• 3rd QUARTER 2017 • THE APOSTOLIC FAITH MISSION OF SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL OFFICE Building no. 14, Central Office Park, 257 Jean Avenue, Centurion, Gauteng, Suid-Afrika P.O. Box 9450, Centurion 0046 Tel: 27 12 644-0490 | Faks: 27 12 644-0732/4 www.afm-ags.org https://issuu.com/afm_ags Dear Colleague,
CONTENTS • Dear Colleague - 1 • Endeavoring To Keep Unity In The Bond Of Peace - 2-4 • Living In A Secularizing Society – Things Are Changing - 4-6 • Teach, Train & Equip Called Ones – A Story From The AFM Sunnyside Assembly - 6-8 • Conclusion - 8
Special Issue
Greetings in Jesus’ Name. I am thankful for the opportunity to communicate with you through this Pastoral letter. I would like to thank all those who read my previous letter and gave me feedback. This issue is a special Conference Edition that zooms in on the main theme of this year’s National AFM Conference: Cohesion – Living as people of the Spirit in a secularizing society.
ENDEAVORING TO KEEP UNITY IN THE BOND OF PEACE Past. M.G. Mahlobo – President
EPHESIANS 4:1-6 (NIV) “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have 3 2 received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 5one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Lifestyle which is compatible to our calling It is important to note that Paul addressed the saints as called ones. This notion was lost when the Christian church made a distinction between the clergy and laity. The calling into ministry was confined to the clergy which are few in comparison with the laity. We need to reclaim the notion that all saints, clergy and laity are expected to fulfill God’s calling.
“We need to reclaim the notion that all saints, clergy and laity are expected to fulfill God’s calling.” Characteristics of the lifestyle which is befitting our calling Paul beseeches the Christian believers in Ephesus to walk or live in a manner that is compatible to their calling. In this regard, he mentions four characteristics. These are humility, meekness, patience and forbearance in love. The Church at Ephesus comprised of membership from the Jewish and Gentile origin. This aspect alone had a potential to cause tension. One would expect that some of the Jewish members would insist that the Gentiles in the fellowship, be required to bear the yoke and burden of the Mosaic law. Cultural differences may disrupt harmony if cultural diversity is not managed well. Paul urges them to make every effort to keep the unity in the bond of peace. Unity of the Spirit The reference to the unity of the Spirit in the text, firstly indicates that the unity spoken of is made possible by the Holy spirit. In other words, it is something already given. Secondly it is the responsibility of the saints to maintain it in the bond of peace. Some of the indicators to show that unity is kept would be the relationships that are characterized by humility, meekness, patience and bearing with one another in love. Relationships are important when it comes to the display of cohesion.
“Some of the indicators to show that unity is kept would be the relationships that are characterized by humility, meekness, patience and bearing with one another in love.” -2-
ENDEAVORING TO KEEP UNITY IN THE BOND OF PEACE cont. The AFM of SA is one church comprising of a diverse membership in terms of race, language, gender, age and culture to mention just a few of its elements of diversity. We are bound together by one confession, one logo, submission to the authority of the Bible and our keen desire to be a Matthew 28:18-20 church (Missional church). The Great Commission defines our reason for existence. We are the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM of SA).
“We are bound together by one confession, one logo, submission to the authority of the Bible and our keen desire to be a Matthew 28:18-20 church (Missional church).” Our early pioneers wanted to incorporate the apostolic idea in the name of the movement. They wanted a church like the one in the Book of Acts. They dreamed of a church which looks like the church during the days of the apostles. Just as the early church was a church of action, an outgoing church, a church for the nations, a missional church, they want to be the same. The name "Apostolic Faith Mission" does not only make theological sense, it displays our true DNA. Our history does not present a good picture of unity. We started out on the right footing but along the way we allowed race, culture, language and even gender to divide us. By God’s grace in 1996 we became one again. This was on the basis of one constitution, one confession and one logo. The unification process was a learning curve for all of us. The most important lesson from this process was the necessity for believers from different cultural backgrounds to listen to one another. This would promote mutual understanding and mutual trust. On three occasions (2002, 2006 & 2013) the National Leadership Forum of the church discussed perceptions about unity. One perception was that no unity had been established because it was not visible at the grassroots level of local assemblies. The other one was that there were important indicators that unity was slowly taking shape at pastoral (leadership) level. Fact of the matter is that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to deepen our unity. The call on us in Ephesians 4:3-6 is that we should all make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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ENDEAVORING TO KEEP UNITY IN THE BOND OF PEACE cont. Critical conversations Unity is not uniformity. Neither is it homogeneity nor the duplication of one another. It is about shared Godly values, beliefs and goals (destiny).
“Unity is not uniformity.” One of the ways in which we can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is through honest discussions on issues that promote cohesion. Such conversations should begin at leadership level and then filter down to membership level. Some of the key issues for deliberation should be our collective mission, our shared values (integrity, relationships, accountability and excellence) and the creation of an atmosphere that enhances our sense of belonging to the AFM brand. The main objective should be to enhance cohesion in the church. My prayer is that all of us should be part of these conversations.
LIVING IN A SECULARIZING SOCIETY – THINGS ARE CHANGING
Dr. H.J. Weideman – General Secretary
Society is different than what it was 20 or 30 years ago and I am not referring to politics or demographics. There was a time when most people would find their identity and frame of reference in Christian norms and principals. Many people lived their lives as part of a religious community and were respected by their peers because of their involvement in the church. That is not exactly so any more.
“In many circles, it is normal to be irreligious and there is no respectability or status given to practicing religion.” Religion per se is losing its social and cultural significance and in some communities, it has become marginal. In many circles, it is normal to be irreligious and there is no respectability or status given to practicing religion. Belief in God is no longer self-evident and there are many alternatives. Although there are definite Christian foundations and traces in amongst others our educational and legal systems, society is now being shaped differently. We are no longer living in a society where Christian values and norms governs everyday life (also known as Christendom). Christianity is fast becoming a sub-culture, where much like the early Christians in the classical world, we are becoming a “peculiar people” because of our distinctive beliefs and values. We need to ask ourselves if this reality is necessarily bad.
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LIVING IN A SECULARIZING SOCIETY – THINGS ARE CHANGING cont. Longing for the past Some of us find the continuous, fast paced and often chaotic changes around us, difficult to cope with. We tend to want to live as if Christendom still exist, controls society and determines culture. Although our intentions are good, it is not realistic and in some ways, hinders the true mission of the church. To continuously live in a frame of mind that focus on the so called “good old days”, might even have a negative impact on our role as Christians in society. Propelled towards the future I believe our faith by its very nature pushes us to the future. The account of the lives of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, tells us that they were looking forward to the promises made: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13 (NIV).
“... the way we infuse public culture and every sphere of society by how we live our everyday lives, will go a long way.” Paul was clear on how he focused his life: “Dear brothers (and sisters) I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize…” Philippians 3:13-14 (Living Bible). The presence of churches, Christians schools and “Christian” law does not make a country Christian. Rather the way we infuse public culture and every sphere of society by how we live our everyday lives, will go a long way. Living in the present as people of the future We are not living in the 18th or 19th century. God has placed us here and now, for a reason. We are not supposed to spend our days longing for the past, or only focusing on “flying away” on a great escape to heaven someday. We are here on a MISSION to: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV).
“God has placed us here and now, for a reason.” While we are here, God’s words to Israel living in exile in Babylon, also applies to us: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters… Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:5-7 (NIV). -5-
LIVING IN A SECULARIZING SOCIETY – THINGS ARE CHANGING cont. We are here to: “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV). We are here to impact the communities in which we live and work with the principals and values of God’s kingdom by maintaining an authentic Spirit filled lifestyle: “If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, Godly character and moral courage - our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]” Galatians 5:24-26 (Amplified). Incredible opportunities A secularizing society may not be what we had hoped for, but we need to see it for the reality that it is -and also for the incredible opportunity that it presents to us as followers of Jesus, to be SALT and LIGHT in real and practical ways.
TEACH, TRAIN & EQUIP CALLED ONES – A STORY FROM THE AFM SUNNYSIDE ASSEMBLY Mrs. C. Schutte – Communication Manager
The empowerment of our members is stated as part of our vision: “We see a church accessible to all people, celebrating our unity and God given diversity, empowering our members for caring and transforming our communities to the glory of God”. In a time where society is moving further away from Biblical values and knowledge about Kingdom principles have become limited and shallow, the importance of teaching, training and raising up our members cannot be overemphasised. Based in Pretoria, under leadership of Dr. Thomas Swift, the AFM Sunnyside Assembly serves a multi-cultural community. Services are presented in 6 different languages, reaching around 18 different nationalities and 28 cultures. Early this year the need for a training course for the youth members of the assembly was identified. -6-
TEACH, TRAIN & EQUIP CALLED ONES – A STORY FROM THE AFM SUNNYSIDE ASSEMBLY cont. With a need for course material, the leadership reached out to a neighbouring AFM assembly to find out if they perhaps have course material available. The new material was obtained from a Doxa Deo assembly and re-written and adapted to meet the needs of the AFM Sunnyside Youth. The new course was titled “IN TUNE” and contained the following themes:
Finding Your Ears
The Lord is Faithful & Forever
The Voice of God
Ways of Hearing God's Voice
How do I Tune In?
Two leaders in the assembly were identified as facilitators and agreed to present the course to the Youth. Youth Members were informed and motivated to attend the “IN TUNE” training empowerment through various communication channels. And what a turn-out it was, with 60 Youth Members attending! To understand the impact that this training had, we decided to speak to one member individually. Fadzai (32) calls the AFM Sunnyside Assembly her “home” and a place where she can constantly seek and learn more about God. She is a dynamic young woman who fulfils various roles in her community. Recently she was appointed as manager of a bridal shop – acting as a sales consultant to prospective brides. She lives in the surrounding Sunnyside area in a flat with two room mates. In her assembly she is part of the “Ladies Department” and established a new ministry: Woman of Essence (for unmarried women from the age of 25 years and onwards). Fadzai is also in touch with her family abroad – and is a daughter to her mother and father, and a sister to her siblings. These are all the areas of influence God has entrusted her with.
“According to Fadzai her assembly is a storehouse of Godly knowledge.”
According to Fadzai her assembly is a storehouse of Godly knowledge. Training is part of the “way things are done” at the assembly and whenever there is a training opportunity (such as the “IN TUNE” course) she attends! Fadzai strongly believes that continuous training increases her influence in the various roles she fulfils. The “IN TUNE” course specifically showed her how to be graceful on a daily basis when dealing with people, and how to love in relationships. In her job as sales consultant she found that some brides specifically ask for her because she prays for them and speak to them about God’s view of a marriage. Fadzai’s room mates regularly come to her for prayer and stand in a trusting relationship with her. She also found that she cannot serve in the “Ladies Departments” of her church when she herself is empty. Regular investments in training and learning opportunities increase her influence and impact as a leader of the assembly. Further Fadzai is also known as the prayer warrior of her family and intercedes on a regular basis for various issues. -7-
TEACH, TRAIN & EQUIP CALLED ONES – A STORY FROM THE AFM SUNNYSIDE ASSEMBLY cont.
Fadzai sees herself as a full-time worker of the Kingdom and her assembly as the place where she is trained, equipped and raised-up in Godly wisdom. She acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done in the surrounding Sunnyside community. She enjoys being part of a dynamic missional assembly, where members are continuously trained and encouraged to go out and be church! Fadzai also indicated that she sometimes make mistakes and then receive support and encouragement from her Pastors and leaders. She is excited about the next empowerment event that is presented in the month of September.
“Fadzai sees herself as a full-time worker of the Kingdom and her assembly as the place where she is trained, equipped and raised-up in Godly wisdom.” Fadzai Chingombe (32), AFM Sunnyside Assembly
CONCLUSION My prayer is that the Lord will increase the anointing on your ministry and give you breakthroughs in all challenges facing you. As always your feedback on matters raised in this Pastoral Letter will be greatly appreciated. Blessings! M.G. Mahlobo