“We want to test and implement our adjusted strategy with regards to our accompaniment process with five to ten congregations, so that they can become our inspirational stories to share,” says Rev. Stephen Pedro, manager of the task team Congregational Witness, and this is exactly how Congregational Witness kicked off this year’s programme, starting the accompaniment process with URCSA Robertson.
After the newly-ordained minister of URCSA Robertson, Rev. Randow Jantjies, and the church council have decided that they want to formulate a vision and mission for their congregation, and that they need the accompaniment of Congregational Witness towards their goal, they contacted Rev. Pedro.
Rev. Pedro designed an accompaniment process for the congregation which starts with the assessment phase which includes the facilitation of the Missional Board Game with the congregational leaders.
Rev. Pedro then assigned two URCSA proponents, Prop. Aidan Windvogel and Prop. Rachel Linderoth to do the Missional Board Game with the church council and the convenors of the various ministries within the congregation. It took place during the weekend of 10 to 11 February.
“The workshop was attended by 21 eager participants from the various congregational ministries, including Rev. Jantjies,” says Prop. Linderoth. “The excitement of the group could already be sensed at registration.”
After the group was welcomed by Rev. Jantjies he opened the workshop by a prayer, inviting God into the presence of the programme. It was followed by Dwelling in the Word, facilitated by Prop. Linderoth. The text was Psalm 119:1 to 8 (from the Revised Common Lectionary).
“The text was very appropriate since the Missional Board Game helps the congregation to determine where its ministry currently is, and then to look into the future to where they want to be in five years’ time,” explains Prop. Linderoth. “The attendants enjoyed participating in this session, which prepared them for the Missional Board Game that would follow shortly after Dwelling in the Word.“
Directly after Dwelling in the Word, Prop. Windvogel explained to the participants what the Missional Board Game is about. He then facilitated part one of the Missional Board Game, assisted by Prop. Linderoth assisting him. The second part was facilitated by Prop. Linderoth , assisted by Prop. Windvogel.
The workshop was a huge success and ended with a prayer by Elder Reginald Piedt, followed by vote of thanks by the scribe, Mr Hennie Arendse.
Contact Rev. Stephen Pedro at stephen@kaapkerk.co.za for more information.