The regular meeting of the elders and deacons was held on Thursday evening, 17 September 2026. Mark opened the meeting reading from Psalm 145, and there was a time of prayer, glorifying God for His Person and work.
David presented the August finances and the annual report. Both were positive. He will propose the acceptance of the annual report at the AGM on Sunday. He will take questions from the floor and invite members to direct further questions to him in writing. The executive unanimously approved the installation of an air conditioner in the mothers’ room.
Mark reported that several individuals had completed the membership classes and would now need to be interviewed. Various deacons committed to conducting the interviews. The executive unanimously approved the acceptance of Regardt into membership. He was interviewed by Sibu and Fridah. Mark proposed that we readopt the child protection policy. Gerhard raised a number of concerns. Mark pointed out that the policy was already in place, and had been for years, but that a newer policy is being worked on. The policy was approved unanimously. Mark reported that applications to join the Becoming a Biblical Elder group were open, and he encouraged interested parties to join.
Barbara reported that there would be a ladies teaching conference in February 2027. And that the Crafters had suggested a sale in March 2027.
Because Robert has stepped down, the role of secretary will not be filled. As an executive we agreed to invite a member to this meeting, to listen to their testimony, and to discern whether they might be a fit for the position. If they are, they would be invited to future meetings, with a view to acting as minute taker and taking on further responsibilities over time. They introduced themself, gave personal testimony, and were asked a number of questions regarding their profession and life. At the end of the meeting we decided to extend an invitation to them to join further meetings.
The executive discussed how to handle the ballots at the AGM. It was pointed out that the constitution does not require a ballot for a constitutional change. It was proposed, and accepted, that there be two ballots. One for the two elders. And one for the six deacons. It was suggested that we increase the number of scrutineers on the day. It was proposed, and accepted, that Mark point out where the policies can be found in the pastoral report. Matters, such as appointing a secretary, and the use of the residence, will be dealt with at the next general meeting. David will bring the motion to appoint Gerhard Wessels as an elder on behalf of the executive. Andre will bring the motion regarding the constitutional changes on behalf of the executive. Adrian will be asked to bring the changes to the church discipline section of the constitution on behalf of the executive.
The end of year event will not be branded as a Christmas function. This is to differentiate between this event and the Christmas Eve service on 24 December. The date was decided as Saturday, 28 November. It will be a lunch. After considering options, we decided on a spitbraai. The church will sponsor the salads, bread rolls, and ice cream. As well as a jumping castle. Mark is to look into online ticketing for the event.
Christmas Eve is on Thursday, 24 December. Last year we had a 5:00pm start. If we do candlelight we would need to do a 6:00pm start. This was discussed, but not decided on. Lance reported that the choir will kick off at the beginning of October. This year we were thinking of arranging caroling at Fairleads, Rynpark, and the Old People’s Home. We also thought of caroling in the parks in Farrarmere. Evans will need to drive this evangelistic activity. We may need to verify access with CMS or EMPD. We may arrange a children’s nativity play. Debra will need to drive this. We are planning on doing mince pies on Christmas Eve. Rina will need to drive this. If we do carols by candlelight, LED candles cost R4.50 each. 200 will cost R900. We discussed and agreed on an advertising budget unanimously.
Wednesday, 4 November is the South African municipal elections. It would be wise that we set aside the Sunday before, 1 November, for fasting and prayer. Maybe preach on intercessory fasting in the morning service? Maybe culminating in a prayer meeting that evening at church? We will have communion together that evening. This was approved unanimously.
On Friday, 18 September, churches in Benoni (GodFirst, Connexions, and us) will get together to pray for the state of violence and fear in our community on Zoom. We decided to join them.
On Sunday, 20 September, the Funnels will join our prayer meeting at 6:00pm. The proposal is that we do this more often.
Sunday, 4 October is communion Sunday. Two months ago we had a bring and share. Should we repeat it? We decided not to do this in October, but rather in the first quarter of 2027.
We met in closed session at the end of the meeting.
Thank you for the detailed report