Archbishop Ndungane introduced the concept "Growing the Church" as a new portfolio to the Synod of Bishops in 2003. He recognised the need for those involved in Primary Evangelism, Church Planting and other church growth initiatives in the ACSA "to work synergistically towards fulfilling Lord's command to love one another, and his great commission to go into the whole world to make disciples beginning in our "Jerusalem". The Synod of Bishops held in May 2006 unanimously resolved to establish a committee under Bishop Martin to work towards launching this initiative at the beginning of 2007, and their vision is to develop a vibrant church which is clearly growing spiritually, numerically and holistically, by facilitating the development of a network of diversely gifted people and organizations in and beyond the ACSA. This initiative will provide mutual encouragement and support for growing the church by developing a strong, diverse network of suitably gifted people who will work synergistically towards growing the church and developing a database of contacts among suitably gifted people involved in church growth and related ministries as well as developing resources and training programmes in partnership with others that will result in clear outcomes and committed implementation. They intend providing consultancy on church growth matters, identifying and addressing obstacles to growth and sharing methodologies and resources that are clearly working, as well as doing research and exploring new models for the life of the church.
Other Stories in this edition:
Growing the Church
Provincial and Diocesan Launch Conferences. An exciting new initiative was formally launched provincially in Johannesburg, and in each Diocese in September.
Churches call for political maturity
The Diakonia Council of Churches and its member churches have expressed deep concern over the increasing levels of intolerance displayed by supporters of various political parties and by the leadership of some political organisations.
The Zimbabwe Political Deal
Extracts from a commentary on progress presented by Bishop Rubin, Co Chairperson Solidarity Peace Trust, at the Centre for Civil Society, University of KwaZulu-Natal in October
2009 Vestry Meetings
Bishop Rubin has urged parishes to begin preparing immediately for their next Annual Vestry Meeting which according to the Canons of the Diocese must be held not later in the year than the 15th March. They have been asked to take note of Canon 27 (of Vestries) and Act 23 of the Acts of the Diocese of Natal, and the functions of Parish Councils etc which are laid out in Canons 28, 29 and 30 and Act 24.
1 Big Favour - 34 Very Happy Ladies
East Coast Radio is celebrating the Christmas Season by granting 12 Big Favours. The radio station has always taken their social responsibility seriously and this year Emma Barter Home, situated in Pietermaritzburg, was one of their very lucky recipients.
Diocesan Environment Committee
Looking back over the year: As 2008 draws to a close I mention some of the activities that the Diocesan Environment Committee has been engaged in.
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