The fifth year celebration of Church On The Hill (Coth)-Polokwane branch on Sunday was a stylish and excellent affair.
Polokwane Executive Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng in her welcome address applauded the church, which is under the leadership of pastors Vusi and Molatelo Mashabane for a remarkable event.
“I am almost did not make it to the event due to work commitments, but by the grace of God I am here,” Nkadimeng said.
“Congratulations to Coth Polokwane on turning five in the City of Stars, you have indeed embraced being Naturally Progressive. You are now challenged to move with speed in constructing the new structure in order to accommodate the steady church growth.”
In his sermon, Apostle MVG Lephoko said his biggest fear is for Church On The Hill to die in his hands. He said that can only happen if he turns it into a one-man show.
“I refuse to make the church a one-man show, thus making this powerful movement that is affecting nations to die in my hands. South Africa has too many churches that account to no one, led by pastors who are hero-worshipped. I do not want Church On The Hill to be a church where pastors are worshipped by congregants. Most of such churches is just a show, they will not be around in 50 years,” Lephoko warned.
“Pastors are not Almighty God, they are human. They need other people to protect and counsel them. Church is not a show, it is an institution that must be preserved and passed over to the next generation. As Church On The Hill, we will not be judged by the people that fell under the power, but we will be judged whether the organisation we pass to the next generation is healthy or not.”
Lephoko highlighted that he respected old churches like the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Anglican, Lutheran, Dutch Reformed and Assemblies of God for standing the test of time. He said those churches survived generations because they are not one man shows and they remain strong. He encouraged Church On The Hill members to look upon such churches and learn from them. The event was also attended by pastors and members from other COTH branches, pastors from other churches, business leaders and many people from around Polokwane and Limpopo.
Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club added colour to the event as they led the Apostles’ entourage through the City to No. 2 Dalmada where a sod turning ceremony was held.
The church will soon start putting up a bigger structure, which is earmarked to include a coffee and book shop.
