Fltr (back): Rev. Stephen Pedro, Rev. Gustav Meyer, Rev. Jacques Strydom, and in front are Rev. Glenda Fredericks, Mrs Louise Stevenson, Br Arthur Rengqu, and Rev. John Hartney.

 

Last week, on Thursday, April 25th, the task team for New Faith Community Development (NFCD) met for the second time this year in Bellville. They also welcomed Rev. Zolani None from URCSA Khayalethu, who has joined the team as part of URCSA Cape Regional Synod’s representatives.

An important part of the work of the NFCD is to support and accompany existing and New Faith Communities (NFCs) initiated and developed by DRC and URCSA congregations. During their recent meeting, reports were received about the progress and growth of these existing and new NFCs, as well as how they can be supported and accompanied in the future. The meeting also discussed the opportunities that come along with the exponential population growth of communities, especially in areas like Uitenhage (Kariega) & Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Kuilsrivier & Sarepta, George & Knysna, and Worcester, as well as how congregations in these areas can be encouraged to develop NFCs to serve the spiritual needs within these communities.

Some of the outcomes regarding this encouragement and creating awareness include organising business breakfasts with leaders of existing and new NFCs. One is planned for the areas in the Western Cape, and one in the Southern Cape. Furthermore, the task team, in cooperation with leaders from existing NFCs of DRC congregations, is also in the process of organising workshops with leaders of URCSA congregations from the above-mentioned areas. The goal of the business breakfasts is to raise awareness within these growing communities and to introduce the NFCD concept as another way to address the growing spiritual and social needs of our communities, especially in urban areas.

There is excitement among the task team members about the possibilities this ministry model holds for the DRC-URCSA family, and they want to share it with the broader family. Look out for them and watch this space for more news regarding this.

Contact Rev. Stephen Pedro at stephen@kaapkerk.co.za for more information.