Church welcomes new reverend

Growing up in KwaZulu-Natal, reverend Simphiwe Mthembu duly attended Sunday morning church services with his grandmother.

He remembers that at the time, praise and worship were a chore and only done to secure a place at the family lunch table.

Attending a multi-racial high school, that made provision for Muslim learners to participate in prayer, Mthembu used this time to lead Christian prayer meetings to engage his peers.

It was during these meetings that he realised he was divinely led onto the path of ministry.

In 2005, he bid farewell to the rolling hills of the KZN Midlands to pursue his vocation.

Ministering in Mitchells Plain, Vereeniging, Pretoria, Soweto, Linden and Kempton Park, Mthembu has now vowed to lead the Northfield Methodist Church.

He was officially introduced to its members on December 25, as he delivered a Christmas sermon.

Apartheid
“As a long-time Benoni resident I have been inspired by the community’s continuous efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of others,” he said.

“I am now in the fortunate position where I can fulfil my duties to the church and God within this vibrant community.”

Striving daily to inspire others through the Word, the father of three is currently completing his degree in political theology through Cambridge’s Wesley House.

In 2021 he spent the year in the United Kingdom expanding his knowledge of social justice and the role of the church.

“During the apartheid era, churches and its leaders, especially the Methodist Church, were vocal about the injustices, atrocities and oppression of the non-white population,” said Mthembu.

“However, since the fall of apartheid churches have become silent. We are no longer engaging with leadership, highlighting their shortcomings, directing their attention to matters they can address differently and we are not holding them accountable.”

Youth
About his appointment at Northfield, he says a fine balance needs to be upheld.

“Our church was built and expanded on the prayers of older devout congregants. It is our duty to not only see to their needs but to learn from their unwavering faith to grow on our mission,” he said.

“I further envision creating a safe space for the youth. The church should not just be limited to weekly services but instead, be a place where young people can express themselves and explore religion without judgement.

“It seems we are always competing with the influences of social media as well as the temptations of this world. As a father of teenagers, I want to familiarise myself with the terminology of the day to meet young people on their level.

“Ministry is not about preaching and damnation but rather speaking to the hearts of every individual.”

Growing on Northfield’s ongoing projects which include pastoral care services as well as various outreach projects, Mthembu hopes to establish programmes centred around youth development.

“We are all where we need to be, according to God’s purpose and timing,” he said in closing.

“My message for our beautiful city is to heed the calling within our souls. It is calling us all to be part of His greater work.”

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