Thembalezizwe Church - Elders in place......

About 200 people gathered this morning at Thembalezizwe Church in Trenance to witness the ordination of 3 elders: Tapiwa Chizana, Michael Ndlovu and Taurai sithole. The guest speaker was Mbonisi Malaba, leader of New Creation Church as well as leader of the apostolic team serving in the Matabeleland Sphere. Mbonisi, better known as Bones shared from Titus 1:5 and told the story from 1 Samuel 14:1 - 25 on following and leading. Bones said that every person is a follower as well as a leader.
Leader: look to see who is following you otherwise you are simply taking a walk. Otherwise, lead yourself, your family, your children, your community.

Lessons learnt from the story on following:

1. Trust those who are leading.
2. Follow with all your heart and soul: people can be there (in church) but not there (mind is elsewhere) whilst sitting in church. If Thembalezizwe wants to transform lives, communities and nations, the people need to be there heart and soul.
3. 100% commitment. Do or die! The armour bearer was willing to risk his life.

Jesus was a great follower.

1 Timothy 5:17 - 20 "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the scripture says ' Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.' Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning."

Be behind your leaders both hert and soul! Elders are appointed for leadership in the church and are worthy of double honour. Everything is double! What does this look like practically? What does it mean?
v17 - 18: make sure the ox is eating. As a church, be ready to take responsibility and make sure that the elders are eating. As we appoint Elders, ask them if they are eating. Do they have enough to serve the church?

v19 - 20: People like stories. Their ears 'prick' up! Don't entertain an accusation against the leadership God has put in place. Matthew 18

There is a saying that the fastest way to get news around the world is:

• by telephone
• by telegraph
• by telewoman (tell a woman!) Oops, sorry ladies - just kidding!!!!

The point here is that we don't want a church

with 'telechristians'. Speak positively about your leaders and if you feel there are areas they can improve on, speak to them directly. Show your leaders double honour!

After his message, Mbonisi ordained Tapiwa Chizana, Michael Ndlovu and Taurai Sithole as Elders of Thembalezizwe Church. It was an excellent service.

Summarised by Molly Manhanga