:11 Paul emphasises that as part of the normal christian’s life, each one have to ensure that their courage and fervor for God stay intact. “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.” (NIV) This is even more crucial for leaders that are to be the examples to those they lead. Ministry in itself is demanding in all areas of a person’s life. Not only the leader is affected by the demands and pressures encountered, but those who are led and those that are the closest to the leader. The best gift a leader can give to those that are led and those who are closest to him/her, is to prioritise his/her time and to ensure personal wellbeing.

“Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.”

“My greatest gift to you is a healthy me.” (Paul Scanlon)

In ministry leadership it is easy to experience burnout because of the inherent demands that seldom leave time for self-care. “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.” (Romans 12:11 – The Message)

“Zeal without Burnout” (Christopher Ash)

When Paul gives instructions and guidelines to Timothy and Titus with regard to the criteria for those who are suitable to serve as leaders in the church he touches on all the areas of their personal lives (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9). Paul clearly indicates that there is not one area in a person’s life that is unimportant and can be neglected in favor of another. Paul emphasises that leaders who serve in the church should live a life that is an example of a well-managed life where there is a healthy balance between spirituality and the physical. Paul himself was an example of a balanced, disciplined life and ministry, taking care of himself in order that he himself could share in the hope he brings to others (1 Corinthians 9:23-27).

The primary responsibility of each and everyone who are called by God to serve as a leader in ministry and the church is first and foremost to attend to and take care of themselves. Taking care of yourself enables and empowers you to take care of God’s people. A leader’s wellbeing has an effect not only on him/herself, but also on those that are the closest to them, e.g. spouse and children, and on their ability to be able to care for others and lead them.

“Taking care of yourself enables and empowers you to take care of God’s people.”

Jesus Himself exemplified it by taking care of Himself during His life and ministry on earth. In spite of the growing needs and demand for His ministry, He took time out when needed (Matthew 14:23, John 6:15); He allowed people to take care of His personal and physical needs (Mark 15:41, Matthew 21:1, John 4:7). He stayed in control of His own ministry (John 2:24 & 11:6).

Paul in his advice to Timothy indicate that self-care is the key to endurance in ministry (1 Timothy 4:6-8). It is the key to a long, sustainable and fruitful ministry in spite of and in the midst of all the inherent demands and challenges in ministry. He also indicates that at the core of self-care is self-discipline in all areas and facets of life, e.g. spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. “Focus on working on your own development and on what you teach. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16 – CEB)

“…self-care is the key to endurance in ministry…”

Following the example of Jesus and implementing Paul’s advice pastors will be able to live out God’s calling upon their lives with great zeal and sustainable fruitfulness extending the kingdom of God on earth.

THE AFM ON THE MOVE

Puleng Nimrod Kekana
A Poem to Celebrate 110 Years of the AFM!

Designed and assigned by God
To reach the lost and hopeless of the world
From Azusa street to Bree street
The Spirit of God moved men as they obeyed
The mission of God kept on expanding
Yes, the move of God’s plan
Cannot, will not, shall not be hindered
The Apostolic Faith Mission is on the move
110 years later,
The move is getting stronger and stronger!

From the southern tip of Africa
To the ends of the world.
Let the message go to all nations.
Blow the trumpet Dr. Chikane,
Let the sound be heard everywhere
Jesus is Lord of the nations
Let missions run down like waters
And church planting like a mighty tsunami
Declare Dr. Murefu,
‘That the mission field is open
And that every congregation
Is an outreach centre to the world.’
The AFM is on the move!

Proclaim it Dr. Burger,
Wherever there are people,
You will find the AFM.
Qualified or unqualified,
Ordained or not ordained
Let everyone go back to their family, friends and community
And share the good news
Of what Jesus had done for them
Mercy is our song,
For sins forgiven and remembered no more
Grace is written all over us,
For our lives are restored and renewed
No longer strangers and foreigners,
But part of God’s family,
The AFM is on the move!

‘The Church is built upon the Rock,
And the gates of hell will not prevail against it’’.
Dr. Lapoorta reminded us.
‘Unity in action,
Let us move forward.’
Pastor Mahlobo preached passionately.
‘To fulfill our mission as mandated by the Lord.’
The AFM is on the move!

From Africa to Europe,
India to the Middle-East,
South to North America,
This thing is exploding and advancing,
It is unstoppable and unbreakable
The AFM is on the move!

It has the cross,
Signifying our commitment to Christ
And our preparedness to die for our calling
In the foolishness of the cross,
Lies our power and confidence
Circled by the golden crown,
It’s a guarantee for our promise
For a crown of life that will not fade away,
To be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the Lord’s work
Sink or swim,
Dark or blue,
Favourable or unfavourable,
In season and out of season
Let the message sound,
‘Jesus is Lord of the nations’
Faith in his name,
And hope in his promise,
Is our inspiration.
The AFM is on the move!

In South Africa, it is everywhere
It is blue, red and gold
It is blue, representing our dependence on the Holy Spirit
It is red, representing that salvation is found in no one else,
But in the precious blood of the lamb,
Jesus Christ our Blessed Lord!
It is gold, signifying the King of kings,
Who seat on the throne,
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
And the Father of All mercies,
The AFM is on the move!

Wherever you find people, you will find the AFM
It is in the army,
It is in the police,
It is in the schools,
It is in hospitals,
It is in the public service,
It is in the private sector,
It is in business,
It is in politics,
It is in entertainment,
It is in the villages,
It is in the small towns,
It is in the cities
The AFM is everywhere!

From Zimbabwe to the UK,
From the UK to Australia,
From Ireland to Pakistan,
From India to Suriname
The AFM is going everywhere,

The AFM is everywhere!
It is like a mighty tornado,
A tsunami that covers everything
This is not a monument but a movement,
A mighty move of the Holy Spirit,
I can hear the sound,
I can hear the thunder,
It’s getting stronger and louder,
It is the move of the Holy Spirit.
And the AFM is privileged to be part,
Of this great deployment of the Spirit.
The AFM is on the move!

HAPPY 110 YEARS OLD!
Happy birthday AFM! GOD BLESS YOU!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion I would like to refer you to an article about the AFM’s 110^th Birthday on the website of the South African Council of Churches. Myself and Dr. J.J. La Poorta had the opportunity to do an interview that would further shed light on this historic and memorable 110^th year of the AFM! I trust that it will also bless you – http://sacc.org.za/celebrating-110-years-afm/.

Past. M.G. Mahlobo 

Laai die PDF weergawe van die Pastorale Brief hier af:

 AGS Pastorale Brief 3de Kwartaal

Liewe Kollega,

Laat my toe om te reflekteer op die 2018 “GBM” (Algemene Sake Vergadering) en Nasionale Konferensie wat gehou was vanaf Sondag, 9 September tot Donderdag, 13 September te Woord en Lewe Gemeente in Boksburg.  Twee woorde kom na vore – histories en onvergeetlik!  Die tema van die Konferensie was “Go Tell”.  Dit is geanker in Jesaja 6:8-9 (NLV):

“Toe het ek die Here hoor vra: “Wie kan Ek met ’n boodskap na my volk toe stuur? Wie sal vir Ons gaan?”
Ek het geantwoord: “Here, ek sal gaan! Stuur my!”
Hy het gesê: “Ja, gaan.  Sê vir hierdie mense …”

Ons strategiese plan, wat vervat is in die frase “One AFM Game Plan”, is besig om ‘n belangrike implementeringsfase te bereik.  Gedurende die aanddienste het ons die tema rondom implementasie aangespreek. Ons het vasgestel dat dit tyd is vir ons pastore, lidmate en kerkstrukture om  ‘n transformerende impak te maak in ons samelewing deur die deel van die Evangelie van die Koninkryk van God.

Hierdie Konferensie was histories omdat dit gedien het as platform om die 110^de herdenking van die AGS van SA te vier. Die kerk se nasionale kantoor het hierdie herdenking op 25 Mei 2018 gevier wat die “amptelike” verjaarsdag was van die AGS van SA.  Die Leierskap het dit goed gedink dat die wyer kerk die herdenking vier tydens ons September 2018 “GBM” en Nasionale Konferensie.

Dit was ook ‘n onvergeetlike gebeurtenis omdat ons ons pastore met 40 jaar ononderbroke diens voor aftrede in die AGS, vereer het. Dit het geskied tydens die aanddienste. Ons het ook toekennings van waardering oorhandig aan diegene wat bygedra het tot die eenwording van die kerk in 1996 (sommige was vereer in 2016 en die res is erken tydens hierdie Konferensie). Die program het verder ook ontwikkelingssessies ingesluit met onderwerpe soos “Financial Reporting and Tax Laws”, “A Healthy Family Life for Pastors”, “Bringing About Social Cohesion in Society” en “Praying the Psalms in Different Seasons of Life”.  AGS geordende pastore wat bygewoon het het PCD punte daarvoor ontvang.

Afgevaardiges na die “GBM” het belangrike wysigings aan ons kerk se konstitusie oorweeg. Hierdie wysigings handel oor die kwessie van leierskap opvolging in die kerk. Die doel is om binne die opvolgingsplan oorgangsmeganismes daar te stel wat oriëntering en ‘n gemaklike oorhandiging aan die nuutverkose beamptes sal bewerkstellig. Hierdie wysigings beoog ook om ‘n hoër vlak van ondervinding en duidelike kernverantwoordelikhede vir die beamptes daar te stel, veral op nasionale vlak. Die moontlikheid van die daarstelling van ‘n verkiesingspoel waaruit wenslike kandidate genomineer en verkies kan word, is ook oorweeg.

In hierdie Pastorale Brief deel ek van die hoogtepunte van die “GBM” en Nasionale Konferensie met jou. Ek glo dat dit ‘n seëning sal wees vir jou en meer lig werp op hierdie historiese en onvergeetlike gebeurtenis!

WIE SAL VIR ONS GAAN?

Past. M.G. Mahlobo – President van die AGS van SA

Die 2018 Algemene Sake Vergadering (“GBM”) het die 110^de verjaarsdag van die AGS van SA gevier. Die “amptelike” verjaarsdag van die AGS is 25 Mei 1908. Ons naam “Die Apostoliese Geloofsending” is ‘n beskrywing van mense op ‘n missie.  Die doel van hierdie missie is om die Groot Opdrag van Jesus in Mattheus 28:18-20 te vervul.  Dit het die eienskappe van die bediening van die Apostels en werk deur geloof.

“Ons naam “Die Apostoliese Geloofsending” is ‘n beskrywing van mense op ‘n missie.”

Gedurende die vroeë jare het missies die rede vir die bestaan van die AGS omskryf.  Dit het geskied deur evangelistiese uitreike waarby kerklidmate en hul leiers betrek was.  Soos wat die jare aanbeweeg het het die passie om uit te reik verminder en het slegs ‘n paar voortgegaan met missies. Die kerk het ‘n departement gestig om na missies of sendings om te sien.  Geleidelik het sendings geskuif vanaf die kern na die periferie van die kerk se bediening.  Die fokus het verskuif na die welstand van die lidmate ten koste van die verlorenes.  Die sendingsafdeling is later gesluit.  Sendings is uitgevoer deur individue wat dit op selfondersteunende basis moes doen.  Gedurende 2007 is ‘n Sendingsadvies Komitee of  te wel die “Missions’ Advisory Committee (MAC)” gestig om sendingsprojekte te koördineer.

Gedurende hierdie tyd het die leierskap gevoel dat die kerk nodig het om terug te keer na die basiese beginsels.  “MAC” het ‘n missionale strategie ontwikkel wat bekend geword het as:  “Vision 2020”.  Dit was ook bekend as “Qalakabusha” (rofweg vertaal as: nuwe begin).  “Vision 2020” het as doel gehad om die AGS opnuut te verbind met die sendingsroeping.  Die AGS sou wees:

“The whole church taking the whole Gospel to the whole world, saturating communities with the presence and principles of the Kingdom of God.”

Die kerk se slagspreuk het prominent geword: “Wherever you find people you will find the AFM.”

Ons visie van ‘n “…kerk (AGS) wat toeganklik is vir alle mense, wat eenheid en ‘n Godgegewe-diversiteit vier, wat lidmate bemagtig om met sorg gemeenskappe te transformeer tot die glorie van God”, is gekombineer met “Vision 2020” en dit het gelei na die konsep van ‘n missionale kerk. Hierdie konsep het die anker geword van die kerk se strategiese plan, naamlik die “One AFM Game Plan”. ‘n Missionale kerk is ‘n Christelike gemeenskap wat homself definieër en organiseer rondom die ware doel – om die agente te wees van God se missie in die wêreld. Die “One AFM Game Plan” word bestuur deur vyf drywers wat algemeen bekend is as dissipelskap, bemagtiging, ekumeniese betrokkenheid, gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid (sosiale verantwoordelikheid) en goeie bestuur (rentmeesterskap).

“‘n Missionale kerk is ‘n Christelike gemeenskap wat homself definieër en organiseer rondom die ware doel – om die agente te wees van God se missie in die wêreld.”

GAAN VERTEL
Ek het Jesaja 6:1-10 en Mattheus 28:18-20 gekies om die fondasie van ‘n missionale kerk te vestig.  Basies is daar 4 belangrike kwessies in hierdie verband.  Daar is (i) ons begrip van missionale konteks, (ii) erkenning van God se soewereine heerskappy in ‘n missionale konteks, (iii) gehoorsaamheid aan God se missionale opdrag en (iv) om toegewyd te wees aan missionaliteit.  Laat ons kortliks na dit kyk.

Missionale konteks vir Jesaja, die Dissipels van Jesus en ons konteks. In Jesaja is die konteks verlies (Koning Uzziah het gesterf) en morele agteruitgang in Judah (Jesaja 5:8-21).  In Mattheus 28 het Jesus opgestaan uit die graf en besit alle outoriteit in die hemel en op aarde.  Ons konteks vandag wys na die volgende: (i) 35% van die mense in die wêreld voer aan dat hulle Christene is, (ii) die nominale persentasie is groot onder Christene, (iii) armoede, (iv) oorlog en (v) siektes.

God se soewereiniteit in alle missionêre kontekste. In die middel van verlies, as gevolg van Koning Uzziah se dood, word Jesaja daaraan herinner dat God steeds vanaf Sy Troon heers. Die dissipels van Jesus, in hulle oomblik van verwarring en twyfel, word gekonfronteer met die opgestane Here waarop alle Goddelike outoriteit nou rus. Jesus is nog steeds die Heer en Koning van konings in ons konteks.  Ons het nodig om God se heerskappy en krag in alle situasies te erken.  Dit is deur hierdie krag wat ons die goeie nuus aan alle nasies bring.

God se missionale oproep:  “Wie sal ek stuur en wie sal vir ons gaan?”.  God se sendingsoproep vereis boodskappers met integriteit.  Een van die Serafs moes Isaiah reinig voordat God hom geroep het. Die lewens van diegene wat deur God gestuur is moet ‘n lewe illustreer van “doen wat jy preek”. Ons optrede moet geloofwaardigheid gee aan ons boodskap. In Jesaja het God se oproep te doen met die toestand van Judah op daardie oomblik. Jesus roep ons na die onbereikte nasies om Hom te verteenwoordig in woord en daad.

“Hier is ek, stuur my Here”.

Missionale toewyding:  Jesaja het gesien, gehoor en ‘n toewyding gemaak:  “Hier is ek, stuur my Here”.  Ons maak ‘n beroep ons lidmate, ongeag van ras, kleur, taal, geslag en ouderdom om ‘n missionale toewyding te maak en soos Jesaja te sê:  “Hier is ek, stuur my.”  Pastore, ons het julle nodig om leiding aan te bied vir ons lidmate sodat hulle die nasies met die Goeie Nuus van Jesus kan bereik.  Sal jy ‘n toewyding vandag maak deur te sê:  “Hier is ek, stuur my.”?

DIE BYBELSE MANDAAT VIR DIE WELSTAND VAN PASTORE EN LEIERS IN DIE KERK

Dr. Vincent Atterbury

Om deur God geroep te wees om as leier te dien in Sy werk op aarde is ‘n groot eer en voorreg. So ‘n roeping is onherroeplik (Romeine 11:29) en omvattend. Dit het betrekking op die totale wese van diegene wat geroep is.  Die roeping van God is nooit ten koste van enigeiets wat deel is van die totale bestaan van die een wat geroep is nie.

Die welstand van diegene wat geroep is deur God om te dien as leiers is relevant en word in die Bybel oor en oor aangespreek. Die Bybelse perspektief op die welstand van God se leiers benadruk dat hulle verantwoordelik is vir hulle eie welsyn en dat dit ‘n inherente vereiste is.  Diegene wat deur God geroep is om as leiers te dien het ‘n persoonlike verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie welstand.  Tydens Paulus se laaste vergadering met die leiers van Efesus het hy benadruk dat hulle verantwoordelik is vir hulle eie welsyn en nie net vir die welsyn van diegene wat God onder hulle leierskap geplaas het nie.

“Diegene wat deur God geroep is om as leiers te dien het ‘n persoonlike verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie welstand.”

ACTS 20:28 (ESV) “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.”

Vanuit hierdie konteks is dit duidelik dat daar baie uitdagings en bedreigings is wat ‘n effek kan hê en ‘n leier kan beinvloed in sy vermoë om sy/haar roeping uit te leef met volhoubare vrugbaarheid.  Paulus se boodskap aan Argippus is duidelik en toepaslik op alle leiers in die kerk: “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord’s service.” (Colossians 4:17 – GNB).  Dit is nie iets wat bereik kan word sonder fokus en sonder ‘n gedissiplineerde lewensstyl wat persoonlike welsyn verbeter nie.  Elke leier het die verantwoordelikheid om te antwoord op God se roeping deur na hulle eie welstand om te sien en sodoende ‘n voorbeeld te wees vir diegene wat hulle lei tot hul vervulling van God se roeping.

In Romeine 12:11 benadruk Paulus dat as deel van die normale christen lewe, elkeen verantwoordelik is om toe te sien dat hulle moed en ywer vir God in plek bly.  “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.” (NIV) Dit is selfs meer krities vir leiers wat ‘n voorbeeld moet wees vir diegene wat hulle lei.  Bediening op sigself is veeleisend in alle vlakke van ‘n persoon se lewe.  Nie net word die leier geaffekteer deur die eise en druk wat hy/sy teëkom nie maar ook diegene wat die naaste aan die leier is. Die beste geskenk wat ‘n leier kan gee aan diegene wat hy/sy lei en wat die naaste aan hom/haar is, is om sy/haar tyd te prioritiseer en persoonlike welstand te verseker.

“Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.”

“My greatest gift to you is a healthy me.” (Paul Scanlon)

In bediening is dit maklik vir leiers om uitbranding te ondervind as gevolg van die inherente eise wat selde tyd laat vir persoonlike welsyn.  “Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.” (Romans 12:11 – The Message)

“Zeal without Burnout” (Christopher Ash)

Wanneer Paulus instruksies en riglyne gee aan Timothy en Titus met betrekking tot die kriteria vir diegene wat geskik is om te dien as leiers in die kerk, raak hy alle gebiede van hulle persoonlike lewens aan (1 Timoteus 3:1-13;  Titus 1:6-9).  Paul maak dit duidelik dat daar nie ‘n gebied in ‘n persoon se lewe is wat onbelangrik is en afgeskeep kan word ten koste van ‘n ander nie.  Paul benadruk dat leiers wat dien in die kerk ‘n lewe moet leef wat ‘n voorbeeld is van ‘n goeie bestuurde lewe waar daar ‘n gesonde balans is tussen geestelik en fisies. Paulus homself was ‘n voorbeeld van ‘n gebalanseerde, dissiplineerde lewe en bediening.  Hy het na sy eie welsyn omgesien sodat hy kon deel in die hoop wat hy vir ander bring (1 Korintiërs 9:23-27).

Die hoof verantwoordelikheid van ieder en elk wat geroep is deur God om te dien as ‘n leier in bediening en die kerk is hoofsaaklik om aandag aan hulself te gee en hulself te versorg.  Deur jouself te versorg word jy in staat gestel en bemagtig om God se mense te versorg. ‘n Leier se welsyn het nie net ‘n effek op hom/haar nie, maar ook op diegene naaste aan hulle, bv. eggenote en kinders asook op hulle vermoë om ander te versorg en te lei.

“Deur jouself te versorg word jy in staat gestel en bemagtig om God se mense te versorg.”

Jesus Homself het dit geïllustreer deur Homself te versorg gedurende Sy lewe en bediening op aarde.  Ten spyte van die groeiende behoeftes en eise van Sy bediening het Hy tyd vir Homself geneem wanneer nodig (Mattheus 14:23, Johannes 6:15);  Hy het ander mense toegelaat om na Sy persoonlike en fisiese behoeftes om te sien (Markus 15:41, Mattheus 21:1, Johannes 4:7).  Hy het in beheer gebly van Sy eie bediening (Johannes 2:24 & 11:6).

Paulus, tydens sy advies aan Timoteus, wys Timoteus daarop dat selfsorg die sleutel tot volhouding in die bediening is (1 Timoteus 4:6-8).  Dit is die sleutel tot ‘n lang, volhoubare en vrugbare bediening ten spyte van en te midde alle inherente eise en uitdagings in bediening. Hy wys ook aan dat die kern van selfsorg self-dissipline in alle areas en fasette van die lewe (geestelik, emosioneel, verstandelik en fisies) is.  “Focus on working on your own development and on what you teach. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16 – CEB)

“…selfsorg die sleutel tot volhouding in die bediening is …”

Deur Jesus se voorbeeld te volg en Paulus se advies te implementeer sal pastore in staat wees om God se roeping op hulle lewens uit te leef met groot ywer en volhoubare vrugbaarheid wat die Koninkryk van God op aarde uitbrei.

THE AFM ON THE MOVE

Puleng Nimrod Kekana
A Poem to Celebrate 110 Years of the AFM!
[Hierdie gedig is oorspronklik in Engels geskryf en so gelos om die integriteit van die boodskap te behou.]

Designed and assigned by God
To reach the lost and hopeless of the world
From Azusa street to Bree street
The Spirit of God moved men as they obeyed
The mission of God kept on expanding
Yes, the move of God’s plan
Cannot, will not, shall not be hindered
The Apostolic Faith Mission is on the move
110 years later,
The move is getting stronger and stronger!

From the southern tip of Africa
To the ends of the world.
Let the message go to all nations.
Blow the trumpet Dr. Chikane,
Let the sound be heard everywhere
Jesus is Lord of the nations
Let missions run down like waters
And church planting like a mighty tsunami
Declare Dr. Murefu,
‘That the mission field is open
And that every congregation
Is an outreach centre to the world.’
The AFM is on the move!

Proclaim it Dr. Burger,
Wherever there are people,
You will find the AFM.
Qualified or unqualified,
Ordained or not ordained
Let everyone go back to their family, friends and community
And share the good news
Of what Jesus had done for them
Mercy is our song,
For sins forgiven and remembered no more
Grace is written all over us,
For our lives are restored and renewed
No longer strangers and foreigners,
But part of God’s family,
The AFM is on the move!

‘The Church is built upon the Rock,
And the gates of hell will not prevail against it’’.
Dr. Lapoorta reminded us.
‘Unity in action,
Let us move forward.’
Pastor Mahlobo preached passionately.
‘To fulfill our mission as mandated by the Lord.’
The AFM is on the move!

From Africa to Europe,
India to the Middle-East,
South to North America,
This thing is exploding and advancing,
It is unstoppable and unbreakable
The AFM is on the move!

It has the cross,
Signifying our commitment to Christ
And our preparedness to die for our calling
In the foolishness of the cross,
Lies our power and confidence
Circled by the golden crown,
It’s a guarantee for our promise
For a crown of life that will not fade away,
To be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the Lord’s work
Sink or swim,
Dark or blue,
Favourable or unfavourable,
In season and out of season
Let the message sound,
‘Jesus is Lord of the nations’
Faith in his name,
And hope in his promise,
Is our inspiration.
The AFM is on the move!

In South Africa, it is everywhere
It is blue, red and gold
It is blue, representing our dependence on the Holy Spirit
It is red, representing that salvation is found in no one else,
But in the precious blood of the lamb,
Jesus Christ our Blessed Lord!
It is gold, signifying the King of kings,
Who seat on the throne,
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
And the Father of All mercies,
The AFM is on the move!

Wherever you find people, you will find the AFM
It is in the army,
It is in the police,
It is in the schools,
It is in hospitals,
It is in the public service,
It is in the private sector,
It is in business,
It is in politics,
It is in entertainment,
It is in the villages,
It is in the small towns,
It is in the cities
The AFM is everywhere!

From Zimbabwe to the UK,
From the UK to Australia,
From Ireland to Pakistan,
From India to Suriname
The AFM is going everywhere,

The AFM is everywhere!
It is like a mighty tornado,
A tsunami that covers everything
This is not a monument but a movement,
A mighty move of the Holy Spirit,
I can hear the sound,
I can hear the thunder,
It’s getting stronger and louder,
It is the move of the Holy Spirit.
And the AFM is privileged to be part,
Of this great deployment of the Spirit.
The AFM is on the move!

HAPPY 110 YEARS OLD!
Happy birthday AFM! GOD BLESS YOU!

SLOT

Ten slotte wil ek jou graag verwys na ‘n artikel oor die AGS se 110^de verjaarsdag op die webtuiste van die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad van Kerke.  Myself en Dr. J.J. La Poorta het die geleentheid gehad om ‘n onderhoud te doen wat verdere lig sal werp op hierdie historiese en onvergeetlike 110^de jaar van die AGS!  Ek vertrou dat sal tot seën wees vir jou – http://sacc.org.za/celebrating-110-years-afm/.

Past. M.G. Mahlobo