One of South Africa’s biggest denominations, Hope of Restoration Ministries (HRM) led by Rev Christopher Mathebula will not be welcoming back their congregants as yet.
Their decision was influenced by a survey which they conducted between 28 May 28 and 4 June, with about 80% of their congregants saying they were not ready to go back to church under level 3 regulations.
The Dutch Reformed congregation in Modjadjiskloof’s minister, Francois Schwalb, told Herald that they will also not be worshiping in the same building for a while.
“At the moment we believe keeping the doors closed is the most responsible thing to do.
We are following the advice of the South African Council of Churches and the Dutch Reformed Church to continue with online services,” he explained.
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He added that at the moment his congregation does not have full-time ministers to handle the logistics that comes with physical church services.
Great is Thy Faithfulness Ministry (GTFM) led by Pastor Coolman Mathebula, together with his wife Prophetess Mashudu Mathebula in Nkowankowa, had its first services on Sunday.
“As an organisation we believe in the blood of Jesus Christ, we believe that there is no pandemic that can stand in the presence of God.
“During our services we are orderly and did screenings, took temperatures, use 70% alcohol sanitisers, practiced social distancing and no one is allowed to enter the building without a mask.
“Our media team has included Covid-19 slides in our church TV screenings to show that we support and respect the government,” Mathebula explained.
He believes that all people and organisations should take the necessary precautionary measures, to protect the lives of the people.
“I have been disappointed by the disorder that I witnessed in shopping malls and funerals where they don’t follow the regulations.
“A church offers spiritual and emotional support to the people, so it should be kept open,” he concluded.
