EmmDev 2026-10-15 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #4 - False Teachings and Bad Practices

Bad Habits #4 - False Teachings and Bad Practices

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the fourth one...

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.' To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations --- that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery' --- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation2:18-29)

The Greco-Roman city of Thyatira was a wealthy, cosmopolitan hub with trade guilds that controlled the business in the city. It is the smallest of the seven cities addressed in Revelation, but was powerful economically and functioned as a gateway between larger cities. It had many skilled artisans who belonged to trade guilds. These guilds, while economic in nature, also required religious observance to their particular god as part of the membership into the guild. This would often involve heavy drinking, excessive eating and ritual prostitution.

This meant for the Christians in Thyatira, that they could not participate in these guilds -- and this could lead to social isolation and financial ruin. It was an incredibly tough situation for them to be in.

But notice what Jesus says -- he praises them for "your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." But then calls them out for their involvement in these practices and for anyone preaching that doing so was ok. There was a teaching going around that participating in these practices was allowed as a Christian businessman. Jesus finds this abhorrent.

How does this speak to our churches and our work of the Kingdom today?
It is speaking about compromise.
Do we serve at Church on Sunday but during the week exploit our workers?
Do we worship God and yet gossip about our brothers and sisters?
Do we watch sermons online and porn on the same computer when the night grows late?
Do we serve as an elder, and allow that power to enable abuse at home?
Do we avoid preaching against greed and injustice in order to pacify our people?

We say things like:
-"Well, its just good business to budget for bribery."
-"Well I made this money, how I spend it is my business."
-"Well what people don't see and don't know, doesn't matter."

But Jesus calls us to a life of purity in all areas of our lives. He calls us to be faithful to our spouses, to be just in our dealings with those working for us, to be honest in our finances. He calls us to be different, to be light in the darkness.

The Church fails to grow when abuses to this fidelity are happening quietly behind closed doors. If its our hearts, our love and our devotion that Christ seeks -- then we dare not be unfaithful to our first love.

May we stand up and stand out because we preach integrity and follow through with lives demonstrating these Kingdom values.
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Jackie Barker is a Minister to a church in the West Rand of Johannesburg. She and her husband Tim are parenting 10 beautiful children from hard places, and running a Pregnancy Crisis Centre. She is a lover of walking, sunsets and photography.

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EmmDev 2026-10-14 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #3 - Politics and Power

Bad Habits #3 - Politics and Power

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the third one...

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. (3John1:9-11)

In 3 John 1:9-11, John exposes a vivid example of toxic church power and politics through a leader named Diotrephes, who refused to welcome traveling missionaries, including Demetrius, even when they carried letters proving they were legitimate. No one in Diotrephes's house church was allowed to receive them.

John pinpoints the motive in verse 9: "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us." There lies the root cause: he loved power. He wanted to sit on the throne of the local assembly, deciding who was in, who was out, whose voice mattered and who was silenced. When personal politics, ego and a craving for authority take root in a church, spiritual decay begins. When a church operates like a political party rather than the body of Christ, it produces fruit that systematically kills the congregation. Diotrephes won the position, forgot his calling, ignored the counsel of the apostles and brought ruin to his house church.

Diotrephes blocked Demetrius and the traveling workers because new leaders, new ideas and new voices threatened his position. When a church is controlled by a spirit of self-preservation, hospitality dies. Entrenched leaders begin viewing newcomers as threats to the status quo. When protecting personal turf becomes more important than the mission of God, the church ceases to be a refuge and becomes an exclusive, unwelcoming club.

John also reveals Diotrephes's tactics of spreading lies. Leaders and members who fight to maintain control cannot rely on love or truth, so they resort to slander, character assassination and whisper campaigns. They tear down others to protect their own standing. A culture of gossip and backbiting destroys trust. Once trust dies in a congregation, spiritual life evaporates, and visitors quickly sense the underlying toxicity.

Diotrephes did not stop at gossip; he actively stopped those who wanted to welcome the brethren and "puts them out of the church." When church politics dominate, the most passionate, loving and mission-minded believers are often the first to be silenced, worn out or pushed out. What remains is a cold, hollow institution run by controllers over a dwindling, spiritless crowd.

Church, if we want renewal instead of decline, we must recognise that church politics, as John describes it, is evil. To turn the tide, both leaders and congregants must apply God's Word to break the culture of power and politics.

Church leaders must reject Diotrephes's desire for pre-eminence. True kingdom power is found in servanthood, not titles or controlling committees. They must welcome and equip new voices, new gifts and younger leaders, and lead with transparency and grace, refusing political manoeuvring or character assassination.

Congregants must move from passive compliance to ownership, refusing to align with church politics. Practise direct grace: if there is disagreement, follow Matthew 18:15 and go directly to your brother or sister in love rather than spreading gossip. Extend radical hospitality. Break up church cliques and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued.

John closes with a decisive call: "Dear friends, do not imitate what is evil but what is good." A church dominated by foolish power and internal politics will inevitably shrink and fade because the Holy Spirit does not bless human arrogance. But a church that chooses kingdom humility, where leaders serve and congregants love, becomes an unshakable lighthouse of hope.

Let us put away internal politics today, lay down our desire to be first, and imitate the servant heart of Jesus.
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Rev Dephine Murove, married to Rev Caesar Murove and currently serving at St Peters UPCSA, POZ

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EmmDev 2026-10-13 [M.O.M. 2026] Inward Looking and In Denial

Inward Looking and In Denial

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the second one...

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation3:14-22)

There is something rather uncomfortable about being confronted with a truth we would prefer not to acknowledge. There is a tendency to see ourselves in a favourable light, to focus on what is going well while overlooking what needs attention. Sometimes we become so comfortable with our circumstances that we convince ourselves everything is fine, even when the reality tells a different story.

This was precisely the problem with the church in Laodicea. They considered themselves wealthy, successful, and self-sufficient. From their perspective, they lacked nothing. Yet Christ's assessment was completely different. Beneath their outward prosperity was a troubling spiritual poverty. They had become lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, and perhaps most concerning was that they did not even recognize their condition.

There is an important lesson here for us as individuals and as the Church. It is possible to become so inward-looking that we measure our spiritual health by our own standards. We look at our achievements, our activities, our traditions, and even our material blessings, and assume that all must be well. Meanwhile, we may be neglecting the very things that matter most to Christ: genuine faith, love, obedience, and a living relationship with Him.
What makes spiritual complacency particularly dangerous is that it often comes with denial. When we believe we have everything we need, we stop recognizing our need for God. We become less willing to examine ourselves, less receptive to correction, and less attentive to the needs of others.

Yet Christ's message to Laodicea is not simply one of condemnation. In verse 19, He reminds them that those He loves, He rebukes and disciplines. His correction is an expression of love, an invitation to repentance and renewal. Even after exposing their spiritual condition, Christ stands at the door and knocks, offering restored fellowship to those willing to respond.
Perhaps the question we need to ask ourselves today is not simply, "Are we doing well?" but rather, "How does Christ see us?" Are we willing to allow Him to challenge the comfortable picture we have created of ourselves?
True spiritual renewal begins when we stop defending our condition and humbly acknowledge our need for Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our eyes to the areas of our lives where we have become complacent or unwilling to recognize the truth. Help us to receive Your correction with humility, turn away from self-sufficiency, and renew our dependence on You. Amen.
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Allan Paskwababiri, a history enthusiast, husband to Ursula, and serving at St Francis Presbyterian Church, Waterkloof.

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EmmDev 2026-10-12 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #1 - Loss of Zeal

Bad Habits #1 - Loss of Zeal

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the first one...

But this is what I have against you: you did not love me now as you did at first. Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins and do what you did at first. If you don't turn from your sins, I will come to you and take lampstand from its place. (Revelation2:4-5)

The above scripture tells us about Jesus message to the Church in Ephesus. This message was delivered by the Apostle John whilst he was exiled on Patmos. Ephesus was a bustling City with strong pagan influences, including the worship of Artemis and the Emperor's cult, which posed challenges for early Christians.

They were commended for their hard work, perseverance and discernment against false teachers, Yet Jesus rebuked them for having abandoned the love they had at first and for allowing their devotion to Him to grow cold.

First love lost...
It refers to the very strong sincere belief and intense feelings the Ephesians had when they first embraced their faith in Christ. This love was characterized by Joy, gratitude and a deep connection to God.

A Call to Repentance:
Jesus is calling the Church to "remember therefore from where it has fallen and it must repent and do the works it did at first. There is a need for self-reflection, acknowledgment of spiritual decline, and a return to the initial fervor of their faith.

Regarding consequences of neglect:
Jesus is warning the church in Ephesus of removing their lampstand from its place, the removal of the lampstand signifies repercussions of failing to rekindle their love for Him.

Practical Application:
The message is no longer only for the Ephesians but rather serves as a reminder to all believers to evaluate their spiritual lives, rekindle their love for Christ and engage in genuine acts of worship and service. It challenges individuals to assess and check whether their faith has become a business as usual without any connection and relation to Jesus Christ or if they are actively nurturing their relationship with God.

This is a reminder of keeping a vibrant and loving relationship with Christ and also to reflect on our spiritual journey and to repent of any spiritual decline.
We also need to show works that demonstrate the love of God.
Jesus Christ should be at the center and forefront of our lives.
Prayer is the source of our relationship with God. We therefore need to talk to God through prayer whenever the opportunity arises.

In order for us not to grow cold we need to frequently communicate with God all the time. Believers need to know Gods word that will equip them to discern truth from falsehood and to distinguish good from evil. Believers should stay in Fellowship meaning to be part of a biblically sound community. In order not to be cold believers should watch and pray as prayer sharpens spiritual awareness and helps to resist temptation.
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Rev Z.W Lubambo is the minister serving at St Marks' Daveyton Congregation in the Highveld Presbytery. Rev Lubambo loves the Lord and is saved by the grace of God.

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EmmDev 2026-10-09 [M.O.M. 2026] Good Habit 5: Care and Belonging

Good Habit 5: Care and Belonging

This week we are looking at the habits of Growing Congregations.
Here's the fifth one...

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good... ...Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans12:9-16)

It is with these significant words that Apostle Paul, the writer of Romans, concludes the chapter. He is indicating to the Romans something so vital that necessitates our spiritual growth, and what also seems to be an amazing anchor for the growth of the church. Paul's burning passion was to strengthen the lifestyle of the believers and today's passage shows us that he was intentional about addressing how we ought to live as followers of Christ. It is significant to notice that the task of the church today is not just reaching out and preaching the gospel to the unsaved but also to seeing that the believers become established in their faith. We must become robust and healthy followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are some healthy habits of growing God's Church.

1. A Church dwelling in love.
   The church of God must reflect the love that God has shown. As we extend this love to others, we must really understand what kind of love God has. God's love is unconditional, a love that is seen on our good days and bad days, even when we don't feel it, God's love is always there with us. And therefore, as we live in our communities and reach out to many unsaved people, let's carry with us the experience of the love of God. 1 John 4:7-9: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. "
   
   
2. A Church that is Spiritually fervent
   Being fervent in the Spirit as a Church drives home an understanding of having an intense but yet steady and passionate devotion to God. This is so important for us as a Church to realise the importance of being spiritually fervent. It helps us to have a spiritual energy that doesn't promote laziness as we minister to others the gospel of God even though we may be doing this in the face of opposition and affliction. Being joyful and faithful in prayer are qualities of being fervent in the spirit.
   
   
3. A Church that is accommodating
   We are surrounded with different personalities as a Church; those who persecute or challenge the truth of the gospel, those who are mourning, the needy but yet we should be intentional with how treat those around us. The church is encouraged to live in harmony and show a godly conduct to others.

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My name is Robert Chawinga, Pastoring the congregation of Kaunda Square within the Presbytery of M'chinga which is under the Synod of Zambia were we serve with my beautiful wife Sibongile and we have an amazing son together.

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EmmDev 2026-10-08 [Wisdom for Every Day Life] M.O.M. Good Habit 4: Good Leadership

M.O.M. Good Habit 4: Good Leadership

This week we are looking at the habits of Growing Congregations.
Here's the fourth one...

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1Peter5:1-4)

WHAT DEFINES GOOD LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH?

Perhaps you are familiar with the idea of "shepherding God's flock."

Maybe you have read Ezekiel 34 and trembled at the charges God brings against Israel's leaders. In this passage, God promises to take over the task of shepherding his people. What a relief that must have been to the exploited, neglected, scattered, lost, forgotten, abused, broken and bullied people of God!

Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd who is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. (Jn10). Jesus calls all Church leaders to be Good Shepherds who follow his example.

The primary responsibility of any Church leader is to be a good disciple. SUFFERING and GLORY are mysteriously intertwined in the person of Jesus and in the lives of those who follow Him.

A good leader bears witness to the suffering of Jesus. They may be familiar with suffering themselves. They must be ready to suffer with God's people. At the same time, a good leader must look forward in hope and rejoice in God's glory being revealed.

Peter warns all Church leaders of 3 dangers we face, and highlights 3 qualities we need if we are to be Good Shepherds who care for God's flock.

We serve:

1. NOT because we must BUT because we are willing.
   I have at times found myself serving God in the Church out of a sense of duty. I believe that God honours our faithfulness. But when I serve unwillingly, when the demand is high and the joy is missing, I am reminded that "God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor 9:7
   
   I am also challenged by the words in 1 Corinthians13 that proclaim that anything done without love is worthless in God's economy.
   
2. NOT pursuing dishonest gain BUT eager to serve.
   How easy it is to fall into the trap of serving God for what we gain! Material reward, or greater recognition, or growing influence are all temptations to avoid. Dishonest gain is the norm in society. It has no place in the Church.
   
   
3. NOT Lording it over those in our care BUT being examples to the flock.
   Jesus criticised the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, calling them white-washed tombs.

I wonder how Jesus would evaluate my discipleship and my leadership? What would Jesus call me? What would Jesus call us as leaders in the UPCSA today?
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Shona van der Lingen, serving at St Columba's Kokstad in the Presbytery of East Griqualand. I have 2 dogs who could do with more training -- although they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks! Admirer of shepherds and working dogs who are better with sheep than I will ever be!

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EmmDev 2026-10-07 [Wisdom for Every Day Life] M.O.M. Good Habit 3: Based on Scripture

M.O.M. Good Habit 3: Based on Scripture

This week we are looking at the habits of Growing Congregations.
Here's the third one...

But as for you, continue in what you have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (2Timothy3:14-16)

Paul writes this letter from a cold prison cell in Rome. His experience of pain and suffering prepared him to do mission instead of giving up on his faith in the Lord. All around him, people are quitting. In 2 Timothy 3, he describes a world we know well - lovers of self, moral confusion, and a form of godliness with no power.

To his young son in the faith, Timothy, he gives one urgent command: "But as for you, CONTINUE." "Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it." This reminds us that mission does not begin with us going out, but with us staying rooted in the Word. We cannot give what we do not have.

Timothy's faith had a family tree - his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (1:5), and his father in faith, Paul. The gospel came to him before he went out to preach it.

Similarly, within the UPCSA family, we stand on the shoulders of missionaries who planted this church, of mothers who taught us Sunday School stories and memory verses, of ministers who discipled and mentored us. Their inspiration is still evident in how we do mission work long after some of them have passed on. Whenever we mention their names we are vividly reminded that mission work is not for the faint hearted but for those who are willing to pay the sacrifice in season and out of season.

The question to us all this Mission Month is not only "Where are we going?" but "Are we still continuing in what we first believed?" As one of the Shona hymnals says, "Rakanaka iro zuva randakatenda kunaShe" (Pleasant is the day that I believed in the Lord...), we need to ask ourselves if we are still consistent in our journey of faith; whether we are still upholding the value of fellowship and worship or we have been overtaken by the many forces of this ever changing world - full of individualism, selfishness and disregard of the sanctity of life.

Verse 16 reminds us that the Bible is God-breathed. It is not just advice from God, it is breath from God. This makes it a living account of God's revelation upon us, with a four-fold power: it teaches us what is right, reproves us when we are not right, corrects us how to get right, and trains us how to stay right.

A church that neglects the Word will have no message for the world. Our mission therefore is not to share our opinions, but to share His Word. God does not give us His Word just to fill our minds, but to furnish our hands for every good work ahead of us.

October Mission Month is not about one special program. It is God equipping ordinary members - teachers, farmers, students, mothers - for every good work in every sphere where He has planted us.

Indeed, the Word that saved us as children is the same Word that sends us as adults.

PRAYER:
Lord, forgive us for departing from Your Word. Make us a continuing church. Root us again in the Scriptures that made us wise for salvation, refresh our memories of the people who mentored us and reignite the fire that we felt in our hearts when we first believed in you. Lord, equip us again for every good work. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Rev. Simbarashe T Nota
Presbytery of Zimbabwe
Serving as Northern Region Schools Administrator

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EmmDev 2026-10-06 [Wisdom for Every Day Life] M.O.M. Good Habit 2: Caring for the Flock

M.O.M. Good Habit 2: Caring for the Flock

This week we are looking at the habits of Growing Congregations.
Here's the second one...

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. (Acts20:28-31)

In Acts 20:28-31, Paul speaks to the elders of the church at Ephesus as he prepares to leave them. His words reveal the serious responsibility entrusted to those who care for God's people. He reminds them that the church does not belong to pastors, bishops, elders, councils, or organisations. The flock belongs to God. Christ purchased the Church at the greatest possible cost - His own blood.

Paul begins with an important instruction: "Keep watch over yourselves." Before we can care properly for others, we must pay attention to our own spiritual lives. Christian leaders must continually examine their relationship with God, their conduct, motives, prayer life, and teaching. A shepherd who is spiritually weak may struggle to protect and guide the flock.

Paul then says, "Keep watch...over all the flock." Caring for the flock means caring for everyone entrusted to us - not only those who agree with us, support us, or are easy to lead. The strong and the weak, young and old, faithful and struggling, all need pastoral care.

A good shepherd knows when members are hurting. Some people come to worship smiling while carrying deep pain at home. Others struggle with unemployment, family conflict, sickness, bereavement, loneliness, financial difficulties, or spiritual discouragement. Caring for the flock therefore requires more than preaching on Sunday. It includes listening, visiting, praying, counselling, encouraging, and sometimes correcting with love.

Paul also warns that "savage wolves" will come among the flock. The Church must therefore be protected from false teaching, division, manipulation, and anything that draws people away from Christ. Christian leadership requires both compassion and vigilance.

This responsibility does not belong only to ordained ministers. Every Christian can participate in caring for God's flock. We care when we notice someone absent, visit the sick, encourage the discouraged, support the bereaved, guide the young, and pray for one another.

Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for making us part of Your flock. Give our pastors and leaders wisdom, humility, and compassion to care faithfully for Your people. Help each of us to notice those who are hurting and to serve them with the love of Christ. Protect Your Church from everything that seeks to divide or destroy it. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Rev Awedzani Nemaukhwe is the Minister at William Samson Memorial in the Presbytery of Limpopo

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EmmDev 2026-10-05 [Wisdom for Every Day Life] M.O.M. Good Habit 1: Outward looking / intentional

M.O.M. Good Habit 1: Outward looking / intentional

This week we are looking at the habits of Growing Congregations.
Here's the first one...

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them My disciples. (Matthew28:18-20)

Every task or assignment requires clear Terms of Reference. They remind us of why we have been entrusted with the assignment, what is expected of us, and what outcome we are seeking.

Matthew 28:18-20 provides the Church with something similar: "a clear statement of its mandate". It helps us answer three important questions: What is the Church, Why does it exist, and what has Christ called it to do?

The identity and core business of the Church can easily become confused with the activities of the institutional Church. We can become so occupied with meetings, committees, buildings, finances, governance and programs that these things begin to define what we understand the Church to be. We can even make the mistake of equating the Church with a denomination. When Jesus gave this commission, denominations as we know them did not exist. Yet the Church existed.

The Church therefore belongs to Christ, and its mission comes from Christ. Jesus begins by saying: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Then He says: "Go... to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples." The direction is clear: Go!

The Church is not merely a community that gathers; it is a community that is sent. We gather for worship, fellowship, prayer and teaching, but we do not gather merely to remain gathered. We gather to be formed as disciples and sent into the world.
And the purpose is equally clear: "Make disciples."

Our calling is therefore not simply to maintain an institution.
It is to proclaim Christ, call people to faith, baptizing them, teaching them and helping them live as obedient disciples of Jesus.
This means that while the internal life of the Church is necessary, it must never replace the Church's foundational mission. Our buildings, structures, finances, doctrine and polity are important, but they are means to serve the mission, not ends in themselves.

This has implications for us as UPCSA.

UPCSA should be understood as a vehicle through which the Church participates in the mission of Christ. Our doctrine should equip us to proclaim Christ. Our structures should facilitate mission(s). Our resources should empower ministry. Our congregations should form disciples. And our members should see themselves not merely as recipients of ministry, but as disciples who have been sent.

He does not send us alone. He concludes with the promise: "And I will be with you always, to the end of the age."

Let us be a Church that looks outward, thinks intentionally about mission, and understands everything entrusted to us as a resource for the Gospel. We are gathered by Christ, formed as disciples, and sent by Christ.
That is our mandate! 
That is our mission! 
That is our calling!

Blessings!
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Rev Nelson Manabile is an ordained minister of the UPCSA, serving at the St Peter's UPCSA in Tembisa within the bounds of the Highveld Presbytery. Nelson is a down-to-earth person who just loves a cup of coffee and nature / hiking. In ministry, mission is truly Nelson's passion and defines his calling.

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EmmDev 2026-10-02 [Wisdom for Every Day Life] You can't do it by yourself

You can't do it by yourself

Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep. He asked me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left." I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?" He answered, "Do you not know what these are?" "No, my lord," I replied. So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah4:1-6)

One of the recurring conversations in church circles today is about growing and declining congregations. We ask questions about attendance, finances, leadership, programmes, and outreach. While many of these conversations are important, Zechariah reminds us of a truth that can easily be forgotten: ultimately, God's work cannot be accomplished by human effort alone.

Zechariah receives a vision of a golden lampstand supplied continually with oil from two olive trees. Confused by what he sees, he asks for an explanation. The answer comes in a well-known verse: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6).

The immediate context is the rebuilding of the Temple after the exile. The task seemed overwhelming, resources were limited, people were discouraged, the challenges were real. Yet God reminds Zerubbabel that the future of God's people does not depend solely on human strength, influence, wealth, or determination.
It depends on the Spirit of God at work among them.

That message still speaks powerfully to the Church today.

Sometimes we can become anxious about the future of the Church. We wonder whether we have enough people, enough leaders, enough money, enough energy, or enough ideas. We may compare ourselves with other congregations or denominations and feel discouraged by decline. Yet God's primary concern has never been numbers alone. God's concern is faithfulness.

This does not mean that planning, vision, and hard work are unimportant. Rather, it means that all our efforts must be rooted in dependence on God. We cannot build God's Kingdom through our effort alone. We cannot manufacture spiritual growth or force transformation. We cannot carry the burden by ourselves.

The good news is that we were never meant to.

The lampstand in Zechariah's vision shines because it is continually supplied with oil. In the same way, the Church shines when it remains connected to the source of its life: the Spirit of God.

Whether we find ourselves in a season of growth or a season of struggle, the invitation is the same.
Trust God's Spirit.
Pray faithfully.
Serve generously.
Love deeply.
And remember that the future of the Church rests not in our hands alone,
but in the hands of the One who called it into being.
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Melanie Cook, is a wife and mother, a committed Parkrunner, serving at St Columba's in Parkview, JHB. She is our General Assembly Moderator Elect.

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