Download the PDF-version here (print and e-mail friendly):
RESOURCES
1. GBM Online Registration Form
https://afm.easychurch.co.za/?page_id=413
2. Pastoral Letter: 4th Quarter
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-4th-quarter-2020/
3. AFM of SA 2021 Calendar
https://afm-ags.org/updated-afm-calendar-2021/
4. Letter to the State President on the Prohibition of Church Gatherings
https://afm-ags.org/category/media/
Dear AFM Colleague,
As the second wave of Covid-19 sweeps across the country, the impact on Pastors cannot be ignored. This pandemic does not recognise gender, race, class or level of education – everybody is impacted, including our Pastors. We have, and sadly are still losing Pastors to Covid-19. Pastors are at the frontline as they minister to our members and communities. I pray for protection and provision over the lives of all our Pastors.
In congregations where members still hold the traditional view that the Pastor/s are solely responsible to carry out the work of the Lord, has now become a significant risk. This belief that a Pastor must appear in-person for every emergency experienced by his/her members, has now become dangerous. Many of our members are expecting the same treatment they received before Covid-19. In response to this expectation, a Pastor might feel pressure and end up compromising – as to not offend the congregation’s members.
In a time, such as this, it is crucial for Pastors to make sound decisions regarding their own safety and health. Consider doing counselling and prayer support over the phone. Consider doing meetings online on platforms such as Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp video calls. Some people easily complain about the cost of data – not taking into account the resources they would have spent on fuel and transport to attend a meeting in-person. I encourage you to not feel pressured to attend in-person meetings where social distancing is not observed. Do not be afraid to insist that equipment like a microphone or pulpit be sanitised before and after use.
I share the belief that Pastors should also be protected and protect themselves. By doing this you are protecting not only the members of your congregation but also the members of your community that you come in contact with. I want to invite you to connect with me by sharing your feedback, input and recommendations on this issue of a Pastor’s safety and health in the time of Covid-19. You can send me an e-mail to mmahlobo@afm-ags.org.
Kindly take note that due to the current Lockdown Level 3 restrictions, the scheduled NOB Empowerment Visits for the weekend of 5-6 February 2021 (Cape Town & Free State) are postponed until further notice. More information and communication will be sent after the State President’s next address to the nation that is currently expected to be on or around 15 February 2021.
The rest of the NOB Empowerment dates for the rest of the year remain the same until further notice.
If you have not yet downloaded the AFM 2021 Calendar, kindly click on the link below:
https://afm-ags.org/updated-afm-calendar-2021/
Kindly note that due to Lockdown Level 3 restrictions, the tentative GBM date of 14-18 February 2021 will not materialise. Specific dates cannot be confirmed at this stage but will be communicated as soon as possible and depends on Covid-19 developments.
Delegates are however welcome to register. The venue remains AFM Word and Life Church in Boksburg. Registration for the event (although a specific date can not be confirmed at this stage) can be done online:
https://afm.easychurch.co.za/?page_id=413
Find herein the copy I sent to the State President on the prohibition of church gatherings. The letter can be downloaded from the link below on the AFM Website:
https://afm-ags.org/category/media/
Kindly note that no decision has been taken regarding the PCD credits for 2021. Pastors are encouraged to continue gathering as much PCD credits as possible until a decision is announced. We are in year three of the current four-year cycle (2019-2022). In the case of falling behind on the required credit count, a Pastor needs to catch up before the end of 2022 – That is when all ordained Pastors will be required to apply for their status renewal.
For further notices, follow the PCD-page on Facebook by clicking on the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/pcd.afm
Blessings!
MG Mahlobo
