by Lieschen Venter When we think of cross-cultural ministry, we normally think of how we are to translate the Gospel for some foreign tribe in a far-away land. But have you ever considered that you might need to minister cross-culturally to yourself? We grow easily familiar with the Bible and we forget what a radically … Read more
by Werner Joubert Pastor of Shofar Secunda A while back, I took a few leaders from our church on a camp to reflect on the year and learn some lessons for the future. My favourite session was one in which we considered the people who had come to our church and accepted Jesus as Saviour … Read more
by Christelle Myburgh and Toni Mould “According to the World Health Survey around 785 million (15.6%) persons 15 years and older live with a disability, while the Global Burden of Disease estimates a figure of around 975 million (19.4%) persons. Of these, the World Health Survey estimates that 110 million people (2.2%) have very significant … Read more
by Hennie Swart and Stefan Cronje Shofar Johannesburg Hennie: Most of the people who came to Johannesburg in its early years came here to find treasure, and so did I. Two things about the city of Johannesburg surprised me – the first was how suddenly God called me to Johannesburg and the second was how … Read more
This year our journey starts with one crucial question. It’s a question that resonates in the hearts of so many of us. It’s a question that resonates in the hearts of so many of us. Throughout the ages, as we’re constantly confronted with false images of love that have been watered down, rendered powerless and corrupted, … Read more
by Mariechen Jordaan Shofar Durban Acknowledging the fact that we cannot, but God can, is always a good place to start in prayer. Actually, that is one of the reasons we pray: because we know that we cannot but trust and believe in our Father who can. Prayer is a beautiful place of surrendering and … Read more
by Richard Wade Shofar Apostolic Team member, ShofarBand worship leader Namibia Must Worship took place on 1 April 2017. No, really – it did! On 1 April 2017, just under 500 Namibians became “fools for Jesus” and set a day aside to learn more about what it means to worship the Father in Spirit and … Read more
by Tamsyn Teppler Shofar HQ Music Coordinator Shofar Institute is currently in the process of revising the First Year Bible School modules. So we asked some of our contributors to share a bit about the modules they are working on. One of the first year modules being revised is Praise & Worship 101 – a … Read more
by Dr. Theuns Jacobs Pastor of Shofar Cape Town City But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom (Daniel 6:3, The Message). Martin Goodman asks a simple, but important question[1]: why did political violence escalate … Read more
by Alida Bornman Children’s Ministry champion “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19 There is no doubt that the enemy is coming for our children and that he is coming hard and fast. They are bombarded with: Broken families Media: … Read more
by Tosca Ferndale Volunteer Coordinator, Shofar Stellenbosch February was Activate Month – a month in which our churches presented the various opportunities for congregation members to get involved in ministries and services. As we come to the end of the month, we asked Tosca to share about why we serve in church. All who desire … Read more
by Christelle Myburgh Awaken Women’s Ministry champion I am truly grateful for another God-given year where we as women of God can grow together. We are continuously being conformed to His image; the irresistible charm of a kind and gentle nature! In our pursuit of Being One, sixty-two Shofar leader ladies (representing SA, Namibia and … Read more
One not only gets a new perspective on life after being confronted with a ‘close call’ accident, but you also come to realise the immense power of prayer and the realness of God’s protection. What do these life-saving prayers look like? And are we praying these effective prayers? Cindy and Andrishia share their story. https://youtu.be/57bByu_JpMQVideo … Read more
by Ross van Niekerk Pastor of Shofar Durbanville But fasting is not only prescribed for its health benefits; it is rightfully still thought of as a spiritual exercise or discipline. Yet in our high-paced consumerist society, this ancient discipline is not frequently practiced. So why should Christians fast? What is the promise behind this self-denying … Read more
by Lieschen Venter Student of Theology • Lecturer of Operations Research As the sermon draws to its conclusion, the pastor’s final exhortation rings out: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” Some, perhaps those who have gained some experience, would nod … Read more
by Fred May Dear friend, We look back on a year in which we’ve seen history being made in a truly remarkable yet unexpected way. The elections in America reminded us once again how the world has, in a very real sense, become a village. I watched children’s birthday parties – even here in South … Read more
By Theuns Jacobs Our humanity is corrupted when we abuse power; our humanity is diminished when we are rendered powerless. [1] Daniel Migliore The phenomenon of patronage has become a hot topic. Locally, the State Capture Report unleashed stormy weather in the South African political arena.[2] In it, allegations of what many suspect are put forward … Read more
Shofar Christian Church celebrated BEING ONE – with and in Christ – at our annual Convergence 2016 Conference held at Ratanga Junction, Century City in Cape Town from 30 September to 2 October 2016. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLaI7Dlmjks&list=PLTEehZo91IQ4Sfv5DuUGYdMiE9wUzJibOVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: CONVERGENCE 2016 | … Read more
By Sucelle Olivier & Tamsyn Teppler We are very excited for this year’s four upcoming Short Courses. Each course will comprise of four days’ worth of teaching by reputable speakers. The first of these courses, A Place at the Table: Social Conflict in the Gospel of Luke, will take place from the 27th of February … Read more
We recently sat down with this year’s residential Ministry Training Programme students. Here is what they have to say about their year as MTP Residential students.