Page 3 - 2nd Proofs

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E D E A N

Dear Beloved,

In the June Newsletter edition, we reflected on what God was calling us to
become and do through the Cathedral vision. The Cathedral vision is rooted
and strongly influenced by both the Diocesan and Provincial vision statements.
Therefore, in this advent edition, I will reflect on the diocesan vision so that we
may have a deeper appreciation of our calling and vocation as the Anglican
community in Johannesburg. DEAN XOLANI DLWATHI
Our shared diocesan vision is the practice of the ministry of all believers. This Dean & Rector of Johannesburg
means we envision Anglican faith communities in Johannesburg whereby each
person is continually enabled, empowered and given the opportunity to exer- Discipleship therefore begins with the establishment and nurturing of a recip-
cise their gifts, skills and talents for the building up of God’s Church. The dioce- rocal relationship with God which has a powerful influence and effect on
san vision is strongly rooted in the theological emphasis of both the sacrament character formation and lifestyle. It is therefore firstly about becoming and
of baptism and confirmation. Through baptism we are made members of the thereafter about doing mission and ministry.
Body of Christ whilst through confirmation we are empowered and commis- Intentional Ongoing Clergy Formation
sioned through the power of the Holy Spirit for mission and ministry.
The holistic formation of our clergy remains a critical component for spiritual
Ministry of all believers, is therefore about ensuring that each baptized and/or leadership development. Of course, before ordination there are various fo-
confirmed member of the body of Christ takes responsibility and thus becomes cused areas of formation and preparation for clergy both academic and prac-
intentional about mission and ministry. However, in order for this vision to tical. In our diocese there is also post ordination formation focusing on prac-
become a living reality, there are various areas that need special focus and tical aspects of ministry. There is also continual clergy trainings for those in
attention within our parishes referred to as strategic objectives. The diocesan
practicing ministry.
strategic objectives in my interpretation are:
Therefore, formation of clergy has to become a lifelong project as it is vital for
• Promotion of lifelong spiritual formation of God’s people to be Christ- the growth of the saints and the church. More importantly the ministry envi-
like, through various contextual initiatives (i.e. scripture, prayer, ser- ronment we find ourselves in changes continuously in all aspects i.e. theologi-
mons, bible studies, mvuselelo’s (revivals), reading, conferences etc.) cally, socially, politically, financially, religiously, etc. We therefore cannot
• Building vibrant Christian communities joyously excited about serving afford to be left behind as clergy in relation to our formation and develop-
ment. This also entails over and above the clergy days and retreats to encour-
God. This should entail creation of faith communities characterized by age clergy to take seriously their academic development so as to become
God’s love, hospitality, none judgemental love which embraces all
relevant in current ministry environments. Where possible to focus on skills
forms of diversity.
not covered during our theological formation at seminary but skills which are
• Raising visionary servant leaders whose example of Christ-like leader- very necessary for our work within the church e.g. leadership, conflict resolu-
tion, administration, management, computer literacy, financial management,
ship and character empowers others.
etc.
• Engaging on focused outreach in response to the socio-economic,
Intentional Children and Youth Ministry
political and environmental challenges facing our communities.
Children and Youth remain a critical part of our faith communities. They
• Growing the Ministry of children and young people. This should entail therefore require an intentional focus in order to grow in their relationship
focused initiatives and activities aimed at nurturing and deepening the with God and thus make a meaningful contribution as disciples in their own
faith of children and young people in God. right. Growing this ministry is not just about allowing the young to sing chorus-
es during youth services but it is about being fully integrated and promote
• Capacity building & sustainability through encouraging more participa-
participation in the life of a faith community. It includes adequately resourc-
tion by the saints and the stewardship of resources. This should entail ing these ministries with people, finance, material and structure. Each parish
having a clear succession plan for both laity and ordained ministries is therefore expected to make children and youth ministry a part of their
within the parish and diocese as a whole. We should by all means agenda and special focus, and to enable contextual initiatives.
encourage participation of all believers in various church ministries so
as to ensure fresh expressions that enable the ongoing growth and My hope and prayer is that we as a Cathedral faith community may become
development of God’s church. There should also be intentional stew- faithful to God’s mission and purpose as revealed in both the Diocesan and
ardship of the financial, movable and immovable resources and as- Cathedral vision statements. This requires intentional commitment and dedi-
sets entrusted to us as a church by God. cation to press on, despite the conflicting destructions encountered on our
individual and communal life journey within and outside the church. Our
In the last diocesan synod held in 2017, it was resolved that for three years
mission should be about building God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in
(2018-2020) the following areas should receive special focus within our par-
heaven.
ishes:
“ A S W E L O O K F O R W A R D T O T H E S E A S O N O F C H R I S T M A S ,
Intentional Discipleship M A Y Y O U A L L B E F I L L E D W I T H T H E S P I R I T O F G R A T I T U D E
F O R G O D ’ S L I F E - G I V I N G G I F T I N J E S U S C H R I S T . M A Y W E
The focus should now move from just creating an increased parish roll with R E C E I V E G O D ’ S L O V E T H A T S U R P A S S E S A L L U N D E R S T A N D -
I N G , Y E T T H O U G H W E W E R E D E S T I N E D F O R D E A T H A S A
regular members to intentionally creating disciples of Christ. Discipleship is R E S U L T O F S I N B U T T H R O U G H G O D ’ S A M A Z I N G G R A C E W E
about the recognition that each one of us is called by God to a special relation- W E R E E N D O W E D W I T H E T E R N A L L I F E I N S T E A D . M A Y W E
T H E R E F O R E I N D I V I D U A L L Y A N D C O L L E C T I V E L Y B E C O M E
ship with God in Jesus Christ. L I F E G I V I N G A G E N T S O F G O D ’ S G R A C E T O E V E R Y O N E W E
E N C O U N T E R T H I S C H R I S T M A S S E A S O N . . .
W I S H I N G Y O U A M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S A N D A B L E S S E D N E W Y E A R !
The Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin - Newsletter I page 3