Western Cape Regional Conference

By WN Staff

In the WCG congregations of Cape Town, South Africa, a church seminar conducted by James Henderson never fails to elicit interest and excitement, and the one held at Pinelands on Sunday, May 2, was no exception. 

As often happens, we were challenged right out of our comfort zones. Mr Henderson pointed out that there are opinion formers and opinion receivers in congregations, and we all fall into both categories to a greater or lesser extent. As we discussed the various questons in small groups, we began to realise that the ideas and opinions we express can shape and mould a congregation. Our conversation may be positive, encouraging and edifying, or negative and destructive. We can never be neutral. Jesus' love for humanity, especially his own disciples, should be expressed through us.

Christianity can also be culturally driven. In South Africa, God is seen by some as a God of absolute power with high moral standards, by others as a God mingled with ancestral tradition, and by some as an avenging God. Even in the WCG, our perception of God can be shaped by what we want Him to be, whereas Jesus Christ should be our only role model.

Biblical Christianity vs. cultural Christianity

Our cultural heritage is often about ourselves, not Jesus Christ. We tend to include belief in Him as an addendum to our previously held ideas, standards and convictions. Our lives become based on personal fulfilment rather than pleasing God, being "different" rather than being like Jesus. We need to analyse ourselves and our motives, review our conversion, and repent where needed.

There is a need for us all to walk together "in the Lord." It is profitable to talk freely about personal issues, and to restore one another in the spirit of meekness.

God wants the transformation of our hearts. Our thoughts are not God's thoughts, yet it is in our incompleteness that Jesus works with us. Spirituality is about connection, an intimate relationship with Christ, about faithfulness through struggle.

It was for this that Jesus paid the supreme price.

Photos: By Colleen Kruger

1. Chatting during tea-break

2. Part of the Western Cape group