The annual general meeting of Benoni Baptist Church happened on Sunday. Of our 201 members, 121 where present. The room was full. And there was a sense of joy and excitement in the room.
Usual business, like acceptance of previous minutes, and adoption of the agenda, went without hitch.
The secretary reported 2 deceased members were removed from the roll. 13 new members were added to the roll. There are 16 candidates in the membership process.
The treasurer, David Somerset, presented the finances. The auditors’ review revealed fiscal health. 2025 year ended in deficit. 2026 year ends in large surplus. Our three-month cash reserve is in place. Designated finds are accounted for. David moved a motion to upgrade the mothers’ room with an air conditioner. The hand vote carried unanimously. Trevor Whitehead and Mark Penrith thanked David for his work. Sibu Hlophe gave thanks for God’s faithful provision to us as a body.
Adrian Pearson reported as the chairman of the constitutional committee. He tabled a change to the church discipline section of the constitution. No vote at this meeting, just notice of motion. The discussion and vote will come at the quarterly general meeting in February 2027.
The pastor, Mark Penrith, presented a pastoral report. Sunday morning attendance has grown significantly. Our giving has increased significantly. Our small group Bible studies have grown. Our membership has grown dramatically. Baptisms are happening in increasing measure. Voluntary involvement is growing. Bottom line, the kingdom is growing, and God gets all the glory.
Mark spoke about policies, adopted by the executive, to clarifying how we operate. These are available on the website. Robert Burge is stepping down as deacon and executive secretary at the end of September. Mark thanked him for his service. Andre Broodryk is retiring as elder. He will stay on as a member. And e will continue to serve. Mark thanked him for his mentorship and guidance.
Mark spoke about the future. A church plant. With out healthy DNA. We look forward to identifying the man called to lead. And seeing how the Lord raises up members to go.
Jonathan Featherstone prayed, giving thanks for the Lord favour upon us.
Then came the voting. The executive moved to reappoint David Somerset as elder. The executive moved to appoint Gerhard Wessels as elder. Ballots were cast. And scrutineers collected them. David Somerset was reappointed, with 94% of the vote in favour. Gerhard Wessels was apponted, 97% of the vote in favour. Both elders were confirmed.
The deacons were next. David Bell, Ian Bowie, Lance Long, and Barbara Somerset were reappointed. With margins between 90 and 97% of the vote in favour. All deacons were confirmed.
Rina Bowie, Jackie Gittins, Tyrone Long, Evans Odhiambo we appointed. With margins between 93 and 98% of the vote in favour. All deacons were confirmed.
Andre Broodryk then read through proposed changes to the elders section of the constitution. He moved the motion on behalf of the executive. There was some discusion, and then the vote by hand. 76 yes votes, 2 no. 97% of the vote was in favour. The motion carried.
While we waited for the results of the ballots, there was some discussion. A proposal to change the name executive to leadership in our constitution. The proposal was acknowledged, however, by consensus it was decided to consider this at a future meeting.
And then the meeting was adjourned.
A church gathered. Reports were given. Vision was cast. Leaders were affirmed. Governance was refined. And every single vote was overwhelming. Benoni Baptist Church is not a church drifting. We’re not a church divided. We’re a people confidently declaring the glory of God together in the city He has placed us.
The curious onlooker might wonder what happens at an AGM. The answer is this. The people of God conduct the business of God with unity, clarity, and joy.
The Lord is adding to our number. The Lord is providing for our needs. The Lord is raising up leaders. The Lord is refining our structures. The Lord is guiding our vision for the future.
Soli Deo Gloria. Glory to God alone. Both now, and forever to come.