Posted on August 15, 2008 - by Stephen Murray
Letting the Cat out the Bag…
I can finally tell everyone the news!!!
Some of you will be aware of this news already, some of you won’t, but today it all became official and so now I can post about it on my blog. We are joining and helping to head up a church plant in Cape Town City! As many of you know I’ve been completing my post-graduate studies at George Whitefield College this year with a view to going out to be involved in some sort of church planting ministry in the future. Initially Robin and I thought we were going to head back to Durban and be involved in some work there, but since January this year I’ve been in conversation with some people from our denomination about a church plant in the Sea Point and Greenpoint suburbs of Cape Town. Altough we’ve been fairly certain for the last 3 months that it was going to happen we had to wait for denominational approval. Well today we got it. Robin and I attended a selction conference where prospective ordinands are placed in various ministries throughout the country and there we met with some of the bishops of CESA and lecturers from GWC. They gave us the great news that they’re all keen on the idea of the plant and are happy with our involvement in it from January 2009 onwards! So we’re extremely excited about what God is going to do in this city through us.
I’ll be joining with a friend by the name of Jacques Erasmus to plant this church. Jacques has been working in the area with a ministry called Straatwerk (Street Work) for the last few years ministering to homeless folk, prostitutes, the homosexual community, refugees and the night-clubbing crowd. He’s an amazingly gifted gospel worker with a huge heart for the unconverted – especially the marginalized in society. Together, with a small core team, we’re going to be launching an all out offensive on Cape Town come January. Please hold us up in prayer as we attempt this. Pray that God would be pleased to grow his church in these difficult places.
I’ll be updating you with news as we go along and give you more details to the plant as we flesh it out. Peace.
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Stephen Murray
Christian, husband to my beautiful Robin, missional dreamer, pastor, church planter, Arsenal, Sharks and Springbok supporter, surfer (in the real sea), patriotic South African, Capetonian. Find out more about the church planting work I'm involved in at my support blog.
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August 15, 2008
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Sam Groves said:
That’s great news! Is there still a nice wave that occasionally breaks in Green Point?
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August 15, 2008
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Chris Gensheer said:
Very good news Stephen! I’m excited for you brother, and will be praying for you, Robin and Cape Town.
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August 15, 2008
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Jenny Hillebrand said:
Wonderful. May you touch many lives with God’s grace!
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August 15, 2008
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Stephen said:
Sam – there’s still a wave – its a pretty hairy wave though, straight off a serious rock-ledge, taking off with boils and all.
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August 16, 2008
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Susan Keegan said:
Great news Stephen and Robin! Good to know that there’s support from leadership for this. The hairy wave off Green Point will feel like a gondola ride in Venice compared with planting a church… but in both cases you can only ride the wave, not control it. Keep me updated – am praying for you.
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August 17, 2008
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John said:
If you are to love the city – then surely that means you ought to support Western Province now?
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August 17, 2008
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Stephen said:
John – there’s a difference between contextualization and downright compromise!
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August 19, 2008
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Ant said:
Hey bro, thats great news!! stoked that the powers that be are behind you guys! i’ll be praying for you and Robs. see you next month!! (if you can pencil me in!)
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August 19, 2008
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matt.theknight said:
Well Durban is certainly at a loss, but stoked for you man
i was looking forward to a lunch or two down here in God’s back garden but i guess we’ll have to keep it to an e-friendship
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August 19, 2008
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Stephen said:
Matt – When will you be around in Cape Town?
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August 20, 2008
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matt.theknight said:
I was there early July, and am hoping to hit a holiday late september. i will keep you updated
I’m with ross at Olive tree at the moment, Hectic but such a blast man.