The 38 who attended came from Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pinelli and Lyle Welty from Cincinnati, Ohio. They were not only responsible for planning the program, but also presenting the majority of the 24 hours of lectures. Three pastors from South Africa and one elder were asked to help deliver several of the lectures. "They were extremely helpful in their presentations," Mr. Pinelli said.

Sessions began at 8:30 a.m. and continued with breaks for lunch and tea until 6.

Healthy Balance of Subjects

The program started Sunday evening with orientation and an overview of the purpose of the leadership workshops. All were present for this session despite the fact that some had traveled over 1,000 miles by road, and at times under difficult conditions.

Mr. Pinelli placed emphasis on the need for additional manpower, and how we should "replace ourselves" with future leaders who will uphold our foundational doctrines and strive for unity in the Church. He then gave an overview of the major areas that would be covered, including:

1. The basic foundational structure of the United Church of God.

2. How do we fit into that structure.

3. The importance of attitudes (heart) and character.

4. How to effectively perform our duties.

For the next three days the lectures focused on various subjects designed to better equip us in our relationship with God, and how we can more effectively serve those in His Church. The first morning Mr. Welty covered the topic of "The Government of God and the Home Office," followed by Mr. Pinelli on the governing documents of the Church. There was a healthy balance of subjects, as can be seen from the following:

1. Developing the heart of a leader.

2. The high calling of God.

3. Biblical guidelines for husbands and wives.

4. Congregational structure.

5. The fine art of delegating and mentoring.

6. Importance of sound doctrine.

7. Developing wisdom and good judgment.

8. All about discernment.

9. Practical aspects of leading a small congregation.

10. Pride and humility.

11. Personal integrity/code of ethics.

12. Premarital counseling.

13. Learning to examine self and take correction.

14. Youth programs.

15. Developing sermons and split sermons.

16. Working with your pastor.

17. Developing one-point sermonettes.

18. Appreciating differences and understanding yourself and others.

19. Baptismal counseling.

The significance of integrity of heart and motive seemed to be the major emphasis around the subject of personal growth and development. Godly servants are those whose primary motivation is a deep desire to help others in the Church grow toward the Kingdom of God. Factors that trip us up along the way include such things as a self-serving attitude, a desire to look good and be the greatest, pride as opposed to serving "with all humility" (Acts 20:19).

What are we looking for in a minister was answered by discussing the qualities of elders as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Many of the sessions took the form of discussions, and those present heartily participated and made comments and suggestions. Christ puts us into the ministry, and we need to have a passion for serving God, for His people and for the truth of God, coupled with an ability to defend the doctrines of the Church. What God is looking for in an elder is a sacrificial heart and the willingness to go above and beyond even to the point of personal loss.

What Attendees Took Away

Each head of family was given a handout of the lectures that filled a large binder, and each elder was presented with a manual with information about the minister's relationship with God and his role within his congregations and the Church.

Guidance for the wives within the "team ministry" was helpful, as the importance of their roles in supporting their husbands and serving the congregations were outlined and discussed. At the end of the discussions we all agreed that the wives play an important part within the overall structure of the Church.

Sessions covering the subjects of baptismal counseling, developing sermons and working with the youth were extremely helpful and informative. The lecture on developing one-point sermonettes was especially helpful, as many of us struggle to cover material adequately in the allocated 10 to 12 minutes. In a workshop discussion, the subject of "faith" was selected and, with input from those present, it was narrowed down to one point, which was "Can children have faith?"

We were richly blessed with knowledge and understanding. As someone said, "I don't believe the presenters know how much they have helped us."

Attendee Harris Hlazo wrote, "In all the 36 years that I have been in the Church, I have never listened to such spiritual depth. My eyes were opened to a lot of things. Thanks be to the Eternal for exposing me to information of such value."

As an additional benefit, Mr. Pinelli spoke to the Johannesburg congregation on the Sabbath before the workshops, and Mr. Welty traveled by air to Durban where he spoke to the congregation there.

Christ as the Head has led His Church to implement the workshop program so that we can be better equipped to finally enter His Kingdom. On behalf of the congregations of Southern Africa, I thank those at the home office for making these educational programs available to us. UN