Category: Pastoral Letters

Download the PDF version here:

 Pastoral Letter 4th Qrt 2018

Dear Colleague,

We are steadily approaching the end of 2018 and looking towards the new year with hope and fresh expectation. 2019 marks an important year for the South African nation because it is a general election year. We are seeing a strong drive in South Africa towards corporate or united prayer meetings and gatherings. Up4SA is also such an initiative with the aim to bring unity through prayer to our local communities. It is an action that can be taken by our local AFM assemblies that directly promotes the implementation of a missional church – as described on our One AFM Game Plan.

“It is an action that can be taken by our local AFM assemblies that directly promotes the implementation of a missional church – as described on our One AFM Game Plan.”

My question to you is: Do you have a prayer point in your local community? I ask all our pastors and community leaders to prayerfully consider volunteering and co-ordinating a prayer point in your local community. Every leader or volunteer receives a resource pack and will be empowered to coordinate the prayer point. Let us cover our nation with prayer through the Up4SA prayer initiative in 2019 (22-24 February). Information is available from:

http://afm-ags.org/category/media/
https://www.facebook.com/Up4SA/
Past. Robbie Black 082 462 1540

LET US PRAY!

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

January month is specifically set aside for prayer and fasting in the AFM of SA. (Download the AFM national calendar from: http://afm-ags.org/category/media/.) Each local assembly leadership decides on the commencement, the manner and the duration of prayer and fasting. I call upon all AFM pastors and members to commit to prayer and fasting during the month of January in 2019. While each congregation will decide on the prayer focus, my request is that you include the following prayer items.

“I call upon all AFM pastors and members to commit to prayer and fasting during the month of January in 2019.”

South Africa’s general elections that will determine who will become the next President of the country. The date for the coming elections is yet to be pronounced by the State President. We need to pray for peaceful and successful elections.

The AFM International will be convening its Triennial Conference in Nairobi (Kenya) on 19-24 August 2019. This Conference will, among other things, deliberate on the status of the AFM churches in all countries in which it has a presence. AFM member countries are at different stages of growth on their way to self-sustenance, self-governing and self-propagation. In many of these member churches there is a need for leadership development and the establishment of governance structures. A few of them have teething internal challenges. My request is that you pray for the successful Triennial Conference in Kenya and growth in all of the member churches.

Most of you are aware that one of the global events that I have been promoting is the 25^th World Pentecostal Conference which will be convened in Calgary (Canada) on 27-30 August 2019. The AFM is an active member of the World Pentecostal Fellowship which is convening this Conference. It will be attended by representatives from Pentecostal Churches from all over the world and presented under the theme: “Spirit Now!” Without prayer our plans may not succeed. I am calling on our pastors and members to pray for the 25^th World Pentecostal Conference in Canada.

“Lastly but not least, let us pray for the great harvest of souls in 2019 and for the transformation of our communities through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.”

GAME PLAN IMPLEMENTATION: AN INSPIRING STORY

Past. Johan Brits – Fokus Deo Assembly (Modimolle Limpopo)

At the General Business Meeting (GBM) that was held in September, there was one presentation that focused on successful implementation of the One AFM Game Plan drivers. This presentation is now accessible in an article format to show how the Game Plan drivers can be implemented on a practical level. Past. Johan Brits of the Fokus Deo assembly tells their inspiring story:

ADAPTING TO CHANGE: ON A MISSION FOR A NEW ENGLISH SERVICE

“We are the AGS/AFM in Modimolle Limpopo (situated in the middle of the town) and are part of the Familia Dei Network. We saw that there were many families moving into town from the township, leaving us with the following question: Where would they go to church? We saw that they weren’t going back to the township church, and realised we could be a home for them!
This mind shift came after the leadership did the “Walk Thru the Bible: High Impact Church” course. There we realised that it doesn’t matter what the size of your church is, what does matter is the impact your church has in your community. The leadership made the decision to embark on an English service at the beginning of 2017 and adopted the principles below:

“…it doesn’t matter what the size of your church is, what does matter is the impact your church has in your community. “

• We focus on the middle-class person in town. We do not focus on the township, because there is already an AFM there which is a spiritual home for many believers in the township.
• We don’t provide transport from far locations – our focus is on our immediate community.
• It is not a multi-cultural service. We see it as a modern English service where we have all colours and cultures attending (there are even Germans who drive far to attend).
• We are in a modern community and have a modern service with multi-media. Services last no longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• We do not have a band yet, but that is not seen as an obstacle. We build our songs on video (and the people love it!)
• The pastors work intentionally to break any racial issues and talk about it openly with the congregation.
• Fellowship is very important. We connect and build relationships over coffee/tea/biscuits after and between the services.

Our church leadership decided: it is not ‘us’ and ‘them’, but just US, the same congregation, just another service like the others but in English. We preach the same message in this English service as we do in the Afrikaans services.

 One AFM Game Plan Presentation Past. MG Mahlobo GBM 2018

Laai die PDF weergawe hier af:

 Pastorale Brief 4de Kwartaal 2018 WEB

Liewe Kollega,

Die einde van 2018 is besig om nader te kom en ons kyk na die nuwe jaar met hoop en vars verwagtinge.  2019 dui op ‘n belangrike jaar vir die Suid-Afrikaanse nasie omdat dit ‘n algemene verkiesingsjaar is. Ons sien ‘n sterk beweging in Suid-Afrika na korporatiewe of verenigde gebedsvergaderings en byeenkomste. Up4SA is so ‘n inisiatief met die doel om eenheid in ons plaaslike gemeenskappe te bring deur gebed.  Dit is ‘n aksie wat deur ons plaaslike AGS gemeentes geneem kan word wat direk die implementering van missionale kerk bevorder – soos beskryf in ons One AFM Game Plan.

“Dit is ‘n aksie wat deur ons plaaslike AGS gemeentes geneem kan word wat direk die implementering van missionale kerk bevorder – soos beskryf in ons One AFM Game Plan.”

My vraag aan jou is:  Het jy ‘n gebedspunt in jou plaaslike gemeenskap?  Ek vra al ons pastore en gemeenskapsleiers om biddend te oorweeg om vrywillig ‘n gebedspunt in jou plaaslike gemeenskap te koördineer.  Elke leier of vrywilliger ontvang ook ‘n hulpbronpakket en sal toegerus word om die gebedspunt te koördineer.  Kom ons bedek ons nasie met gebed deur die Up4SA gebeds-inisiatief gedurende 2019 (22-24 Februarie).  Informasie is beskikbaar vanaf:

http://afm-ags.org/category/media/
https://www.facebook.com/Up4SA/
Past. Robbie Black 082 462 1540

LAAT ONS BID!

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

Januarie maand word spesifiek opsy gesit vir gebed en vas in die AGS van SA.  (Laai die AGS se nasionale kalender af by:  http://afm-ags.org/category/media/.)  Elke plaaslike gemeente se leierskap besluit op die aanvang, die wyse en duur van gebed en vas.  Ek versoek alle AGS pastore en lidmate om hulle te verbind tot gebed en vas gedurende die maand van Januarie 2019.  Alhoewel elke gemeente self sal besluit op die fokus van gebed is my versoek dat die volgende gebedsitems ingesluit sal word:

Suid-Afrika se algemene verkiesings sal bepaal wie die volgende President van ons land sal word.  Die datum van die komende verkiesings moet nog aangekondig word deur die Staatspresident.  Ons moet bid vir vredevolle en suksesvolle verkiesings.

Die AGS Internasionaal (The AFM International) sal hulle Driejaarlikse Konferensie in Nairobi (Kenya) aanbied op 19-24 Augustus 2019.  Hierdie konferensie sal onder andere besprekings insluit oor die status van AGS kerke in al die lande waar die AGS voorkom.  Die AGS se lede lande is in verskillende fases van groei op hulle pad na selfonderhoud, selfbestuur en selfvoorplanting.  In menige van hierdie lede kerke is daar ‘n behoefte na leierskapsontwikkeling en die vestiging van bestuurstrukture.  My versoek is dat jy bid vir die suksesvolle Driejaarlikse Konferensie in Kenia en vir die groei van al die lede kerke.

Meeste van julle is bewus dat die 25^ste Wêreld Pinkster Konferensie wat plaasvind in Calgary (Kanada) op 27-30 Augustus 2019, een van die globale gebeurtenisse is wat ek bevorder.  Die AGS is ‘n aktiewe lid van die Wêreld Pinkstergemeenskap wat hierdie Konferensie saamroep.  Dit sal bygewoon word deur verteenwoordigers van Pinksterkerke van regoor die wêreld en aangebied word onder die tema:  “Spirit Now!”  Sonder gebed mag ons planne dalk nie slaag nie.  Ek beroep my op ons pastore en lidmate om te bid vir die 25^ste Wêreld Konferensie in Kanada.

“…laat ons bid vir ‘n groot oes van siele gedurende 2019 en vir die transformasie van ons gemeenskappe deur die krag en teenwoordigheid van die Heilige Gees.”

GAME PLAN IMPLEMENTASIE: ‘n INSPIRERENDE STORY

Past. Johan Brits – Fokus Deo Gemeente (Modimolle Limpopo)

Tydens die Algemene Besigheidsvergadering (General Business Meeting – GBM) wat gehou is in September was daar een aanbieding wat gefokus het op die suksesvolle implementasie van die “One AFM Game Plan” drywers.  Hierdie aanbieding is nou beskikbaar in artikel formaat en wys hoe die “Game Plan” drywers geimplementeer kan word op ‘n praktiese wyse.  Past. Johan Brits van die Fokus Deo gemeente vertel ons hulle inspirerende verhaal:

PAS AAN BY VERANDERING:  OP ‘n MISSIE VIR N NUWE ENGELSE DIENS

“Ons is die AGS/AFM in Modimolle, Limpopo (geleë in die middel van die dorp) en is deel van die Familia Dei Netwerk.  Ons het opgemerk dat menige families dorp toe trek vanaf die “township” wat ons met die volgende vraag gelaat het: Waar sal hulle kerk toe gaan? Ons het gesien dat hulle nie teruggaan na die kerk in die “township” nie en het besef dat ons ‘n tuiste vir hulle kan word!  Hierdie gedagte verskuiwing het gekom nadat die leierskap die “Walk Thru the Bible:  High Impact Church”-kursus gedoen het.  Daar het ons besef dat dit nie saak maak wat die grootte van jou kerk is nie, maar wel wat die impak van jou kerk op die gemeenskap is.  Die leierskap het die besluit geneem om ‘n Engelse diens aan die begin van 2017 te vestig en het die volgende beginsels aanvaar:

“…dat dit nie saak maak wat die grootte van jou kerk is nie, maar wel wat die impak van jou kerk op die gemeenskap is.”

• Ons fokus op die middelkas persoon in die dorp. Ons fokus nie op die “township” nie, want daar is reeds ‘n AGS kerk wat ‘n geestelike tuiste is vir menige gelowiges.
• Ons voorsien nie vervoer van veraf plekke nie – ons fokus is op ons onmiddellike gemeenskap.
• Dit is nie ‘n multi-kulturele diens nie. Ons sien dit is ‘n moderne Engelse diens waar alle kleure en kulture die diens bywoon (daar is selfs Duitsers wat ver ry om die diens by te woon).
• Ons is ‘n moderne gemeenskap en het ‘n moderne diens met multi-media.  Dienste is nie langer as 1 uur en 15 minute nie.
• Ons het nog nie ‘n orkes nie, maar ons sien dit nie as ‘n struikelblok nie. Ons gebruik video om ons liedere aan te bied (en die mense is gaande daaroor!).
• Die pastore werk doelbewus daaraan om enige rassekwessies uit die weg te ruim en praat openlik daaroor met die gemeente.
• “Fellowship” is baie belangrik. Ons maak kontak en bou verhoudige oor ‘n koffie/tee/beskuit na en tussen die dienste.

Ons kerk se leierskap het besluit:  Dit is nie “ons” en “hulle” nie, maar net ONS, dieselfde gemeente, net ‘n ander diens presies soos die res maar in Engels.  Ons preek dieselfde boodskap in hierdie Engelse diens as wat in die Afrikaanse dienste gepreek word.

Met die hulp van ‘n goeie vriend, Pastoor Elvis Mvulane het ons die Engelse diens begin met 20 mense.  Die gemiddelde bywoning van ons Engelse diens is nou 120 mense per Sondag.  Dit het in so ‘n mate ontwikkel dat ons ‘n pastoor het (wat in Alberton woon) wat 180km elke Sondag ry om te help met die prediking en huisbesoeke. Vier maande nadat die Engelse dienste begin is het ons die behoefte raakgesien vir ‘n Engelse Sondagskool – en huidiglik bedien ons 60 kinders op ‘n Sondag.  Ons het ook nou iemand in diens geneem wat in beheer staan van ons Sondagskool. Ons droom is om 5,000 mense in ons Engelse diens te hê!  Met 80,000 mense in die omgewing glo ons dat dit ‘n realistiese teiken is.

 One AFM Game Plan Presentation Past. MG Mahlobo GBM 2018

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 

 AFM Pastoral Letter: Download the PDF version here

Dear Colleague,

On Friday the 25th of May the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa celebrated its 110th birthday! This historic milestone was marked with a special event that was held at the AGS Centurion Assembly in Pretoria, with Pastor Rudi Briel and Mariesa Briel as hosts. The theme for the service was “The Going Gospel – Moving Forward” and illustrated by means of a 110-Year emblem that was specifically designed for the occasion. The main feature of the emblem is the arrow that symbolises the AFM’s apostolic DNA of breaking new ground and moving forward with the mission.

Guests included the National Office Bearers, Regional Office Bearers in and around the Gauteng area (representing AFM regions, networks and national departments), the AFM national office staff, leadership of the AGS Centurion Assembly as well as special guests from the Pentecostal/Charismatic Christian community. In this letter we share the messages that were delivered by our key note speakers that morning. My wish is that this Pastoral Letter will bless you by reminding you:

• Where the AFM comes from (Rewind…)
• What the current footprint and impact of the AFM is (Pause…)
• And where the AFM is heading in the future (Play…)

REWIND – TO MOVE FORWARD, WE NEED TO REMEMBER OUR MISSIONAL ROOTS

Dr. I.S. Burger – Former President of the AFM

The term “Missional” has become a buzz-word in church-circles today, but the concept itself is as old as the church. The church is in fact the result of God’s mission. How far should we then go back? The missional concept starts with God, He is the great Missionary. He is also the first “Sender”. We call this the Missio Dei. The Father sent His Son (John 3:16). The Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit. Then the Father, Son and Spirit sent us (John 20:21). The church in essence is therefore a “sent-entity”, both individually and collectively.

The early church, particularly in Antioch, was a missional church.
While the church in Jerusalem was centripetal (in other words moving towards the centre), the church in Antioch was centrifugal (in other words moving away from the centre). The church in Jerusalem tend to focus on the Jews and the disciples were reluctant to leave the city. They were also hesitant to acknowledge the Christianization of non-Jews, e.g. Cornelius and his household (Acts 10). Remember also the council-meeting in Jerusalem in Acts 15. Antioch (in modern-day Turkey) was a missional church, sending out Paul and others on different missionary journeys. It is necessary that we evaluate ourselves in this regard. Do we reflect the attitude and mind of the church in Jerusalem or the church in Antioch? To put it differently; are we missional or attractional? Are we a “Go and be” or a “Come and see” church?

“…missionality implies the incarnation of Christ in our communities through us, His Church.”

We have to accept that God’s most important point of connection with the world is not the church building but the market place. We refer to the incarnation of Christ to emphasize the fact that God became man. In a derived sense missionality implies the incarnation of Christ in our communities through us, His Church. Christ must be manifested through us. Acts 4:13, gives expression to this: “They marvelled, and took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

What the early church did not have, was a missionary board or missionary program. Missions was not a program, it was the essence of being church. God’s mission in the world is still redemptive. He wants to use His church as His main instrument. To use the metaphor of a wheel – missions was never intended to be a spoke in the wheel, but the hub, the cone. Every other ministry and activity are the spokes that find their significance, sense and meaning by being part of the hub – anchored in the Missio Dei.

“Missions was not a program, it was the essence of being church.”

While the term/concept of missional is a “modern” word, the true meaning thereof was initially part and parcel of the AFM:

• John G Lake and his companions from America came to do mission-work.
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as in the early church, stirred believers to witness and work for God. (Acts 1:8)
• There were only a few full-time workers but many full-time witnesses.
• The role of divine healing overcame the negative sentiments of many.

PLAY – THE AFM IS MOVING FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE!

Past. M.G. Mahlobo – President

TIMES HAVE CHANGED
One of the significant changes from the inception date of the church to the current times, is the context in which the church finds itself today. Commuting systems changed from coal and steam locomotives to the rapid railway system (such as speed trains like the Gautrain). The pace of communication is much quicker than in 1908. This is evident in the gradual replacement of “snail mail” by emails and social network options. The availability of information is abundant and easily accessible.

Our world has been reduced into a “small village.” All these changes have their advantages and disadvantages, but these changes have brought more positives than negatives for the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They have made it possible for the church to reach a vast number of people all over the world within a short space of time.

On the negative side these developments have also facilitated the spreading of a secularizing culture. This secular culture tends to confine faith into a private personal matter – which is contrary to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). It thrives on humanistic tendencies which promote human interest and push God to the periphery (materialism and hedonism). In this context the sole driving force for existence would is the ‘pursuit of happiness’. Religious pluralism is “the belief that the differences between the religions are not a matter of truth and falsehood, but of different perceptions of the one truth”. All these negatives present the church with an opportunity to represent God’s Kingdom by being the salt and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).

OUR VISION
The vision of the AFM is: “We see a church (AFM) that is accessible to all people, celebrating its unity and a God-given diversity, empowering its members for caring and transforming communities to the glory of God.” The vision statement reflects four critical components:

• Accessibility
• Celebration
• Care
• Transformation.

STRATEGY
The rise of the missional church is the single biggest development in Christianity since the Reformation. Being missional is not doing “church-as-usual”. Going missional requires three shifts. These shifts have to do with ministry focus, people development and the leadership agenda. It is a shift from internal to external in terms of ministry focus, from program development to people development in terms of core activity and from church-based to kingdom-based in terms of leadership agenda (Reggie McNeal 2009).

The early history of the AFM of SA bears an unmistakable evidence that every activity in the church was driven by the passion to win souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This instinctive obedience to the Great Commission was part and parcel of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is how we should understand our name: Apostolic Faith Mission.

“We want to be a community of God’s people that defines and organizes its life around its real purpose…”

That is why the concept of missional church is the basis for our strategy. We want to be a community of God’s people that defines and organizes its life around its real purpose –that of being an agent of God’s mission to the world. It is a church whose members and leaders regard themselves as the “sent people of God – sent on the Mission of Jesus.” Our One AFM Game Plan is the platform we use to create understanding about our missionality and also on how to practically implement.

IMPLEMENTING MISSIONALITY
On our journey to become a missional church again, there are two major shifts that will guide future implementation – and it has to do with our members and our Pastors.

Members. At its inception the AFM did not make a distinction between lay and clergy members. We referred to each other as Brothers and Sisters. Every member and leader of the church was expected to be a witness of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit wherever he/she was. This is how the AFM grew to be what it is today in South Africa, in various African countries and other parts of the world. Ordinary AFM members who were baptized with the Holy Spirit were on fire to share their testimonies. And the Lord worked with them, confirming their witnesses through signs and wonders. The key to being a missional church lies with its members. Its members act as apostolic agents in the world. My message to our members is none other than the one ascribed to Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel all the time, if necessary use the words”. Our conduct should speak louder than our words and sermons.

“The key to being a missional church lies with its members.”

Pastors. One of the key shifts that our pastors will have to make is to becoming coaches. This may be illustrated as a shift from being just a Shepherd to being a Coach. The table below show some of the most important differences between the two:

CONCLUSION

I trust that this Pastoral Letter took you on a journey into the AFM’s missional past, current footprint in South Africa and globally and its glorious future! My message to you is to keep on “Moving Forward” as a church. May God continue to use the AFM as His instrument to accomplish His Mission in this world. May every AFM member claim their position as a modern-day Apostolic agent and Kingdom Worker. May every AFM Pastor and Leader step into their role as coach and equipper of the saints – empowering our members to transform and care for their communities. In such a way glorifies God.

Forward AFM! Forward with the “Going Gospel”!

 AGS Pastorale Brief: Laai die PDF weergawe hier af

Liewe kollega,

Op Vrydag die 25^ste Mei is die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid Afrika se 110^de verjaarsdag gevier!  Hierdie historiese mylpaal is gevier met ‘n spesiale byeenkoms wat gehou is by die AGS Centurion gemeente in Pretoria met Pastoor Rudi Briel en Mariesa Briel as gasheer en gasvrou. Die tema van die diens was “The Going Gospel – Moving Forward” en is uitgebeeld deur middel van ‘n 110-jaar embleem wat spesifiek vir die geleentheid ontwerp was. Die kern van die embleem is die pyl wat simbolies is van die AGS se apostoliese DNA – simbolies van nuwe grond wat betreë word en die missie wat voortgedra word.

Die gaste was onder andere die Nasionale Ampsdraers, Streeks Ampsdraers in en rondom die Gauteng provinsie (verteenwoordigend van streke, netwerke en nasionale departemente), die AGS Nasionale Kantoor personeel, die leierskap van die AGS Centurion gemeente asook spesiale gaste van die Pinkster/Charismatiese Christen gemeenskap. In hierdie brief deel ons die boodskap wat gelewer is deur ons gassprekers op daardie oggend. My wens is dat hierdie Pastorale Brief jou sal seën deur jou te herinner aan:

• Waar die AGS vandaan kom (Kyk terug…)
• Die huidige impak en groei van die AGS (Kyk om ons…)
• Die toekomspad van die AGS (Kyk vorentoe…)

KYK TERUG… – OM VORENTOE TE BEWEEG MOET ONS ONTHOU WAAR ONS MISSIONALITEIT VANDAAN KOM

Dr. I.S. Burger – Voormalige President van die AGS

Die term “missionaal” het vandag ‘n sleutelwoord in kerkkringe geword, maar die konsep self is net so oud soos die kerk. Die kerk is in werklikheid die resultaat van God se missie. Hoe ver moet ons dan terug kyk? Die missionale konsep begin met God, Hy is die groot Sendeling. Hy is ook die eerste Afsender.  Ons noem dit die Missio Dei.  Die Vader stuur Sy Seun (Joh 3:16). Die Vader en die Seun stuur die Heilige Gees. Dan stuur die Vader, Seun en Heilige Gees ons (Joh 20:21). Die kerk is in wese a gestuurde entiteit, beide individueel en kollektief.

Die vroeë kerk, in besonder die kerk in Antioch, was ‘n missionale kerk.
Die kerk in Jerusalem was sentripetaal (m.a.w. middelpuntsoekend – beweeg na die middelpunt) terwyl die kerk in Antioch sentrifugaal was  (m.a.w. middelpuntvliedend – beweeg weg van die middelpunt).  Die kerk in Jerusalem was geneig om te fokus op die Jode en die dissipels was teësinnig om die stad te verlaat. Hulle was ook huiwerig om die bekering van nie-Jode te erken, bv. Cornelius en sy huishouding (Handelinge 10). Onthou ook die raadsvergadering in Handelinge 15. Antioch (in hedendaagse Turkeye) was ‘n missionale kerk wat Paul, sowel as ander, op verskillende missionale reise gestuur het.  Dit is nodig dat ons onsself evalueer ten opsigte van hierdie aspek. Reflekteer ons die houding en ingesteldheid van die kerk in Jerusalem of van die kerk in Antioch?  Om dit anders te stel:  is ons “missional” of “attractional”?  Is ons ‘n “Gaan en wees” kerk of ‘n “Kom en kyk” kerk?

“…impliseer missionaliteit die inkarnasie van Christus in ons gemeenskappe deur óns, Sy Kerk.”

Ons moet aanvaar dat God se belangrikste ontmoetingspunt met die wêreld nie ‘n kerkgebou is nie, maar die markplein (m.a.w. daar waar mense daagliks funksioneer). Ons verwys na die inkarnasie van Christus om te benadruk dat God mens geword het. In ‘n afgeleide betekenis impliseer missionaliteit die inkarnasie van Christus in ons gemeenskappe deur óns, Sy Kerk.  Christus moet sigbaar wees deur ons. Hand 4:13 gee uitdrukking hieraan:  “En toe hulle die vrymoedigheid van Petrus en Johannes sien en verstaan dat hulle ongeleerde en eenvoudige manne was, was hulle verwonderd en het hulle as metgeselle van Jesus herken.”

Wat die vroeë kerk nie gehad het nie, was ‘n missionale bestuursraad of ‘n missionale program.  Sendingwerk was nie ‘n “program” nie, dit was die wese en kern van kerk-wees.  God se missie in die wêreld is nog steeds verlossend.  Hy wil Sy kerk gebruik as Sy hoof instrument.  Om die metafoor van ‘n wiel te gebruik – sendingwerk was nooit bedoel om ‘n speek in die wiel te wees nie, maar die wielnaaf (of te wel die “hub”), die kern.  Alle ander bedieninge en aktiwiteite is die speke wat hulle belangrikheid, waarde en betekenis vind deur deel te wees van die wielnaaf – geankerd in die Missio Dei.

“Sendingwerk was nie ‘n “program” nie, dit was die wese en kern van kerk-wees.”

Terwyl die term/konsep missionaal ‘n “moderne” woord is, was die ware betekenis daarvan aanvanklik deel van die AGS:

• John G Lake en sy metgeselle kom vanaf Amerika om sending/missionale werk te doen.
• Die doping van die Heilige Gees, net soos in die vroeë kerk, het gelowiges gemobiliseer om te getuig en te werk vir God.  (Hand 1:8)
• Daar was slegs ‘n paar voltydse werkers, maar menigte voltydse getuies.
• Die rol van Goddellike genesing het die negatiewe sentimente van baie oorkom.

KYK OM ONS… – VIER DIE AGS SE IMPAK IN SUID-AFRIKA

Dr. H.J. Weideman – Algemene Sekretaris

Die AGS het met een gemeente in Doornfontein begin. In die begin van 1911 was daar 513 onopgeleide werkers (338 swart & 175 wit), waarna soms verwys is as die “Apostolic Faith Missionaries”. Oor die jare het die AGS gegroei tot 1.4 miljoen lede, gestruktureerd in 43 streke en netwerke, 1806 gemeentes, 2498 Pastore, 5 nasionale departemente (Kinder, Jeug, Mans, Susters, Welsyn), 9 gespesialiseerde bedieninge en ‘n Teologiese Kollege. Die administratiewe Hoofkantoor is in Central Office Park, Jeanstraat 257, Centurion.

Vroeë AGS lidmate het die missionale taak beskou as hulle hooftaak, kommissie of opdrag. Op daardie stadium was die name “Apostoliese Geloofsending” en “Apostoliese Geloofsbeweging” gebruik as sinonieme, selfs in die notules van die Uitvoerende Raad.

“Elke lidmaat behoort te verstaan wat dit beteken om
missionaal te wees…”

Vandag is die AGS in die proses om ‘n hedendaagse missionale beweging te word.  Elke lidmaat behoort te verstaan wat dit beteken om missionaal te wees: Om daagliks te lewe vanaf die basis om “gestuur” te wees in sy/haar gemeenskap en op elke terrein van die samelewing as ‘n agent van verandering op te tree. Elke lidmaat behoort ‘n impak te maak op die lewens van ander met die boodskap, waardes, karakter en liefde van Jesus.

Ons “One AFM Game Plan” is die kommunikasie platform wat verskeie vlakke van AGS leierskap herbelyn met hendendaagse missionaliteit. Ons missionale strategie is geloods gedurende November 2013 en het vyf drywers of fokuspunte, naamlik:

1. Dissipelskap –begeleiding van ons lidmate om ware volgelinge van Jesus te word en nie net slegs aanhangers (of te wel “fans”) nie. Om gelowiges te begelei om nie net kerklidmate of toeskouers te wees nie, maar aktiewe spanlede in die Groot Opdrag.
2. Bemagtiging – van alle lidmate tot ‘n missionale leefwyse.
3. Ekumeniese Betrokkenheid – om die liggaam van Christus te herken as alle lewegewende kerke en saam te werk, waar moontlik, om ons missie te vervul.
4. Gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid – om die ware behoeftes in ons gemeenskappe aan te spreek, om sosio-ekonomies en geestelik relevant te wees.
5. Goeie Bestuur – om te struktureer, te lei en onsself te bestuur met integriteit en aanspreeklikheid as deel van ons alledaagse getuienis as volgelinge van Christus.

 AGS Pastorale Brief: Laai die PDF weergawe hier af

Kollega,

Ek groet jou in Jesus se Naam.

Soos wat hierdie jaar aanbeweeg word ek konstant herinner aan die AGS se waardevolle en baie spesifieke roeping – om siele te wen.  Dit is ons visie om toe te sien dat elke lidmaat van die AGS sy/haar rol as plaaslike sendeling in hulle gemeenskappe inneem. Verby is die dae waar ons moes reis na ‘n vreemde en vêrre land om die Goeie Nuus van Jesus Christus te verkondig aan ongelowiges. Verskeie buitelandse burgers het Suid-Afrika hulle tuiste gemaak. Hulle kan bereik word met die Evangelie in ons omgewing, werksplekke en vermaaklikheidsplekke. Vandag is elke AGS lidmaat ‘n sielewenner of Koninkrykswerker en ‘n draer van die verantwoordelikheid om die Goeie Nuus te verkondig waar hulle ookal is – by die werk, tussen familie of in hul plaaslike gemeenskap.  Ons rol as pastore en leiers van die kerk is om ‘n gemeentekultuur te skep waar lidmate kan groei, ontwikkel en toegerus word as sendelinge, Koninkrykswerkers of hedendaagse Apostoliese Agente. Hierdie kosbare roeping is die kern en hart van ons “One AFM Game Plan”.

Met hierdie Pastorale Brief het ons ‘n paar kwessies wat die Kerk se vermoë om haar roeping te bereik en te vervul, oorweeg: (i) Missionaliteit – tradisioneel vs. die nuwe Sending paradigma, (ii)  Leierskap- Opvolger Beplanning, (iii) Taal – die sleutel tot beter begrip van die One AFM Game Plan en (iv) “Coaching” as ‘n Leierskap-Ontwikkelings instrument.

MISSIONALITEIT – TRADISIONEEL VS. DIE NUWE SENDING PARADIGMA

Dr. Henri Weideman – Algemene Sekretaris

‘n Kern aspek van die tradisionele sending paradigma is die prentjie van ‘n individuele gelowige wat ‘n roeping van die Here af kry en na ‘n vêr land reis om die Evangelie aan ongelowiges in “die Sendingveld” te gaan verkondig. ‘n Sendingkomitee of -raad neem dan verantwoordelikheid vir hierdie sendeling, samel fondse in en “stuur” hom/haar uit om sendingwerk te gaan doen. In hierdie paradigma, is sending hoofsaaklik die “werk” of fokusarea van ‘n departement/komittee en ‘n paar sendelinge.

Tye het verander en ons leef te midde van ‘n nuwe realiteit.  Mense van regoor die wêreld kom na ons land en woonbuurte om hier te leef en te werk. Dit gebeur wêreldwyd. Die “sendingveld” is toenemend in ons eie huise, gemeenskappe, plekke van opvoeding en ontspanning en in ons eie werksplekke.  Maak geen fout!  God roep nog steeds mense om as sendelinge na ander lande te gaan, maar Hy roep ons nou meer as tevore om ons oë oop te maak en die geweldige geleenthede raak te sien om die Evangelie met ander mense in ons woon- en werkplekke te deel!

“Die “sendingveld” is toenemend in ons eie huise, gemeenskappe, plekke van opvoeding en ontspanning en in ons eie werksplekke.”

Engeland, wat eens een van die grootste uitstuurders van Christen sendelinge was, is ‘n land waarin daar tans meer moskees as kerke is en moet as’t ware van voor af met die Evangelie bereik word!  Met 195 miljoen kerklose mense, het Amerika ook ‘n sendingveld geword. Die mense wat die beste geposisioneer is om hulle te bereik is die Amerikaners en die Britte self. Die “One AFM Game Plan” is die kerk se strategiese plan om ons te help transformeer van ‘n tradisionele begrip na ‘n nuwe verstaan van sending in die AGS.  Die vyf drywers, of fokusareas van die “One AFM Game Plan”, is die kern in die implementering van hierdie nuwe paradigma.

“COACHING” AS ‘N LEIERSKAPS ONTWIKKELINGS INSTRUMENT

Dr. H.J. Weideman – Algemene Sekretaris

HOEKOM “COACHING”?   Een van die kernwaardes van die AGS is wedersydse verhoudings  – egte en opbouende (verrykende) verhoudings tussen gelowiges, pastore, leiers en gemeentes. Dit is nie meer in vandag se konteks moontlik om ander op ‘n armlengte van ons af weg te hou nie,  of om indiepte en betekenisvolle verhoudings te probeer vermy nie. Ware leiers en dissipels word voortgebring wanneer individue gelei word tot geestelike en emosionele volwassenheid deur verhouding. “Coaching” (die vorming van kwaliteit begeleidende verhoudinge) is ‘n kern instrument in ons reis om ons missionale roeping te vervul.

“Ware leiers en dissipels word voortgebring wanneer individue gelei word tot geestelike en emosionele volwassenheid deur verhouding.”

Gedurende 2017 het die lede van die Nasionale Leierskap Forum (NLF) opleiding ontvang in “coaching” en gedurende die 2018 NOB besoeke aan die Streke is afgevaardiges blootgestel aan die basiese elemente van “coaching”, asook die GROW “coaching” model. “Coaching” is ‘n vorm van ontwikkeling waar ‘n persoon wat ‘n “coach” genoem word, ‘n “coachee” ondersteun om spesifieke professionele of persoonlike doelwitte te bereik deur begeleiding, opleiding en advies aan die “coachee” te verskaf. Ideaal ondersteun “coaching” ‘n persoon om sy/haar eie oplossings te vind, eerder as om ‘n oplossing vanaf die “coach” se oogpunt voor te skryf.

Die basiese elemente van “coaching” is kortliks die volgende:

1. Die “coaching” houding/ingesteldheid:  Eerstens behels “coaching” ‘n ingesteldheid/ houding wat glo in die potensiaal van elke individu en wat werklik waarde aan die lewens van ander wil toevoeg. Dit beteken dat ‘n persoon wat belangstel in “coaching” ‘n hart moet hê vir ander mense en wil poog om net die beste in die “coachee” navore te bring.

2. Verhouding en vertroue: ‘n Belangrike aspek van die “coaching” verhouding is die opbou van vertroue, asook ‘n outentieke verstandhouding wat opregtheid en humor insluit, tussen die “coach” en die “coachee”.

3. Kragtige vrae: Kragtige vrae vorm die fondasie van effektiewe “coaching”. Die kwaliteit van die vrae wat ‘n “coach” aan sy/haar “coachee” vra, bepaal die kwaliteit van die “coaching”. Oop vrae moet gevra word en veroordelende of adviesgeoriënteeerde vrae moet vermy word. Die regte vrae sal samewerking bewerkstellig en oplossings voortbring.

4. Die kuns van luister en onderskeiding: Tweede in belangrikheid na die vra van goeie vrae , is om werklik te luister met die doel om te verstaan. ‘n “Coach” moet meer luister as praat of raad gee. ‘n Belangrike eienskap van ‘n goeie luisteraar is om daarteen te waak om te vroeg afleidings te maak. Die “coach” moet probeer om so onpartydig en nie-veroordelend as moontlik op te tree. .  Deel van om in diepte te luister is om die “coachee” se liggaamstaal dop te hou. Heilige Geesvervulde “coaches” het ook die bykomende voordeel van Geestelike onderskeiding.

5. Terugvoer en bewustheid:  Alhoewel ons nie altyd daarvan hou nie, is terugvoer vanaf die “coachee” belangrik om sukses te behaal. Die “coach” lei die “coachee” om besluite te maak en aksie te neem en moet  hom/haar gereeld uitvra na die verloop of vordering van die ooreengekomde aksie/s. In hierdie konteks is dit ook belangrik om bewustheid van wat besig is om rondom en in die “coachee”  gebeur, in hom/haar in te bou. Dit ondersteun en kweek transformasie.

6. Voorstelle en vereenvoudiging: Somtyds gebeur dit dat die “coachee”   vashaak en sukkel om opsies vir oplossings of  verskillende moontlike aksies, raak te sien. Die “coach” behoort dan ‘n  voorstel/le voor te lê, maar nie voordat hy/sy die toestemming van die “coachee” gekry  het om dit te doen nie. ‘n Belangrike ingesteldheid regdeur die “coaching” sessies, is om te probeer om by die reël van vereenvoudiging in alle besprekings en oordra van konsepte, te hou.

7. Doelwitte en  aksieplanne: Sonder die daarstelling van duidelike doelwitte, waarvan die “coachee” eienaarskap  neem en hom/haar verbind tot implementering , sal ‘n “coaching” sessie uiteindelik net ‘n interessante bespreking wees. Die daarstelling van doelwitte, tesame met die skep van strategieë en aksieplanne om dit te bereik, is ‘n baie belangrike deel van suksesvolle “coaching”.

8. Toerekenvatbaarheid en prestasie: Ons behoort te meet wat belangrik is. Deel van ‘n suksesvolle “coaching” proses, is om die “coachee” verantwoordelik te hou vir die aksies wat hy/sy moes uitvoer om sodoende die gestelde doelwitte te bereik. Deur die “coachee” verantwoordbaar te hou, dryf prestasie en die rol van die “coach” is om hierdie vordering raak te sien en opregte erkenning daaran te gee.

Die “coaching” proses en -model sal verder bespreek word in de 2de kwartaal se Pastorale Brief.

SLOT

Die doel van die Pastorale Brief is om te bemoedig, met ons leiers in verbinding te treë en hulle attent te maak op aangeleenthede wat huidiglik  deel van die hartklop van ons kerk is. Ek vertrou dat jy ingelig is en deel is van die belangrike besprekings wat besig is om plaas te vind op verskillende vlakke in die kerk.  Ons vra God se leiding soos wat ons verder soek na volhoubare oplossings.

Seënwense!

M.G. Mahlobo

 AFM Pastoral Letter: Download the PDF printable version

Dear Colleague,

Greetings in Jesus’ Name. As this year progresses I am constantly reminded of the AFM’s precious and very specific calling – to win souls. It is our vision to see that every single member of the AFM claims his/her role as a local missionary in their community. Gone are the days where we had to travel to a foreign and distant country to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. South Africa has become home to various foreign nationals. They can be reached with the Gospel within our reach, in our neighbourhood, work places and places of entertainment. Every AFM member is a soul winner or Kingdom worker and has a responsibility to proclaim the Gospel there where they are – at work, within their families and local communities. Our role as pastors and leaders of the church is to create an assembly culture where members can grow, develop and be equipped as missionaries, Kingdom workers or modern-day Apostolic Agents. This precious calling is at the heart of our One AFM Game Plan.

In this Pastoral Letter we consider a few issues that affect the church’s ability to reach and fulfill its calling: (i) Missionality – traditional vs. new paradigm of missions, (ii) Leadership Succession Planning and (iii) Coaching as a Leadership Development tool and (iv) Language – a key to unlock understanding of the Game Plan.

MISSIONALITY – TRADITIONAL VS. NEW PARADIGM OF MISSIONS

Dr. Henri Weideman – General Secretary

A key part of the traditional paradigm of missions, sees an individual believer receiving a call from God and traveling to a far-away foreign country to preach the Gospel to unbelievers, in what is called the “mission field.” A “Mission’s Board or -Committee” then “adopts” this missionary, raises support and “sends” him/her out to do missions work. In this paradigm, mission is mainly the “work” or focus area of a department/committee and a few missionaries.

Times have changed, and we are now living in a new reality: People from all over the world are coming to our country, communities, and neighbourhoods to live and work. This is happening everywhere in the world. The “mission field” is now in our own houses, communities, places of learning and leisure and in our own workplaces. Make no mistake! God still calls people to go to other countries as missionaries, but He is also now calling us more than ever, to open our eyes and see the tremendous opportunities to share the Gospel right where we work and live!

“The “mission field” is now in our own houses, communities, places of learning and leisure and in our own workplaces.”