Welcome to the Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa

The Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa proclaims, witnesses and shares the Good News of God's Grace in Jesus Christ.

WATCHWORD 2019

PSALM 34,14

Suche Frieden und jage ihm nach.

SOEK VREDE EN JAAG DIT NA!

Seek peace and pursue it.

For audio sermons go to Bishops Corner - Audio Sermons

Synod 2019
Word of Greeting

Dear congregations, we greet you in the name of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Go - with purpose!”, was the theme for this year’s Synod. This challenges us to discover our purpose as a church, congregations and as individuals, not to remain where we are, but to move purposefully by aligning ourselves with God´s will. The introductory sermon on Acts 8 focused on Philip´s obedience in his response to God´s call. Philip did not say, “Sorry, not now,” or “sorry, not me,” he went and shared the Gospel with a total stranger.

Just like Philip we are also urged to be outgoing, to love and befriend the stranger and to share the joy of the Gospel through God´s mercy. This was underlined by the bible study on Romans 12, in which each Christian is urged to put God´s love into action, because love is not a mere feeling, but a verb.

This is already visible in our Church as inspiring examples of expressions of positive movement were shared, such as:

the unification of the three congregations Harburg, New Hanover and Wartburg;
the welcoming love towards refugees by St Peter´s Pretoria;
the election of a non-German speaking Pastor by the Western Parish (Gerdau and Potchefstroom);
the planting of a new congregation in Ballito and
the church building project of the Midrand congregation.

These examples inspire and encourage each one of us to be open to purpose-driven change wherever possible.

In the church council report Bishop Müller urged every congregation to nurture faith, especially amongst our children and youth, to become more outgoing and welcoming.

The theme “Go - with purpose!” was incorporated in all deliberations and the business aspect of Synod. The decision was taken to rename our church, which will be known as Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa: NELCSA. Church Council will announce the date of implementation.
It was also decided to relocate our church office to the property of the Johannes congregation in Tshwane.

The finances of the church are sound, yet it remains a challenge for some congregations to make ends meet. Every congregation is thus urged to pray for these struggling congregations and to support them financially where possible. Regarding this the church is reflecting on ways to deal with this reality, including investigations into new and different ministry models.

Once again it has been an enriching experience for all of us who took part in this year´s Synod. Ultimately, though, it is up to every congregation and every member to be part of the NELCSA team and that we, guided and strengthened by our Lord, go into the future with purpose.
12 October 2019