Church leaders from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini recently attended the Ratwerk Pastors and Leaders Conference, held at Agape Church of the Nazarene on the Eastern Cape District in South Africa.

“It was a conference in season,” said District Superintendent Randal Julie. “A much-needed reality check to get our minds and hearts transformed and to once again see the true purpose of Church.”

The conference was led by Dawie de Koker, lead pastor at Agape Church of the Nazarene.

“Rev. Dawie de Koker inspired, challenged, and equipped us to step out of our comfort zone and start being effective for the Lord,” Julie said. “His openness and willingness to share his personal experiences was truly refreshing. The excitement and fire that I’m seeing and hearing from the pastors and leaders will see our churches move to greater heights and in turn allow us to become the Church that Christ intended us to be.”

According to one pastor, the tips on how to impact your community resonated strongly.

“I needed this conference,” said Pastor Clarke from Calvary Church of the Nazarene. "It was inspiring, challenging and the trusted ‘tips & tricks’ of impacting your community for God, really resonated deep within my heart.”

Many churches started implementing what they’ve learned from the Ratwerk Conference, and a delegation from the district will be driving 1,200km (~745 miles) to Rustenburg in October to attend another conference that will be hosted at the Agapé Church.

“My theory was challenged as to how important it is for us as the church to make sure that we are aware of what is REALLY needed to reach the people in our communities,” Pastor Christo said. “Holiness is a way of life, and our communities should earnestly want to seek the face of God through the difference we as a church make in their lives.”

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region