GEORGE NEWS - The Apostolic Faith Mission of the South Western District held a series of blessed and successful empowerment sessions with all pastors and assembly leaders of the region at the Hartenbos Reformed Church recreation hall from 17 to 19 February.
Representatives of the 43 assemblies in the region came from Carnarvon, Fraserburg, Prince Albert, Beaufort West (Karoo), Melkhoutfontein, Albertinia (Hessequa region), Great Brak River / Mossel Bay (Coastal route ) and many other towns.
In his opening speech chairperson of the region, Pastor Leon Prinsloo, focused on the core values of AFM National: integrity, accountability, relationships and excellence.
He made the strong that nothing is more important after you come to know Jesus Christ, than to get God's dream for your life. It's the reason you exist and your purpose for living.
When you don't have it, you are just drifting. These sessions would add value to the ministries of all who need encouragement to keep their dreams alive, empowerment to bring their dreams to fruition, or a reminder that God is faithful and they are not forgotten. "God shapes our dreams - and then they shape us. Nothing can stop God's dreams for you. Don't let anybody steal what God has already shown you."
The first presentation was by Siya Gqwabe of the Mossel Bay Department of Home Affairs, who covered topics such as marriages, birth, identity document processes and immigration services.
After him Gawie Raubenheimer, an educational psychologist at the Eden Karoo Region Education Department, focused on ethical leadership. "Ethical leadership is not about a position. Go where others do not dare to go," he said.
"You need to make uncomfortable decisions. You must have the ability to lead in times of stress and difficulty." Referring to John 5:19, he said ethical leadership is all about respecting others and serving others. Ethical leaders show justice and manifest honesty, are transparent in interactions and follow through commitments, acknowledge mistakes and take responsibility.
Leaders should build communities by aligning their own leadership to help meet the community goals where they serve.
Led by the facilitator, Professor Quinton Johnson, the attendees started day two with a lively praise and worship session. Johnson then took the stage and said that the workshop aimed to strengthen leaders and give them a better understanding of their role. Resilience is a key factor in leadership and management, thinking skills, capacity-building skills and action skills.
Resilient leaders accept responsibility for making tough choices that may negatively affect some individuals or groups. Resilient leaders are always aware that when they decide not to take action in the face of adversity, they have to assume personal responsibility for the action.
Attendees of the conference with leaders, Professor Quinton Johnson (front, 4th from left) and Pastor Leon Prinsloo, AFM SWD chairperson (5th).
They also accept accountability for the long-term organisational impact of any tough leadership decision they make. Leaders live on the point. When leaders assume a position of authority, they are expected to accept professional and personal responsibility for their own conduct, decisions, and mistakes along the road to achievement.
"It's not how much you do, it's how you do," he said. "You owe it to yourself to say, 'I am smart, I am blessed, I can do anything'. Darkness cannot change darkness, only light can. Trouble your trouble before the trouble troubles you."
The third day of training was presented by Ashley Theron, director of the AFM National Welfare Department. He reminded the pastors and leaders that they had accepted the challenge of being selected as individual players in the AFM welfare department's vision.
Commitment has the welfare of the organisation at heart. Being a member of the AFM made one to become a new creation in Christ Jesus and to be an active participant in God's Kingdom.
"We need to uphold God's word as the highest authority and this must open our eyes to success and prosperity. Together we move in unity to fulfil the God-given missionary calling."
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