11-6+7=12^

We had a remarkably special Together Sunday two weeks ago and looked at this exciting equation. We are proposing that of the 11 current elders, 6 step UP-and-off and that 7 step UP-and-on to eldership. The ^ symbol denotes that, through this process, EVERYONE IN THE CHURCH can step up in various ways to live lives of MAKING DISCIPLES. This change to the eldership would significantly re-shape the age and diversity demographics of the leadership of ROL and, simultaneously, open up huge opportunities for greater fulfillment of our vision which is:

TO GLORIFY GOD

BY ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM

THROUGH PLANTING & STRENGTHENING NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES.

Those stepping UP-and-Off eldership would still be part of ROL Eastlea/GP as their base church, but would have more far-reaching influence into other DNa churches and beyond. For example:

• Roy Chimanikire: Finances for ROL and DNa
• Gus Hulley: The Base Church Byo, DNa education
• Stu Knight: Christian Counselling Center
• Derek Landman: Courses across DNa (Alpha, Network, Marriage, Parenting etc)
• Jacob Ngandu: staying on eldership for a transitionary period up to a year, New Creation Church Byo, Kigali church-plant.
• Scott Smith: Hope City Church Byo.

The proposed new elders were all profiled with endorsement and recommendation from the current elders, with whom they have walked for the last 2 years. As they were profiled to the church we have invited further feedback on their character and gifting for eldership – ahead of potential appointment with Dave Holden in Feb 2023. They are:

Kelvin Chamunorwa
Kumbi Dhliwayo
Danny Hillman
Danny Hulley
Leon Rademeyer
Unity Sahke
Blessing Wazara

Around this leadership updraught there will be many opportunities for others to engage with these situations and more. EVERYONE STEPPING UP into greater effectiveness for making disciples of all nations.

I closed Together Sunday’s meeting with a call to all River Of Lifers to please:

• Continue to Pray for all these people, their loved ones, and everyone in leadership within ROL, that we would gain momentum in proclaiming the Gospel as we should.
• Continue to Participate in attending faithfully, giving faithfully, and serving with whatever talents each has in faithfulness to The Lord
• To feedback on these proposed plans via Site Leaders, Small Group Leaders, or to me personally on the proposed changes. We are all in this TOGETHER.

Thank-you for the vibrancy of that Together Sunday and the sense of momentum across the church as so many are running with this. I look forward to all that The Lord has for us in this next phase of the ROL adventure with Him.

Much love

Scott