A note about our DNA, and some change that’s happened this week

As we continue to grow together, in faith, and in number, I want us to remain firmly rooted. With a clear direction. And intentional about the culture which we pass on to the next generation of believers.

With that in mind, I want to take a moment to remind us all of our foundational identity, and ask for your feedback.

When I arrived at Benoni Baptist Church, I received a simple, compelling mission. Reach Benoni with the gospel, and equip all for life.

Two years later, I came to the church with a vision. Plant a conservation evangelical Baptist church in Benoni with our healthy DNA.

Our leadership team sat down in March and brainstormed what our core DNA markers are. The things which define our church’s heart and culture. The values we actively want to cultivate and transfer to every member, present and future.

1. Our Biblical preaching aims for heart change. We’re not just trying to convey information. We’re hoping for transformation.
2. Our congregational worship makes much of God. Our main objective is the corporate singing on a Sunday.
3. Our fellowship is marked by love for one another. Benoni Baptist Church has a long history of being a caring and sharing community. We want to pass that on.
4. We intentionally evangelise our friends and family in Benoni. Our growth engine isn’t a marketing campaign, or social media advertisement. It’s our members. Inviting friends and family to church.
5. We connect visitors to membership that matters. We’re discipling attendees towards being partipators.
6. Our members are equipped in small group Bible studies. We’re hoping to roll out community life groups through out suburbs in Benoni over the next year.
7. Our members are involved in ministry teams. Part of life together, and being discipled is serving together with one another.
8. We intentionally develop the next generation of leaders. Men and woman have opportunities to be equipped towards leadership roles in our local church.
9. We are transparent with our communication and finance. As far as possible we want all tohave access to everything they need to be informed, and empowered.
10. We try to partner with likeminded churches. While not everyone wants to connect with us, as far as we are able we try and develop healthy relationships with churches in our community so that our oneness in Christ may be on display.
11. We aim to be demographically diverse like our city. Benoni is a vibrant city. A diverse city. And a young city. We want some of that vibrance, diversity, and youth to be reflected in our pews.

As a congregation, your input is incredibly important to us. How do you see these DNA markers coming to life in our day-to-day ministry? Are there areas where you feel we can grow or improve? Is there some of our secret sauce I’ve not written down? Comment, reply, or chat with one of the elders. We are the church. And I want to make sure our mission, vision, values, and DNA, are held by all.

Now, a note about change. If you’ve walked through the doors this week, you might have noticed a bit of a transformation taking place! The lobby is receiving a fresh coat of paint. We hope this makes the entryway a warm, clean, and welcoming space for everyone who joins us. The Fellowship Hall is next on our list! We are planning to refresh the hall soon to make it an even better space for our shared meals, ministry events, and sweet times of fellowship. A massive thank you to everyone involved in helping us maintain and beautify the house of the Lord.

Let’s continue to pray for one another, live according to the Spirit, and actively look for opportunities to share the gospel right here in Benoni.