The way ahead

  • Mervyn Eloff
  • Oct 25, 2009
  • Series: Letter from the Rector

Dear Friends

Though it hardly seems possible, it is a year since Alison and I were asked to take over the leadership of St James. The request came as most of you will know, in the wake of Ross’ illness and decision to stand down as Rector. Since then, Ross and Lindy have accepted a call to serve on the staff of George Whitefield College where I am delighted to say he is happily settled and in much better health. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for 21years of service at St James, the last 10 of which as Rector. We will have an opportunity on November 8th to say a public thank you to them during the morning services. I trust that you will be able to join us on that day and for a Bring - and - Share tea after the 10am service.

Since taking over the leadership, Alison and I have been very aware of your support and prayers. The leadership of St James is an enormous responsibility – one that we cannot undertake without the daily grace and strength of our Lord or without the partnership of the staff, management council and congregation. How grateful we are to all of you. And how privileged we are to have this opportunity to serve the Lord here in Kenilworth.

Our Vision and Values

During this last year, we have been working hard at maintaining the excellent ministry that has characterised St James over the past 40 years. We have also realised that for St James to maintain and indeed grow, its Gospel influence in our city, we need to have clear vision and be committed to strong values and clear beliefs. You can find a statement of our values, vision and basic beliefs on the ‘About us’ page of our web site www.stjames.org.za. In brief, our mission is to introduce people of all ages to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and to help them grow to maturity in Christ. We are thus committed to working together – for everyone – for Christ. 

Partnership in the Gospel

For us to grow as a church and to achieve our mission, it is essential that we work in partnership with each other. This is the ‘together’ part of our mission summary. This partnership should be manifested in a number of ways:

First, each of us should be committed to our own spiritual growth and where relevant the spiritual growth of our families. At St James we work hard to provide services that are edifying as well as a number of growth and ministry opportunities for people of all ages. But these will only bear fruit if each of us is committed to attending Services and Bible Study and encouraging those within our family or friendship circle to do the same. I commend to you the words of Hebrews 10 verse 23 – 25:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – all the more as we see the Day approaching”  

Second, each of us should be seeking to serve at St James in some way or other. It is true that our primary field of service and mission lies outside of the walls of St James. But it is also true that service and ministry involvement at and through St James is a key element in our own growth to maturity. Find our where you can use the gifts God has given you to serve your Christian family at St James. Of course, this also requires commitment on our part, and so we do ask you to see through the ministry commitments you make for a particular event or period, even if come the end of your time, you feel the need of a break or a change of ministry involvement.

Third, each of us should be praying for the work at St James and giving regularly as the Lord enables us. We are all too aware of the challenges that many face as well as the demands that are sometimes made upon us. It does however seem to be a general principle in Scripture that those who benefit from the ministry of a local church should support that local church financially and in prayer.

Fourth, each of us should prayerfully look for opportunities to share our faith with others, to invite them to Services and outreach events like the Gospel Cabaret or E- Dinners or programs like Discovering Christianity. I am sure that I do not only speak for myself when I say that the reason I am a Christian today (humanly speaking) is because someone cared enough about me to invite me to come to St James.

As the Lord enables us, Alison and I want to give ourselves heart and soul to the work of the Lord at St James church. That is our commitment to you and I know that it is the commitment of our staff team and the many volunteer helpers who serve in so many ways. We pray that it may be your commitment as well

With warmest greetings and in His Service

Mervyn Eloff