Church’s role in community development

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email

By Libuseng Nyaka

INTABAZWE – The roles of government and churches in community development are intertwined, Thabo Mofutsanyana district municipality executive mayor Conny Msibi said while addressing female pastors and pastors’ wives during an engagement session on Wednesday last week.


“The church is a key role player in the development of the community; it does the same work as the government. Therefore, today’s forum is aimed at creating a conducive environment in order to enable them to become centres of development.


“Our churches have always focused on only one direction – renewal of our souls while ignoring other sectors of development. With this new approach we will be able to rehabilitate our congregations in different methods and ways. This will enable them to keep their followers as they will be fed both emotionally and physically, and there will be no reason for one to leave their church. In reality churches are governments,” Msibi said.
Msibi said these can only be achieved through formation of forums and development programmes.


“This will enable churches to contribute to the development of our won community.”
Issues that were discussed at the engagement platform include how churches can be assisted to establish projects, deal with mental health as well gender-based violence and human rights.
The founder and chairperson of Youth In Action Mandla, Mthembu, shared information pertaining to church self-reliance and sustainability.
He suggested different types of development projects that churches can establish which will end up enabling them to generate income and fight poverty and unemployment among themselves.


“Register your projects as non-profit organisations in order to be able to access government funding. Avoid registering as (PTY) Ltd. Ensure compliance and accountability for the funds generated and received. We as YIA can assist you in all these,” Mthembu said.


Mthembu took them through all necessary steps, including compliance and accountability.
Two young female speakers Bontle Mofokeng and Kamohelo Moshwadiba, who Msibi introduced as the guest speakers, had loaded messages that left everybody in awe.
Mofokeng talked about mental health and its consequences if left unattended.


“The main purpose of the whole event was to involve the church in matters that have for a long time been overlooked because they were considered to be unrelated to religion. I strongly belief whenever one comes to church they must be given chance to heal.


“I strongly believe that churches must be involved in mental health training because the church has many victims of mental health that they are not aware of. In churches those mental health issues are dismissed as dramatic or attention seekers, hence the need for proper training so that they can be impactful. The church must not exclude anyone in development because churches are centres of community development where people with different kinds of emotional state converge, so they should be given time and space to talk about their challenges and be healed.”

For her part, Moshawdiba pleaded for parental guidance in challenging times, and also thanked churches for the role they played in shaping society.


“Do not pray for us, teach us how to pray with you, so that even during your absence we are able to stand on our own. Do not judge by our mistakes but guide us to the right path.”
On behalf of female pastors and pastors’ wives, Vuniwe Francina Mdgeso thanked the mayor for the fruitful discussions that left everyone energized.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bloemfontein
21/05
Wed
9°C
broken clouds
Thu
daily_wether_icon
16°C
13°C
Fri
daily_wether_icon
17°C
12°C
Sat
daily_wether_icon
17°C
16°C
Sun
daily_wether_icon
17°C
16°C
Mon
daily_wether_icon
17°C
16°C
Tue
daily_wether_icon
18°C
18°C
Wed
daily_wether_icon
18°C
19°C
Related Posts
IMG-20250520-WA0026
Read More
video-thumb-1747492205
Read More
video-thumb-1747431167
Read More
20 May 2025
School Principal and 9 in dock for murder
By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA- Dikwena Secondary School Principal Joseph Nhlapo and nine community members appeared...
14 May 2025
Alleged misreporting sparks tensions
By Emily Setona QWAQWA – Tensions flared during a QwaQwa council sitting on 8 May as Councillor Shashapa...
14 May 2025
Speaker in hot water over defamation suit
By Emily Setona QWAQWA – The Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Local Municipality Council is in deliberation over...
14 May 2025
I don't need your money- Ex mayor Mokotso
By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA – Axed Maluti-a-Phofung municipality executive mayor and leader of opposition...
08 May 2025
FS, KZN and N3TC unite for winter disaster readiness
By Emily Setona HARRISMITH – In a proactive move to prepare for the 2025 winter season, disaster...
07 May 2025
Winter burn injuries prompt call for community education
By Staff Reporter BLOEMFONTEIN — As temperatures drop, hospitals across the Free State brace for a seasonal...
03 May 2025
“Fake King” sparks outrage after Zuma’s visit
By Emily Setona QWAQWA – The Kholokoe Royal Council has issued media statement condemning the illegal...
01 May 2025
Invitation For Comments & Submissions Division of Revenue Bill [B7-2025]
01 May 2025
Fallen Constables remembered in Bloemfontein
By Teboho Moloi BLOEMFONTEIN — On Thursday, 1 May 2025, the Buang Basadi Women Forum led a solemn mass...
01 May 2025
Lovers and student in dock for murder
By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA- A couple from Tebang Village in Qwa Qwa have been arrested in connection of a...