GEORGE NEWS - The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa SWD region held a three-day training course, the "AFM SWD Empowerment Seminar", for its leaders and pastors at the AFM Da Nova Church in Mossel Bay om 28 February and 1 March.
With the theme being empowerment, the focus was on the church's vision to equip its leaders and pastors to develop their full potential.
It was in line with the Pastoral Continuous Development Policy (PCD) that the church adopted in 2013, which mainly focuses on the continuous development of the skills, abilities and character of ordained pastors in ordained ministry.
In his introduction, the chairperson of the AFM SWD region, Pastor Leon Prinsloo, said it's vital to ask yourself as leader the question daily: what good shall I do today?
"Be the best you can, be a river, not a reservoir. Be grateful and always put people first. As the region AFM SWD, we need to keep growing beyond, focus on the journey and take responsibility. We have so much potential among our leaders in the region to become one of the best regions within the AFM of SA National to the glory of the King of Kings."
Pastor John Gertse of the AFM Immanuel Albertinia handled a very interesting topic, the wellness of pastors. He focused on stress and burnout. He warned attendees against getting so caught up by tasks and responsibilities and neglecting themselves so much that they become victim to stress and/or burnout, ending up in a neuro clinic, and even worse, having a stroke or heart attack.
"Surround yourself with positivity; put yourself first as you cannot give what you don't have. Take time to relax," was his advice.
Dr Andries Putter, one of the facilitators, said people very close to you can open and close doors for you (referring to Galatians 6:7). "Trust and pray to the Lord to become better servants," he said.
"Look at others as your friends, become supportive of others. Place an emphasis on production, not position and title. Provide growth opportunities. As leaders we are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your of your future. If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."
The last day of the seminar started with a spirit-filled worship session led by pastor Allen Spies, treasurer of the region. The seminar was ended by Dr Gawie Raubenheimer, head psychologist at the Eden Central Karoo Education Department. He said the quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.
"You can't control other people's behaviour, thoughts, emotions and feelings. Allow people to be perfect, don't put up bars for people. The first person to lead is you. The ability to make yourself do things that should be done, the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses. You can never conquer the mountain. You can only conquer yourself. Make a disciplined lifestyle your goal. The questions you need to ask yourself: Who am I? Why am I? Where's the rhythm?"
AFM SWD - Keep leading, keep learning. - Pastor John Plaatjies: AFM Nissenville, Ladismith
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