I love to see the little gang of teenagers running around the church on a Sunday. And the young adults hanging around chatting. We have more and more men and women in their twenties building their first homes, having their first kids, and kicking off new careers. Over the past few years, the youth and young adult groups at Benoni Baptist Church have grown tremendously. That growth is a gift from God. And gifts need stewardship.
Alongside the appointment I wrote about yesterday, the executive of Benoni Baptist Church has recommended we appoint a second pastoral assistant. This one dedicated to our youth and young adults. The role is eight hours of ministry each week. This will be a part-time appointment. The costs have already been written into the 2027 budget.
As I explained yesterday, a pastoral assistant is not an assistant pastor. An assistant pastor is an elder, called by a congregation, set apart to preach and shepherd. A pastoral assistant is a staff member appointed to a specific task. Lance’s appointment follows in the line of others who have served here in that capacity.
The executive of Benoni Baptist Church has given notice of our intention to appoint Lance Long as a part-time paid pastoral assistant for youth and young adults. Like Evans’ appointment, this is contingent on the approval of the 2027 budget, which will be voted on at a special general meeting on Sunday, 14 June, after the morning service.
Lance is well known to us. He has been part of Benoni Baptist Church since 2017. The Lord Jesus saved him in October 2016. Three months later, in January 2017, he was baptised. This church committed to supporting Lance and his wife, Yum Yum Yang Jing, in attending Christ Seminary in Polokwane. Even then, there was a view to a future ministry partnership. That partnership has already been taking shape. In 2024, Lance took on responsibility for corporate worship at Benoni Baptist Church. He launched Bible studies for young adults. One group for 18-25 year olds, and another for 26-35 year olds. And he launch a youth group. Lance will continue to direct our worship teams.
We meet on Sunday, 14 June, after the morning service. All members are urged to attend and vote. Before that Sunday, three requests. Pray for Lance and Yum Yum. Pray for our church. And prepare your heart to vote. The Lord who has given the growth calls us to tend it faithfully.