The Bible guide to electing leaders in the upcoming elections
William Leleki
Elections always present an opportunity for people to select those who they think will lead and represent their aspirations.
More often than not this process is accompanied by hopes of better life and being treated with dignity and respect.
The relationship between the elected and those electing should be characterized by mutual respect and common goal.
Read more here: Church in the Community 30.03.2026
Overcoming internalised oppression
Alain Walljee
Many of the societal ills and challenges experienced in Nelson Mandela Bay can be traced to past hurts.
According to the Center for Community Health and Development at the University of Arkansas in The Community Toolbox: “When people are targeted, discriminated against, or oppressed over a period of time, they often internalize (believe and make part of their self-image their internal view of themselves) the myths and misinformation that society communicates to them about their group“.
Read more here: Church in the Community 23.03.2026
Church’s role in the fight against substance abuse
Vidah Mayama
Churches can play a vital role in the fight against substance abuse by becoming involved in education and early detection in their communities.
Substance abuse is a key driver of crime.
Read more here: Church in the Community 09.03.2026
The father wound: complex trauma transferred between generations of fathers
Hanna Kotze
Understanding the father wound is essential for breaking the cycle of trauma.
Research confirms that the Church can offer healing and modelling for men who had been abandoned by their fathers.
Read more here: Church in the Community 23.03.2026
The Church’s role in creating a South Africa where there is place everyone at the table
Danie Mouton
Entering into the second month of 2026, the Church in Nelson Mandela Bay must ask: what is our calling in a city facing deep social, economic and moral strain?
At the outset the Church must remember who we are, and Who we belong to.
We belong through Jesus Christ to God. We are called to live by his teachings and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so.
Read more: Church in the Community 02.02.26
A return to ethical and moral leadership
Bishop Dr William Leleki
Leadership is about influencing change or transformation for better. Leaders must be flexible and willing to change their approach or their modus operandi based on the will of the people
Read more here: Church in the Community 19.01.26
Breaking through the sacred secular divide in 2026
Mike Smith
One of the most positive interventions that is and has been taking place in our city for a while is the work done by business via the Business Chamber’s Cluster initiative.
Born out of necessity, various businesses represented by their managers and staff have taken charge of looking after aspects of our infrastructure.
Read more here: Church in the Community12.01.26
2025 was the year the Church stepped out of the building
William Leleki
At the start of 2026, this period presents a perfect time to reflect with gratitude on the journey traversed during 2025.
We bid farewell to 2025 acknowledging how each challenge shaped our growth of coming closer to God and to each other. The Church of Christ has been seen by all in the Nelson Mandela Metro in action.
Read more here: Church in the Community 05.01.26
Government and Church must take the scourge of GBV more seriously
Gail Charalambous
Dear Mr President, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Rev Purity Nomthandazo Malinga as well as the head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, leaders of political parties – someone out there, the collective, anyone in high places, please, please listen to us women.
Read more here: Church in the Community 22.12.25
A year of listening, learning and standing together
Danie Mouton
For the Nelson Mandela Bay Church Leaders this past year has been one of deep listening and bold engagement.
It has also been a year shaped by one simple belief: God is active, loving, and present in this city, and God calls us to stand with the vulnerable and walk with those who hold power.
The churches in our network are different in size, tradition and style. But we are journeying together because we share a covenant of social impact.
Read more here: Church in the Community 15.12.25
A hopeful alternative
Robert-John de Kock
Nelson Mandela Bay faces significant problems such as poor service delivery, an unreliable water supply, collapsing infrastructure, high crime rates, high unemployment, poverty, and leadership instability. One cannot ignore this reality.
Read more here: Church in the Community 8.12.2025
It Starts With Me: How Personal Responsibility Can Transform Our City
Alain Walljee
In the 1990s, Bogota in Colombia was drowning in crime, corruption and unemployment.
The mayor launched a radical campaign by asking local residents to take responsibility for their own city.
Read more here: Church in the Community 24.11.2025
Call to action for churches in Nelson Mandela Bay
The citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay are facing a myriad of challenges due to a toxic combination of a lack of clear political leadership, municipal dysfunction / collapse of service delivery, global geo-political shifts, climate change, and the upending of the world trade order through the tariffs imposed by president Donald Trump.
In response, multinationals are placing their business in countries where they can be most competitive
Read more here: Call to action for churches in NMB
Governing the people of God with the spirit of God
Bishop Dr William Leleki
Wittingly or unwittingly, those who are in authority must be servants of God for them to lead the people of God.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to God (Ps. 24:1).
Read more here: Church in the Community 17.11.2025
Discovering your unique Christian purpose
By: Trevor Jennings 27.10.25
Many Christians wrestle with a simple yet profound question: What is my role in God’s plan?
For some, going to church becomes a weekly routine—attending, listening, and leaving.
But Scripture reminds us that the church is not a building. It is a living body, and every believer is a vital part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27).
Using story sharing to share the gospel
By: Brian Helsby 20.10.25
Jesus instructed His followers to go into all the world and to make disciples. Many Christians are not sharing their faith because they do not know how, or they lack the courage to do so.
Small wins, big hope: how we can rebuild our future one street at a time
By: George Georgiou 13.10.25
One of the most powerful commodities a community has in times of uncertainty is hope.
Yet, hope cannot be sustained by wishful thinking. It needs evidence. It needs to be grounded in tangible actions that will make tomorrow better than today.
While children are dying of hunger we should not be “ok”
By: Gail Charalambous 06.10.25
I am not ok
Children in our metro are hungry, malnourished and starving. Over the past year 25 children (and counting) under the age of five have died from severe malnutrition.
I am not ok with this, and none of us should be ok with this sinful state of affairs.
Call on church communities to support those affected by dementia
By Heather Rauch 22.09.2025
World Alzheimer’s’ Month and Day, celebrated in September annually and more specifically on the 21st day of September has rolled around again!
Our children are suffering and dying – do we really care?
By Ed Richardson 15.09.2025
Yesterday 30 South African children died of hunger. Today another 30 will die, and the day after.
That is according to activist Mark Heywood, who told The Gathering 2025 that 11 000 children die every year in the country because they do not have enough food.
That excludes those who go so hungry that their mental and physical growth is affected.
Church in action – the Bread of Life Trust
By Audrey van Wyk 8.09.2025
The mission field is all around us here in Nelson Mandela Bay. Just recently it was reported that 25 children under the age of five starved to death in the metro in the last 12 months.
This is double the number who died of hunger in 2023.
A Call for Churches to Serve the Least
By Pierre van Wyk 01.09.2025
Driving or walking through the city centre of Kariega, it is evident that the area’s beauty has diminished.
Over time, streetlights and traffic signals have fallen into disrepair. The road surfaces have significantly deteriorated, and the road markings are barely recognizable, while sidewalks and verges have become overgrown.
God’s hope in our metro’s failing health care system
By: William Leleki 25.08.2025
Most church leaders have had the experience of trying to help a person who is in the health crisis.
We encourage church leaders to make themselves available in our hospitals with the purpose of journeying with those who are not well.
Understanding the Times – and Why It Matters Now
By: Mark Scholtz 18.08.2025
I have been reading Ecclesiastes again recently and saw this verse with new eyes:
“Don’t long for ‘the good old days.’ This is not wise.” (Ecclesiastes 7:10, NLT)
I often ask: “what good old days?”
The Cold War? The Great Depression? World War II? The 2008 stock market crash?
The past often looks better than it really was.
Our greatest treasure is our youth – they need the church’s support
By: Lubabalo Mguda 04.08.2025
It is a well-known fact that South Africa is a country very rich in minerals. Let it be known that it is also rich in young people.
South African youth are the best in the world in terms of artistic creativity and sporting prowess.
Leaders have a duty to uplift the metro community
By: William Leleki 28.07.2025
Leaders cannot just be people occupying the influential positions while failing to lead and transform people’s lives for better.
A leader is someone God has gifted to influence, inspire and coordinate actions of others in the community to live a better life
A Christian guide to voting in 2026 municipal elections
By Alain Walljee (21.07.2025)
The year 1994 will forever be remembered as the dawn of democracy in South Africa. Most South Africans voted for the first time in a national and provincial election. The choice then was clear: vote for liberation, which meant to vote against the party in power who represented Apartheid.
The Bible teaches us that failure is not a flaw
By: George Georgiou (14.07.2025)
In the evolving landscape of our modern world, one concern continues to echo across conversations with young adults: the fear of failure.
It is not a new fear, but it takes on a new shape in this generation. Underneath the polished images of success on social media and the pressure to “arrive” early in life, many young people quietly wrestle with the deep anxiety of not measuring up.
How the church can empower the youth
By: Tukela Zamani (07.07.2025)
With youth month just behind us, it is important for us to reflect on what it means to be a young person in South Africa.
What the young people of 1976 fought and died for, how far we’ve come in advancing those objectives, and how we got to where we are today.
Rebooted by grace
By: Gabriel Ntshikose (30.06.2025)
There are few things more frustrating than a sluggish laptop. Especially when it is expensive.
When I was in Grade 8 we had a car accident. My whole family was involved, and thankfully survived.
By God’s grace, and after doctors’ appointments and chiropractor workouts we recovered physically. A few years later, the Road Accident Fund made a significant payout.
My parents gave me a portion, and I bought myself a premium desktop.
Nelson Mandela Bay residents now have a tool to tackle municipal failures
By: Brian Helsby (23.06.2025)
What is the role of the church in society?
This is an often asked question. Many Church leaders see that their role is to provide for the spiritual needs of their “flock”, to assist them in their relationship with God, to help them with their prayer and worship life.
Rugby as a platform for transformation, not just entertainment
By: Andrew Johnson (02.06.2025)
Rugby Players for Jesus (Also known as Rugby Players and Supporters for Jesus) is a community of rugby players, supporters, and believers united by our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for the game of rugby.
It all began when I was invited to share my testimony at a breakfast gathering in Mossel Bay in early 2023. Hosted by a former police colleague and provincial rugby player, the event was a divine appointment.
Giving a hand up instead of a handout
By: Wynand and Nadia Jacobs (26.05.2025)
Vistarus Mission Station has been serving the homeless since 1998 by taking in destitute, and often addicted adults for our minimum six-month full time live in, work-and-grow Life Recovery Programme.
Empathy is at the heart of Christian love
By: Gail Charalambous (19.05.2025)
We are living in uncertain and unsettling times and the world seems to be imploding. Every day individuals, communities and countries are at the receiving end of unspeakable acts of violence, destruction, cruelty and harm.
Depression and suicidal thoughts – ours is not to judge, but to support
By: Mark Eaton (12.05.2025)
Have you found how crucial conversations, although very important, are often awkward? It is often easier to avoid and delay certain discussions because of how uncomfortable and painful they may be.
Jesus offers hope in a dysfunctional world
By: Thabo Makgoba (05.05.2025)
This is an edited version of the message shared by archbishop Thabo Makgoba at the Easter Vigil in St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town, on April 20th, 2025
Over the days of what we now call Passiontide (last two weeks of Lent), it seemed the dreams of where the Jesus story would lead the disciples had crashed
Christians transforming the African Narrative
By: Jackson Tshabalala (14.04.2025)
In 2019, my perspective on Africa changed fundamentally. My brother gave me the book Africa’s Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World’s Next Big Growth Market.
The phrase, “World’s Next Big Growth Market,” immediately captured me. I was intrigued — perhaps even shocked — to realise the world was now looking to Africa for opportunities and innovation.
Message of hope as people come together to build a better community
Danie Mouton
On Tuesday, 25 March 2025, a significant event took place in Gqeberha.
Sixty individuals from various communities and sectors across the city gathered for the Gqeberha City Dialogue. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to build a well-functioning, safe, and thriving city — a place where all residents can live with dignity and hope.
This event brought together people from all walks of life: business leaders, community activists, church representatives, health professionals, educators, and young people. They came not to complain, but to collaborate — united by a shared belief that real change starts with working together.
Read more here: Church in the Community 07.04.2025 DM
A Church on the go By Shelley-Lee Booyens
Much has changed in the 85 years since the NG Church PE-Wes was established in fifth avenue, Newton Park.
Just as the suburb has evolved with the times, so has the church and its congregation.
The Lord has brought us this far, and He will take us further.
Read more here: Church in the Community 31.03.2025
True leaders lead with the love of God by William Leleki
True leaders are those who are called to leadership by an inner voice. Their being in leadership means the fulfilment of what they have been called to do, not to be.
Leadership is not necessarily a position, but fulltime responsibility characterized by huge sacrifice, pain and tears.
Read more here: Church in the Community 24.20.2025
How Christians and their churches can help the homeless by Ronny Naude
Isaiah 58:7 tells us to “Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”
Read more here: Church in the Community 24.02.2025
I long for the day when courts pay attention to victims’ rights by Bishop William Leleki
The biblical understanding of crime is that crime is the same as committing a sin, meaning, missing the mark based on lack of moral and spiritual side of human beings. Crime is not only about mere breaching the human, moral conduct; but defying the will of God.
Read more here: Church in the Community 17.02.2025
The Simple Gospel is Profound by Shannon-Leigh Ntshikose
Many of my fondest childhood memories are centred around fishing with my father.
He taught me how to cast and to put different baits on a hook.
Read more here: Church in the Community 10.02.2025
Die Kerk hou die sleutels om verandering in SA teweeg te bring
“Al staar ons vandag en môre se uitdagings in die gesig, het ek steeds ‘n droom. Ek het ‘n droom dat hierdie nasie eendag sal opstaan en die ware betekenis van sy credo sal uitleef” (Martin Luther King Jr. tydens die Optog na Washington in 1963).
Read more here: Church in the Community 03.02.2025
Christians should be the leaders of societal change in the metro by Mike Smith
Reflection on past successes and challenges is always a good way to start a new year.
For me it is the challenge of establishing the workplace as part of the teaching and outreach of every congregation in the metro.
Read more here: Church in the Community 27.01.2025
Christians have the power to change society – if we leave the building by Trevor Jennings
Have you ever left a church service feeling inspired but unsure how to apply that inspiration during the week? Many of us wrestle with this: how can faith impact our daily lives beyond Sunday mornings?
Read more here: Church in the Community 20.01.2025
Rebuilding the city by taking responsibility for our neighbourhoods by Richard Crompton
The second week of January is a good time to reflect on the year behind us.
If we are all completely honest, 2024 was a difficult year for our metro.
Read more here: Church in the Community 13.04.2025
LEADING GOD’S PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH GOD by Bishop William Leleki
All people are created by God in God’s image to reflect who God is on daily basis.
Read more here: Church in the Community 06.01.2025
Call for health promoting churches in our metro
The country at large and the Nelson Mandela Metro in particular are facing great challenges in the provision of health services for many reasons. Some of the challenges are shortage of staff, infrastructure, the number of patients not covered by health insurance and thus attending public health services in numbers, to name but a few
Read more here: Church in the Community 09.12.2024 Dr Bukelwa Hans
Christmas a reminder to give and show love to others
Read more here: Church in the Community 02.12.2024 Lubabalo
The church and education
Daan Botha
Throughout human history, wherever the church has gone, education has followed.
The heart of Christian education was summarised by St. Anselm of Canterbury in the 12th century: “Education is faith seeking understanding” (to which I may add, “with a view to application”).
God made Himself and His ways knowable and created man in his own image as those capable of knowing.
Read more here: 2024 (266) Church in the Community 11.11.2024 Daan Botha
Christian values can revive the spirit of ubuntu
Sharon Nell
As a child and still into my adulthood, I love reading, especially stories which have a message or teaching to them. One such story I share with you:
A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, “Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like”.
The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table.
Read more here: 2024 (265) Church in the Community 18.11.2024 Sharon Nel
Empowering Children: The Journey of Mister Teddy and Company
Sherry-Lee Booyens
In September 2018, Louise Halliday and I joined forces to create Mister Teddy and Company, an initiative centred around an iconic teddy bear character (Mister Teddy) and his 10 plush friends, to bring joy and education to children.
The outreach started with lively children’s entertainment, birthday parties and various events.
But, the mission of the organisation goes far beyond mere entertainment.
Mister Teddy and Company hosted their first concert in December 2018 to share the true meaning of Christmas.
Read more here: 2024 (264) Church in the Community 04.11.2024 Sherry-Lee Booyens
Reflections on a journey of faith and service: Lessons learned as I step down as Bishop
Eddie Daniels
As I prepare to step down from my role as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Port Elizabeth, I find myself reflecting on some of the lessons learned throughout my tenure. These lessons have shaped both my tenure and my understanding of the delicate balance between faith and the world in which we live.
Read more here: 2024 (263) Church in the Community 28.10.2024 Eddie Daniels
Prophetic voice from Nelson Mandela metro ecumenical leadership – William Leleki
The ecumenical leadership in the metro is now yearning for justice, and the justice we are talking about is based on the biblical understanding of justice.
Through prophetic ministry we aim to inspire people, and in particular those in positions of power and authority, and with the help of divine revelation, to reconsider their attitudes and actions.
Read more here: 2024 (261) Church in the Community 14.10.2024 W Leleki
Churches’ role in removing stigma from dementia Heather Rauch
Each year during September and on September 21 in particular, we acknowledge dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) on World Alzheimer’s Day.
Each year there is a specific theme for the awareness campaign. In 2024 the theme was stigma/ stigmatisation.
While I know that September has passed, I believe that it is still appropriate to talk about this evil in mental health awareness month because of the effect this reality on the mental health of those living with dementia and their loved ones.
Read more here: 2024 (260) Church in the Community Heather Rauch
Is the Church focusing on the root or the fruit of society’s problems? Russell Viljoen
There is a funny story I heard many years ago about a man who went to the doctor and told the physician that his whole body was in pain because wherever he pressed on his body with his finger, it would be sore.
Read more here: 2024 (259) Church in the Community 30.09.2024 (003) Russell Viljoen
Action needed by authorities, church and society to curb crime wave Alain Walljee
On 28 August 2024, I read a Herald Live headline on social media, “Call for curfew to be imposed in crime host spots…”
The online post noted that in the week prior to the article at least 40 people had been murdered in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Read more here: 2024 (258) Church in the Community 23.09.2024 Alain Walljee
Churches standing up against criminals in the metro William Leleki
Nelson Mandela Bay has become one of the most dangerous places to live in South Africa.
Christians and other faith organisations can no longer worship their God freely in the buildings built by themselves or the blood and sweat of their fore parents.
The situation of living under the dark cloud of crime and violence reminds Christians of the important historical role of religion in maintaining social stability.
Read more here: 2024 (257) Church in the Community 16.09.2024 William Leleki
Make a difference in a child’s future by becoming their father figure Pierre van Wyk 9 September 2024
Those of us who have a father who plays or played a positive and active role in our lives are among the fortunate few.
The significant impact of a loving father figure influences our lives for many years, even after they are no longer with us.
Read more here: 2024 (256) Church in the Community 09.09.2024
Good things happen when Christians work in community with each other Ed Richardson 2 September 2024
There was a flurry of activity on social media channels following a report that the Church of England had plans to drop the word “church”. (They don’t).
What set the cat among the pigeons was a recent report by the Centre for Church Planting Theology and Research at Cranmer Hall, Durham which found that the word “church” was not included in parish initiatives such as youth groups, sport outreaches, and new congregations.
Some congregations have even decided that that they do not need church buildings.
Read more here: 2024 (255) Church in the Community 02.09.2024
Change the marketplace and you change the city Mike Smith 26 August 2024
“Change the Marketplace and you change the world”. This is the subtitle of Ed Silvoso’s book, Transformation.
My wife Glynn and I were at a conference of Ed Silvoso in 2007 where he taught on various aspects of the book.
I had resigned my position in the accounting practice I managed the year before to do what I believed God wanted from me, namely, to encourage and or persuade Christians to practice their faith where they connect every day, and to teach them how to do it, as directed in Colossians 3:23
Read more here: 2024 (254) Church in the Community 26.08.2024
The role of the modern church in the emancipation of women Fr Lubabalo Mguda 19 August 2024
Every year in August, since the dawn of democracy, South Africa celebrates Women’s Month to pay tribute to more than 20 000 women of different backgrounds who courageously stood together against the extension of Pass Laws to black women.
This was an expression of women power as they stood up against the apartheid government armed with a protest song, “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” – “You strike the women, you strike the rock”.
Read more here: 2024 (253) Church in the Community 19.08.2024
Building on the foundation of Christ
Shannon-Leigh Ntshikose
My husband has always been passionate about construction.
It is something he studied and pursued wholeheartedly.
When we first met, he would often tell me about his desires to build certain types of lifestyle homes.
Read more here: 2024 (252) Church in the Community 12.08.2024 Shannon Leigh
Church and health department partnership cares for the body as well as the soul
Annelise Patrick
A partnership between Northern Areas churches and the Eastern Cape Health Department resulted in a mobile clinic which the residents of Jacksonville had been requesting for some time.
The nearest clinics in Chatty and Booysen Park were too far and could only be accessed by walking through open veld and bushes where criminals lurked.
Residents who wanted to go to the clinic had to leave home by six in the morning at the latest to have any hope of being helped In 2013, the Eastern Cape Department of Health sent a sister out to check the need in the area and from this a public partnership was started with our church, the Ebenezer North Community Church.
Read more here: 2024 (251) Church in the Community 05.08.2024 Annelise Patrick
Practical ways for the Church to help redress the wrongs of the past
Danie Mouton
Property rights, access to land, redistribution of land and expropriation of land without compensation are some of the most heated discussion topics in South Africa today.
I recently attended two challenging discussions on these issues.
The first was the public showing of “A Piece of Land”, a documentary by Sesihle Manzini, narrating the story of land dispossession.
Read more here: Church in the Community article by Danie Mouton 28.07.2024
Metro in need of authentic leaders
Dr William Leleki
If there is no service delivery and yet there are people who call themselves leaders, we must all know that our future is bleak.
In the absence of leaders, people become victims of social ills. Occupying leadership positions does not necessarily translate to availability and presence of leaders
Read more here: Church in the community article by Bishop W Leleki 22.07.2024
Churches a beacons of hope and practical support for the unemployed
Kaya Nkumbesi
Every day as we go to work, the shops or school, we see numerous people with CVs in their hands and some hope in their heart that they will be one of the fortunate few to be offered a position.
Read more here: Church in the Community 08.07.2024 Kaya Knumbesi
Could the church lead the changes we need in our society?
Trevor Jennings
Maybe the answer to the question in the headline lies in two thought-provoking quotes.
One made by Zipho Siwa a former presiding bishop of the South African Council of Churches: “it is time for the church to leave the building”.
Read more here: Church in the Community 08.07.2024 Trevor Jennings
Social fathers: Who they are, why they matter, and how to become one
By George Mwaura
The absence of fathers in South Africa is one of the critical epidemics of our time.
The number of children growing up without a biological father in their lives is among the highest in the world and has severe and far-reaching ramifications.
Read more here: 2024 (248) Church in the Community 24.06.2024 Heartlines
Can Kingdom Theology Guide Us Towards Land Justice in South Africa?
Understanding the times in which we live requires a unique set of tools that enable us to diagnose societal problems and get to the core issues.
Recently, I had the privilege of hosting an event in Gqeberha in collaboration with Joy to the Nations Church.
This event featured a screening of my recently released documentary film, A Piece of Ground, which explores the history of land dispossession and forced removals in Cape Town, from Dutch colonialism and British rule to the apartheid era.
The documentary is a project under ANNO DOMINI Magazine, a non-profit organisation I founded.
Read more here: 2024 (247) Church in the Community 10.06.2024
Put politics aside, the real challenge facing us is climate change
Gary Koekemoer
Our world is heating up. The narrow band of life on our planet, the biosphere, some 20 kilometres in extent from top to bottom, is losing its resilience.
We humans are the cause.
We’re adding carbon dioxide (and methane) to the atmosphere through our insatiable need to burn fossil fuels
Read more here: 2024 (246) Church in the Community 03.06.2024 Gary Koekemoer
A call for thoughtful consideration in the upcoming general election
Eddie Daniels
As we approach the general election on May 29, 2024, it is an opportune moment for reflection and prudent decision-making.
Every election offers us, the people of South Africa, a sacred opportunity to shape our nation’s path forward.
However, the choices we make at the polls can either propel us towards a flourishing future or bind us to our past struggles.
Voting habits can be deeply ingrained, often influenced by a complex mix of cultural, social, and personal factors.
Read more: 2024 (245) Church in the Community 27.05.2024 Eddie Daniels
The silence of the Church makes it complicit in government failures
Gail Charalambous
Dear Church.
Why are we silent about the state of our beloved Country?
South Africans currently live in a broken society.
Our state-owned support systems and enterprises have collapsed, causing widespread suffering in the lives of vulnerable and marginalized citizens.
Read more here: 2024 (244) Church and the Community 20.05.2024 Gail Charalambous
The difficult questions the Church should be asking politicians
Bishop Dr MW Leleki
The Church provides a framework through which the individuals bear common witness to the society in which they live.
Individuals have the duty and responsibility to bear witness to the Gospel of truth through the love of God, who so loved the world to a point of sacrificing his only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Read more here: 2024 (243) Church and the Community 6.05.2024 Bishop Dr MW Leleki
Work 4 a Living programme creates opportunities for unemployed
Cindy Preller
While as Christians we believe that Jesus is our Living Hope, hope in our daily communities in South Africa has become a scarce commodity.
Hearing about promising young people sitting at home, unable to find employment, can create a feeling of hopelessness – even if we try our best to remain positive.
Read more here: 2024 (242) Church and the Community 29.05.2024 Cindy Preller
Sharing your skills a way to help uplift the poor
Glenn Weiss
I first took note of the phrase, “chasing impossible causes” or “lost causes” during interviews with the Springboks after the victorious 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Three single point wins in as many back-to-back knock-out matches is testament that they lived in this statement and built a winning, “never say die” culture around it.
However, the ultimate epitome of “chasing impossible causes was undoubtedly the charge down of French fullback, Ramos’ conversion attempt by Cheslin Kolbe.
Those who know and follow the game of rugby know that this hardly ever happens. In fact, can you even remember another charge down like this?
Read more here: 2024 (241) Church and the Community 22.04.2024 Glenn Weiss
Parenting: A Journey of Sacrifice and Growth
Vincent Swanepoel
Parenting is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest challenges.
Often, the toughest battles are fought not by the children, but by the parents themselves.
In the relentless whirlwind of daily life, couples find themselves drifting apart as schedules dictate their rhythms.
Read more here: 2024 (240) Church and the Community 15 April 2024 Vincent Swanepoel
Recycling: One person’s garbage…is another person’s opportunity!
Russell Viljoen
It took a man from Sweden to show us that the rubbish in front of our eyes had the potential to change and improve people’s lives.
I got to know this Swede through a common friend, and he contacted me in the middle of last year and explained to me how he wanted to come and visit our church in Jacksonville in Gqeberha’s northern areas.
Read more here: 2024 (239) Church and the Community 8 April 2024 Russel Viljoen
Taking inspiration from the Easter message to rebuild the “Empire of Hope” in South Africa
Lubabalo Mguda
Maria Francesca Cabrini was an Italian woman born on 15 July 1850.
Her life is the subject of a 2024 film by Angel Studios simply entitled, Cabrini.
As a young woman, she had a dream and a vision to create what she called, “an Empire of Hope” in the world.
The movie details her struggles against Patriarchy, Racism and Xenophobia together with her companions of Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in serving the poor Italian immigrants in New York City from 1889 “where rats had it better than the children” to quote one of the characters in the movie.
Read more here: 2024 (238) Church and the Community 25.03.2024 Lubabalo Mguda
Change the whole story by paying attention to the beginning
Richard Lundie
What is the “story” of the children in our nation?
For some, it is one of thriving, with optimism for a bright future.
For others, it is all about survival and struggle.
For a flourishing South Africa, we need to examine how we can change this story, to see all our nation’s children on a pathway of reaching their full potential.
We need to pay attention to the beginning of their story”
“The First Thousand Days” is the beginning of the story.
Read more here: 2024 (237) Church in the Community 18.03.2024 Richard Lundie
How to protect religious freedom in South Africa
Michael Swain
Like all rights, freedom of religion is only guaranteed to the extent that it is carefully guarded.
Rights are never lost in a single day, but rather suffer “death by a thousand cuts” and there is a global trend and an ascendant ideology that is increasingly in conflict with the views and values of people who hold more traditional belief systems and worldviews.
It is therefore vital that people exercise their constitutional right to make their voices heard in the law-making process.
Read more here: 2024 (236) Church in the Community 11.03.2024 Michael Swain
The church’s role in winning the war against crime
Alain Walljee
The USA’s Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration on 26 January 2024 listed violent crime among the top major concerns in terms of market challenges in South Africa.
While the ITA relied on reports they received from accredited sources, South Africans and residents of Nelson Mandela Bay live with that reality every day.
Business Tech ran an article on 27 October 2023 which showed that Nelson Mandela Bay was ranked as the most violent city in the country, with 80 murders per 100 000 residents.
Read more here: 2024 (235) Church in the Community 4.03.2024 Alain Walljee
The role of the church in promoting social justice
Bukelwa Hans
Churches, especially in the global south, have often been, and still are, an integral part of the struggle for political freedom and social and economic justice.
They have become people’s platforms, where human rights and social justice issues are taken up directly by people in their own contexts. Read the full article here: 2024 (234) Church and the Community 26.02.2024 Dr B Hans
The Church should hold Christian political leaders accountable
Bishop William Leleki
Our understanding of mission is that it has something to do with being sent.
Mission is about forward moving under the authority of Jesus Christ, to transform and be transformed into a community of love.
Read more here: 2024 (233) Church and the Community 19.02.2024 Bishop William Leleki
The power of intergenerational ministry and church families
Jenni Meyer
The body of Christ is becoming more and more aware of the need and necessity of working together to build and maintain intergenerational churches and ministries.
Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
What a joy it is to see churches placing importance on intergenerational church and ministries.
Where you can see at least three, but up to four generations in a church – loving, worshipping, obeying and telling others about the goodness, love and forgiveness found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read more here: 2024 (232) Church in the Community 12.02.2024 Jenni Meyer
This would make God smile” – using church buildings for early childhood development
Jaques Pretorius
The Anglican Board of Education in Southern Africa (ABESA) has joined forces with other stakeholders to address the South African education crisis by establishing new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
Read more here: Church in the Community 05.02.2024 Jaques Pretorius
Christians have a responsibility to vote in 2024
Mark Scholtz
All Christians, I believe, have a responsibility to vote in this year’s national elections.
You must have been hiding somewhere not to know that they will probably be one of the most significant in the history of our country.
Unfortunately, there is widespread voter apathy.
Read more here: 2024 (229) Church in the Community 29.1.2024 Mark Scholtz
The role of the Church in uplifting the vulnerable poor in society
Lubabalo Mguda
The beginning of a new year often brings with it new energy and fresh hope that things will change for the better.
We are encouraged at this time to make new year’s resolutions that are pregnant with expectation and possibility for change.
Read more here: 2024 (227) Church in the Community 15.1.2024 Fr Lubabalo Mguda
Christians are called on to be drivers of change in the metro
Richard Crompton
It has been a very long time since many – if not most – of us have felt that our city and country were going in the right direction.
I was trying to remember when I thought that our nation was experiencing abundance. Was it in 2010 during the World Cup?
Read more here: 2024 (226) Church in the Community 8.1.2024 Richard Crompton
How to celebrate Christmas in a mindful and respectful way
Eddie Daniels
Celebrating Christmas in a world affected by war and starvation can indeed be a delicate balance between acknowledging the hardships faced by many and embracing the spirit of the season.
Read more here: 2023 (225) Church in the Community 18.12.2023 Edward Daniels
The ART of feeding the poor.
By Duncan Stewart
When we look around our city, there is sadly no shortage of people who are both poor and needy, with many suffering under extreme poverty.
Any action to address and alleviate these conditions is to be applauded and supported. Most churches within Gqeberha have some ministry that attends to the needs of the poor, the homeless, or widows and orphans, as Scripture requires of us to do.
Read more here: 2023 (224) Church and the Community 11.12.2023 Duncan Stewart
Using art to influence others for good
Sonia Strumpfer
Art is one of the seven spheres of influence or seven mountains or domains of society.
The spheres are: family, church, education, media/communication, arts /entertainment/sport, science and technology, economy and government.
Read more here: 2023 (223) Church and the community 27.11.2023 Sonia Strumpfer
Finding meaning in a time of generational upheaval
Hayley Braun
We are in a time of great transition.
All over the world you can see the mark of a new era, the handing of the baton from one generation to another, be it in business and enterprise, educational institutions, or the Church at large.
The “Baby Boomer” generation has made its mark and is looking to what the future will hold for what they have built.
Read more here: 2023 (222) Church and the Community 27.11.2023 Hayley Braun
You must be prepared for the homecoming season
Grant Williams
Homecoming is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as a person arriving home after being away for a long time.
It is also a tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organisation to celebrations.
Since the birth of the early church in the book of Acts (Chapter 2) the Church has changed much in both positive and negative ways.
Read more here: 2023 (221) Church and the Community 20.11.2023 Grants Williams
Is the church a business to hire and fire or a family to raise up sons and daughters?
David Skevington
A business hires and fires employees. A family raises up sons and daughters.
When business principles and strategies become more valuable than Biblical principles, the Church will die.
Read more here: 2023 (220) Church in the Community 13.11.2023 David Skevington
Church needs to help Gen Z to understand the bonding power of sex
Benjamin Friedemann
Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace.
The release of the first iPhone in 2007 marked an historic turning point. From that moment on, life as we knew it would never be the same.
Fast forward 16 years and we now have an entire generation that has grown up with unlimited information at the swipe of a finger.
Read more here: 2023 (219) Church in the Community 6.11.2023 Benjamin Friedemann
How faith can help you to change your ending
Marilyn Read
I have the privilege of having a job that gives me a ringside seat in watching people change their endings. There is a quote with unknown origin: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Read more here: 2023 (218) Church in the Community 30.10.2023 Marilyn Read
How the church can fix Nelson Mandela Bay
Trevor Jennings
One often hears Christians encouraging each other to “take the city for Jesus”.
My response is that they need to venture out of church buildings and redefine their municipal wards as their church.
I believe the Lord’s greatest gifts to us are our humanity and his creation (our environment).
Read more here: 2023 (217) Church in the Community 23.10.2023 Trevor Jennings
The church’s role in helping people to deal with the different stages of dementia
Heather Rauch
One of the many factors which make dementia so difficult for the family and loved ones to deal with is that no two people show the same symptoms or experience the disease in the same way.This is also true of the different stages, because the brain is so complex.
For me, there are three stages – early, moderate and advanced.
Read more here: 2023 (216) Church in the Community 16.10.2023 Heather Rauch
People should not have to walk alone when dealing with dementia
Gail Charalambous
October is mental health month, with tomorrow (October 10) being World Mental Health Day.
On September 21 we marked world Alzheimer’s Day.
Living with the devastating effects of dementia/Alzheimer’s can and will challenge faith.
Both the person suffering from the condition and those caring for them experience loneliness, fear and sadness.
Read more here: 2023 (215) Church in the Community 09.10.2023 Gail Charalambous
How the church family can support those suffering from dementia
Heather Rauch
October is mental health awareness month in South Africa, with World Mental Health Day being October 10. This follows World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.
Published in March 2022, the Annual Mental State of the World Report 2021 by Sapien Labs ranks South Africa as the most affected among the 34 countries surveyed in terms of mental health challenges.
Read more here: 2023 (214) Church in the Community 02.10.2023 Dr Heather Rauch
The church needs to move out of the building
William Leleki
It is important that we should remind ourselves of what it means to be in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ was seldom in the temple and spent most of His time in the community, preaching, teaching, healing, feeding the poor, and in prayer.
Read more here: 2023 (213) Church in the Community 25.09.2023 William Leleki
Put community interest above self-interest to rescue the metro
Neville Goldman
Are you not tired of the bickering and internal squabbles among the people of Nelson Mandela Bay? The constant rivalry and showing off for each other?
Read more here: 2023 (212) Church in the Community 18.09.2023 Neville Goldman
How ethical leaders in the church can change society
Zandisile Magxwalisa
Among the outstanding leaders who have guided South Africa through very trying times is Tata Nelson Mandela, after whom this metro of ours is named.
In 2009, Nelson Mandela made a call encouraging everyone to cease from hosting festive celebrations on his birthday and rather honour him by doing work within communities.
Later in the same year, November 2009 the United Nations (UN) General Assembly officially declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day”.
Read more here: 2023 (211) Church in the Community 11.09.2023 Zandisile Magxwalisa
Tactile coding – bridging the digital divide for visually impaired learners
Jean Greyling
The digital divide is something most of us are aware of – a harsh reality that divides people roughly based on their access to technology, and thus the advantages it brings.
Read more here: 2023 (210) Church in the Community 04.09.2023 Jean Greyling
Men need to speak out against abuse of women
Gail Charalambous and Ed Richardson
As we come to the end of women’s month, we are left wondering why men seem to be
doing so little about the scourge of violence against women in our society.
Read more here: 2023 (209) Church in the Community 28.08.2023 Gail and Ed
How a tuckshop can be part of church outreach to the poor
Louise de Vos
Nearly 20 kms away from the city centre is Kleinskool, one of the most downtrodden and povertystricken areas in Gqeberha.
Gangsterism, drugs, alcohol and unemployment are extremely rife here and hopelessness and
neglect seem to hang in the air.
The need is overwhelmingly great. One doesn’t know where to start and this task seems almost
insurmountable.
Read more here: 2023 (208) Church in the Community 21.08.2023 Louise de Vos
Church-led rehabilitation programme that works and can be duplicated
Launched in May 2022, FREE, which is an acronym meaning “Forgiveness and Restoration
through Ending Enslavement”, operates as a ministry in serving as an outpatient substance
abuse rehabilitation centre.
Read more here: 2023 (207) Church in the Community 14.08.2023 Ryan Odendaal
Threatening encroachment on parental sex education rights
I recently attended an insightful and disconcerting talk presented by Michael Swain from
Freedom of Religion South Africa (FORSA) on what appears to be an encroachment by the state
on parental rights and privileges in the education of our children. This is my summary of the salient aspects of his talk.
Read more here: 2023 (206) Church in the Community 07.08.2023 Daan Botha
One people, one vision: healing the nation
The message is clear – we must come together as ONE people with ONE vision to heal our nation. We all want safety, freedom, and a brighter future for our children. We all hope for communities where people are treated with dignity and respect. Together, step by step, we can build that reality.
Read more here: 2023 (205) Church in the Community 31.07.2023 Neville Goldman
Parents reach out to your children today – lest they feel abandoned
George Georgiou
The generation raised by iPads has hit senior school and university and we can measure the outcomes. It’s not all bad. This tech-savvy, well-informed generation could possibly be the most promising generation yet, but the adults aren’t handling it well.
Read more here: 2023 (204) Church in the Community 24.07.2023 George Georgiou
How ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference
Salome de Klerk
We agreed to meet at a local eatery close to 6th Avenue Walmer. Arriving early, I ordered a coffee and hoped my nerves would settle enough to make the evening’s conversation worthwhile.
Read more here: 2023 (203) Church in the Community 17.07.2023 Salome de Klerk
Local churches leading the charge against unemployment
Raynaldo Arnoldus
The church often aims to be the tip of the spear in the areas of spirituality, morality and social responsibility.
However, for many South Africans, the primary and daily struggle comes in the area of work.
Read more here: 2023 (202) Church in the Community 10.07.2023 Raynaldo Arnoldus
Walk the talk about protecting creation by starting with picking up litter
In his book ‘’Walking the walk’’ by the late Eric Pike, a former Anglican bishop in Gqeberha, he describes his adventurous 200 kilometre prayer walk with his supporters through all 60 wards in Nelson Mandela Bay. It took him 20 days during November 2019.
Read more here: 2023 (201) Church in the Community 03.07.2023 Alison and Stacey
Finding the missing link between Sunday in church and Monday actions
The difference between what people hear on Sundays in church and what they do from Monday to Saturday is what we could call “the missing link.”
To me, the missing link is our understanding of our unique purpose in the building of God’s Kingdom.
Without discovering our unique purpose, we will forever wander around trying to work out what God wants us to do and what His will is for our life.
Read more here: 2023 (200) Church in the Community 26.06.2023 Trevor Jennings
Make room for God to do something new
Many of us pray for more to be added to our lives, but do we honestly make room for the increase?
We can liken it to a cellphone – so integral to many of our lives.
My phone’s memory is full.
Read more here: 2023 (199) Church in the Community 19.06.2023 Shannon
Truth is not a concept, but the person of Jesus
During a recent philosophy class, I watched the students navigate through a shift in society, namely into the “post-truth” era.
This raised the question “What is truth?”.
What followed was a lengthy and fascinating discussion around the concept of truth, the view of subjective truth, and the fear of disregarding what someone else might consider as truth.
Read more here: 2023 (198) Church in the Community 12.06.2023 Melody Peters
Church expected to show leadership in the time of crisis
In the first half of 2002 I was invited to a religious celebration in the French town of Besancon.
A gracious middle-aged lady asked what country I came from. I told her, “South Africa”.
She then said something I have never forgotten: “Blessed are you who come from that beloved country, South Africa.
Read more here: 2023 (197) Church in the Community 05.06.2023 Vincent Zungu
Helping people to overcome a poverty mindset
Founded in 2014 as a project of the Leva Foundation, the Red Band Academy trains unemployed youth to be world class baristas through teaching both life skills and how to make good coffee.
Read more here: 2023 (196) Church in the Community 29.05.2023 Ryan Le Roux
Mental health and the power of community
The purpose of this article is to shed light on mental health as a general issue as well as the human experience of it.
I have come to find that people do not heal unless they are willing to admit there is a problem and seek help. Those who seek help and acknowledge their vulnerability are brave and courageous.
Read more here: 2023 (195) Church in the Community 22.05.2023 Jade Brown
Christian Church in Limbo
The word “church” in the Christian context is derived from the Greek word ekklesia, which could
mean a local congregation. Not a building, but the warm bodies gathered in the name of Jesus Christ.
Although every congregation is referred to as the Church of God (1 Cor. 1:2).
Read more here: 2023 (194) Church in the Community 15.05.2023_Rev Dr Sox Leleki
Church calls on NMB politicians to follow their moral compass
With regards to the latest reported moves to destabilise the governance of the municipality, the
church leadership of Nelson Mandela Bay calls on the elected representatives in the metro to be led
by doing what is right for the residents who voted for them rather than what is expedient or in their
self interest.
Read More here: NMB Church leadership on metro council instability 2.05.2023
The art of “good trouble”
Every day, it seems, we throw up our hands in disbelief and frustration.
We rant, rage and sometimes we use the odd swear word in response to the latest scandal involving money or resources that have been misappropriated, infrastructure that is dysfunctional and traffic lights that are lying on the pavement or centre island, smashed and broken.
Read more here: 2023 (193) Church in the Community 08.05.2023 Gail Charalambous
Church calls on NMB politicians to follow their moral compass
With regards to the latest reported moves to destabilise the governance of the municipality, the church leadership of Nelson Mandela Bay calls on the elected representatives in the metro to be led by doing what is right for the residents who voted for them rather than what is expedient or in their self interest.
Click here to read more: NMB Church leadership on metro council instability 2.05.2023
Earth’s future and the boiling frog syndrome
We have an uncanny ability to see and not really see something.
It is a human trait and none of us are immune to it.
We have emotional filters and triggers that we use to protect ourselves and help us cope with life but, other times, due to our naivety, blind spots, self-centeredness and fear we also choose to not see something, even something that threatens us.
Click here to read more: 2023 (193) Church in the Community 24.04.2023 Alison Van Tonder
Church needs to hold leaders morally accountable – By Neil Campher
On the evening of 5th May 2012, we gathered stakeholders at the NMU Vista campus to launch the Northern Areas Peoples Development Initiative (NAPDI), The North Star Scenarios.
Click here to read more: 2023 (192) Church in the Community 17.04.2023 Neil Campher
Take time to celebrate Easter in a church near you – By Pierre and Sugnét van Wyk:
It was the year 30 AD, and early spring in Jerusalem.
From early on this Friday morning the streets were busy with people on their way to visit friends and family and to the various markets to obtain provisions.
Click here to read more: 2023 (191) Church in the Community 03.04.2023 Pierre van Wyk
It is time for the church to make its voice heard by government
Ancient Greece gave us the concept of the “ecclesia” or “ekklesia.”
It was the “gathering of those summoned,” a meeting place where citizens could speak their minds and try to influence one another through debate.
By the time of Christ, the Romans had adapted the ecclesia model to control conquered territories.
Read more here: 2023 (190) Church in the Community 27.03.2023 Alain Walljee
Take Hands in Unity in order to heal the divisions in our society
Our national coat of arms is emblazoned with the motto: ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke (Diverse People Unite in |Xam).
The Bible tells us in Psalm 133 “Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell in unity”.
Read more here: 2023 (189) Church in the Community 20.03.2023 Patrick Douglas Henry
God sometimes allows discomfort due to our inability to move
A lot of the time God allows our discomfort because of our inability to move when God says “move”. This discomfort is aimed at getting us out of stagnancy and pushes us to move.
False responsibility keeps us bound to people and places
Read more here: 2023 (187) Church in the Community 13.03.2023 Shannon-Leigh Ntshikose
How People Power can change the lives of everyone in the Bay
The Church, which has the largest network of citizens of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, has been requested by its partners in the NM Bay Civil Society Coalition to take the lead in connecting, and empowering the people of NM Bay to make the metro great for everyone who lives in it.
Formed over a decade ago, the coalition represents 67 citizen stakeholder groups.
Read more here: 2023 (186) Church in the Community 06.03.2023 Trevor Jennings
Christians should use their majority to bring about change
The motivation behind the formation of the ruling party was centred around uniting the African people and to liberate them politically, socially and bring economic change. The deepest desire of the ruling party was, it said, to uplift the quality of life of all South Africans, especially the poor.
Read more here: 2023 (185) Church in the Community Ludwe 20.02.2023
Be inspired by a true African hero by Russel Viljoen
In late January this year, I returned from an international pastors’ conference in Stockholm Sweden.
It was my seventh trip to Sweden but my first in the heart of the northern winter – and my last! While it was really cold, I was exposed to something extremely heart-warming and lifechanging during the conference.
Read more here: 2023 (184) Church in the Community 13.02.2023 Russel Viljoen
Being the father you may wish you had by Brian Helsby
Your relationship with your father is a difficult and often painful subject for many. The reasons vary and are complex.
Are we all defined to doom and gloom by complex daddy issues?
Read more here: 2023 (183) Church in the Community 06.02.2023 Brian Helsby
Ensuring that children have a sense of belonging by Mandi Hart
Parenting is a high calling and a worthy pursuit. It is here, in family, that our children first learn about who they are and their place in this world.
Read More here: 2023 ( 182) Church in the Community 30.01.2023 Mandi Hart
A New Year, or Another Year by Mike Smith
In last week’s column, I suggested an alternative approach to the year ahead.
The church can, and should, be taking the lead in social transformation as the political system has clearly failed us.
Read more here: 2023 (181) Church in the Community 23.01.2023 Mike Smith
Turn to Church for help with litany of worldly woes by Mike Smith
When we look around us today, we have to admit that the world is in a mess. What with wars, poverty (largely caused by rampant fraud and corruption) and climate change. South Africa is certainly not immune to these issues.
Read more here: 2023 (180) Church in the Community 16.01.2023 Mike Smith
A year of service and social change by Danie Mouton
A difficult and turbulent 2023 awaits us.
The people of God have our task cut out for us.
Read more here: 2023 (179) Church in the Community 9 01 2023 Danie Mouton
Christmas – proof that the power of Godly humility will prevail by Dave Pederson
My wife said to me at the breakfast table as she just glanced at my newspaper and saw the heading announcing yet another disaster inflicted by humankind on its own: “that’s why I don’t look at the paper. It feeds despair, anger and disappointment. We don’t need that in our lives”.
Read more here: 2022 (178) Church-in-the-Community-19.12.2022-Dave-Pedason.pdf
Let’s strive for social justice and peace by walking together
“Jesus taught us to love one another. His law is love and his gospel is Peace” – an advent prayer from 19th century France.
Read more here: 2022 (177) Church in the Community 12.12.2022 Gail Charalambous
Living out our faith, belief and stewardship of the earth.
Are the concepts of faith and belief synonymous?
According to Paul in Ephesians 2:8, “…by grace you have been saved through faith…”
This implies that “faith” is a gift from God.
Read more here: 2022 (176) Church in the Community 5.12.2022 Eddie Daniels
We all need to be active supporters and players in the game of life
In the seven spheres of influence which this column is exploring, we are called on to celebrate through arts, entertainment and sport in order to strengthen hope and to build the community through holistic presentations of life that engage the whole person.
Read more here: 2022 (175) Church in the Community 28.11.2022 George Georgiou
Education requires listening as much as it does teaching
After having the privilege of teaching all my life, and always in government schools, I can say with certainty that there is nothing wrong with our education system. You just have to look at the quality of the youngsters leaving our functioning schools to see that it is world class.
Read more here: 2022 (174) Church in the Community Rob Le Roux 21.11.2022
A new ministry for the 20th century
Matthew 25 is a well-known scripture referring to Jesus challenging us as his followers to reach out to those who are hungry and thirsty, without clothes and in jail.
For many this is an encouragement to get involved in what I want to classify as “short term outreach”, or simply called charity.
Read more here: 2022 (173) Church in the Community 14.11.2022 Jean Greyling
Changing society for the better through seven spheres of influence
If the church is to be recognised as the light of the world, then it must influence and guide the way to the transformation of our society to one that provides opportunities and dignity for all.
Read more here: 2022 (172) Church in the Community 7. 11.2022 Ed Richardson
Acts of kindness and caring about our metro will save it
Good stories start by describing a certain setting. For instance: “as the sun rose over the ocean.”
Read more here: 2022 (171) Church in the Community 31.10.2022 Pierre and Sugnet
Living a life greater than selfish ambition
As parents, confronted with the mind-boggling barrage of things we believe are not doing, we ask ourselves:
As a parent, am I doing enough?
Read more here: 2022 (170) Church in the Community 24.10.2022 Margo Scholtz
Our country needs faith to move forward
We are told that faith and the secular world are incompatible. That Faith involves a leap in the dark, a risk moving into unknown places while the more rational factually based world depends on hard evidence. Read more here: 2022 (169) Church in the Community 17.10.2022 Patrick Douglas-Henry
SA’s Gold isn’t in the ground, it’s in our people
People of colour are filling the pews, the boardrooms and the leadership ladders and it’s the most exciting sign of hope for our nation and our churches – If we can find the formula to flow with it.
Let me share an anecdote about diversity I use when training pastors, and often at my own church community vision and values sessions. Read more here: 2022 (168) Church in the Community_George Georgiou_10.10.2022
Churches have a part to play in fight against crime
“Police officers are human beings too, suffering of being overburdened, stressed, and in need of debriefing and counselling “, Major General Vuyisile Ncatha recently told a meeting of the Nelson Mandela Bay Church Leader Network. “They need your support.”
Read more here: 2022 (167) Church in the Community_Danie Mouton_ 3.10.2022
2022 (166)_Church in the Community Edward Daniels_26.09.2022
2022 (165) Church in the Community_Ludwe Jayiya 19.09.2022
2022 (164) Church in the Community Russell Viljoen 12.09.2022
2022 (163) Church in the Community Xhantilomzi Mhlontlo 05.09.2022
2022 (162) Church in the Community John Sholtz 29.08.2022
2022 (161) Church in the Community Gail Charalambous 22.08.2022
2022 (160) Church in the Community Neville Goldman 15.08.2022
2022 (159) Church in the Community Dave Pedersen 08.08.2022
2022 (158) Church in the Community Alain Walljee 01.08.2022
2022 (157) Church-in-the-Community Mike Smith 25.07.2022
2022 (156) Church in the Community George Georgiou 18.07.2022
2022 (155) Church in the Community Edward Richardson 04.07.2022
2022 (153) Church-in-the-Community-Danie-Mouton-13.06.2022
2022 (152) Church in the Community Eddie Daniels 6.06.2022
2022 (150) Church in the Community EL 09.05.2022
2022 (151) Church in the Community Ludwe J 30.05.2022
2022 (149) Church in the Community BD 25.04.2022
2022 (148) Church in the Community XM 11.04.2022
2022 (147) Church in the Community AM 04.04.2022
2022 (146) Church in the Community NL 14.03.2022
2022 (145) Church in the Community ML 07.03.2022
2022 (144) Church in the Community NG 21.02.2022
2022 (143) Church in the Community GG 14.02.2022
2022 (142) Church in the Community RV 07.02.2022
2022 (142) Church in the Community JF 31.01.2022
2022-140-Church-in-the-Community-AW-24.01.2022
2022-139-Church-in-the-Community-DM-17.01.2022-1
2022 (138) Church in the Community DP 10.01.2022
2021 (137) Church in the Community ED 20.12.2021
2021 (136) Church in the Community Denise D-H 13.12.2021
2021 (135) Church in the Community MS 06.12.2021
2021 (134) Church in the Community Ludwe J 29.11.2021
2021 (133) Church in the Community DM 22.11.2021
2021 (132) Church in the Community JF 15.11.2021
2021 (131) Church in the Community ER 08.11.2021
2021 (130) Church in the Community JF NG DM 01.11.2021
2021 (129) Church in the Community SS 25.10.2021
2021 (128) Church in the Community TMJ 18.10.2021
2021 (127) Church in the Community DM 11.10.2021
2021.10.04 (126) Church in the Community JF 04.10.2021
2021 (125) Church in the Community MS 27.09.2021
2021 (124) Church in the Community ED 20.09.2021
2021 (123) Church in the Community AW 13.09.2021
2021 (122) Church in the Community DP 06.09.2021
2021 (121) Church in the Community DB 30.08.2021
2021 (120) Church in the Community GG 23.08.2021
2021 (119) Church in the Community LJadezweni 16.08.2021
2021 (118) Church in the Community RV 02.08.2021
2021 (117) Church in the Community MarkS 26.07.2021
2021 (116) Church in the Community JF NG DM 19.07.2021
2021 (115) Church in the Community GWeiss 12.07.2021
2021 (114) Church in the Community CorinneC 04.07.2021
2021 (113) Church in the Community BrentonG 28.06.2021 (2)
2021 (112) Church in the Community DM 21.06.2021
2021 (111) Church in the Community AM14.06.2021
2021 (110) Church in the Community LudweJ 07.06.2021
2021 (109) Church in the Community JF 24.05.2021
2021 (108) Church in the Community MS 17.05.2021
2021 (107) Church in the Community ED 10.05.2021
2021 (106) Church in the Community DM 03.05.2021
2021 (105) Church in the Community AW 26.04.2021
2021 (104) Church in the Community DP 19.04.2021
2021 (103) Church in the Community VM 29.03.2021
2021 (102) Church in the Community LJadezweni 29.03.2021
2021 (101) Church in the Community DB 15.03.2021
2021 (100) Church in the Community RV 08.03.2021
2021 (99) Church in the Community Mark S 28.02.2021
2021 (98) Church in the Community Ludwe J 22.02.2021
2021 (97) Church in the Community NG 15.02.2021
2021 (96) Church in the Community JF 08.02.2021
2021 (95) Church in the Community JK 01.02.2021
2021 (94) Church in the Community DM 25.01.2021
2021 (93) Church in the Community ED 18.01.2021
2021 (92) Church in the Community AW 11.01.2021
2021 (91) Church in the Community DP 04.01.2021 (2)
2020 (90) Church in the Community LJadezweni 21.12.2020 (2)
2020 (89) Church in the Community DB 07.12.2020
2020 (88) Church in the Community LJayiya 23.11.2020
2020 (87) Church in the Community RV 16.11.2020
2020 (86) Church in the Community JF 09.11.2020
2020 (85) Church in the Community NG 02.11.2020
2020 (84) Church in the Community DM 26.10.2020
2020 (83) Church in the Community ED 19.10.2020
2020 (82) Church in the Community LJayiya 12.10.2020
2019 (81) Church in the Community MS 21.09.2020
2020 (80) Church in the Community AW 14.09.2020
2020 (79) Church in the Community GM 07.09.2020
2020 (78) Church in the Community DB 31.08.2020
2020 (77) Church in the Community NG 24.08.2020
2020 (76) Church in the Community MS 17.08.2020
2020 (75) Church in the Community Ludwe Jayiya 03.8.2020
2020 (74) Church in the Community LJ 27.07.2020
2020 (73) Church in the Community ED 20.07.2020
2020 (72) Church in the Community RV 13.07.2020
2020 (71) Church in the Community DM 06.07.2020
2020 (70) Church in the Community JF 29.06.2020
2020 (69) Church in the Community Ludwe Jayiya 22.06.2020
2020 (68) Church in the Community JG 15.06.2020
2020 (67) Church in the Community MS 08.06.2020
2020 (66) Church in the Community AW 01.06.2020
2020 (65) Church in the Community LJ 25.05.2020
2020 (64) Church in the Community ED 18.05.2020
Churches put might behind famine relief in Nelson Mandela Bay May 2020
2020 (62) Church in the Community RV 04.05.2020
2020 (61) Church in the Community DM 20.04.2020
2020 (60) Church in the Community JF 07.04.2020
2020 (59) Church in the Community DP 30.03.2020
2020 (58) Church in the Community MS 23.03.2020
Joint statement on feeding the poor at such a time 25.03.2020
2020 (57) Church in the Community LJ 16.03.2020
2020 (56) Church in the Community NG 09.02.2020
2020 (55) Church in the Community JF 02.03.2020.docx
2020 (54) Church in the Community RV 24.02.2020
2020 (53) Church in the Community MS 17.02.2020
2020 (49) Church in the Community EP 20.01.2020
2020 (48) Church in the Community LJ 13.01.2020
2020 (47) Church in the Community DP 06.01.2020
2019 (46) Church in the Community NG 23.12.2019
2019 (45) Church in the Community JF 16.12.2019
2019 (44) Church in the Community RV 09.12.2019
2019 (43) Church in the Community ED 2.12.2019
2019 (42) Church in the Community TS 25.11.2019
2019 (41) Church in the Community DM 18.11.2019
2019 (40) Church in the Community LJ 11.11.2019
2019 (39) Church in the Community ED 4.11.2019
2019 (38) Church in the Community MS 28.10.19
2019 (37) Church in the Community PDH 21.10.19
2019 (36) Church in the Community DP 14.10.19
2019 (35) Church in the Community NG 07.10.19
2019 (34) Church in the Community DB 30.09.19
2019 (33) Church in the Community DM 23.09.19
2019 (32) Church in the Community RV 16.09.019
2019 (31) Church in the Community ER 09.09.19
2019 (30) Church in the Community JF 02.09.19
2019 (29) Church in the Community TJ 26.08.19
2019 (28) Church in the Community ED 19.8.19
2019 (27) Church in the Community LJ 12.08.19
2019 (26) Church in the Community DM 05.08.19
2019 (25) Church in the Community ED 29.07.19
2019 (24) Church in the Community DP 22.07.19
2019 (23) Church in the Community JF 15.07.19
2019 (22) Church in the Community RP 08.07.19
2019 (21) Church in the Community LJ 01.07.19
2019 (20) Church in the Community MS 24.06.19
2019 (19) Church in the Community RV 17.06.19
2019 (18) Church in the Community RleR 10.06.19
2019 (17) Church in the Community PDH 03.06.19
2019 (16) Church in the Community MS 27.05.19
2019 (15) Church in the Community NG 20.05.19
2019 (14) Church in the Community DM 13.05.19
2019 (13) Church in the Community DP 06.05.19
2019 (12) Letter Page JF 02.05.19
2019 (11) Church in the Community DB 29.04.19
2019 (10) Church in the Community RV 15.04.19
2019 (09) Church in the Community DM 08.04.19
2019 (08) Church in the Community ED 01.04.19
2019 (07) Church in the Community MS 25.03.19
2019 (06) Church in the Community NG 18.03.19
2019 (05) Church in the Community DB 11.03.19
2019 (04) Church in the Community JF 04.03.19
2019 (03) Church in the Community DM 25.02.19