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The importance of Children’s Ministry studies

Megan Kelly Botha — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 06:00:36 +0000

When people are studying theology in order to serve in full-time or part-time ministry, one of the last things they think of is studying for children’s ministry. “You can learn that on the job” your minister might say, or “just get the theology behind you”. While getting equipped with theological skills is of primary necessity, this doesn’t negate the fact that you need extra skills to evangelise and disciple children (see the video below which discusses why this is so).

At George Whitefield College, we recognise the importance of this, and our aim is to raise up men and women with theologically firm voices and servant-shaped hearts who will know how to meet a child at whatever age or point of spiritual maturity. In our accredited Children’s Ministry Higher Certificate in Theology (HCert), we not only provide students with training in core theology modules, but we also draw on a variety of disciplines and practical ministry modules in order to shape our graduates for children’s ministry work. Other disciplines include child psychology, child development, creative communication skills, contextualisation of children in South Africa, educational philosophy and teaching methods. Our practical ministry modules include topics such as how to teach the Bible to children, how to evangelise children, how to plan children’s church and outreach events, and how to use music and movement in appropriate worship. And of course, there is a module devoted to what the Bible has to say about children.

Do you know of someone who has a passion for teaching and disciplining children? Let them know about GWC and the Children’s Ministry Higher Certificate – there is still time to apply for 2021 (deadline: 28 October 2020).

For enquiries about the content of the CM HCert, please contact Niki Hodson at nhodson@gwc.ac.za

For application queries, please contact Ledovrica Hendricks at applications@gwc.ac.za

Visit our website for more information www.gwc.ac.za

Megan Kelly Botha

I’m a coffee-wielding mood reader and romance book collector who may or may not have a slight addiction to buying books. I read a variety of sub-genres within romance, including rom-coms, dark romance, and fantasy. I love sharing my thoughts on books, whether it’s through book reviews, quotes, or recommendations inspired by my current reads. Through my romance book blog, Literary Inspired, I aim to provide in-depth book reviews, curated reading recommendations, and exclusive author promotions. I’m passionate about supporting indie authors and sharing my latest book discoveries with others. When I’m not reading, you can find me cheering on my favorite football team and F1 drivers, crafting, baking with my kids or playing with my pets.

literaryinspired.com/

The post The importance of Children’s Ministry studies appeared first on Cup of Faith.

Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Ernie Smith

Megan Kelly Botha — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 06:00:24 +0000

I’ve decided to reach out to artists to see how they are navigating Covid-19 with the hope of sharing their stories, tips and most importantly, sharing ways that we, as a community, can support our local talent, especially during these trying times.

Next is Ernie Smith.

The Jesus Collective is proud to announce the new radio single from multi-award winning South African singer-songwriter and guitarist, Ernie Smith, titled “New Day”. Smith is well known for his seamless fusion of genres within his music, which is evident in this track with the mix of R&B, Afro and Pop.

“New Day is a song about having hope that we will come out stronger after the Covid19 pandemic. It talks about keeping our hearts and minds on the Grace of our loving God. It declares His love, and His power over fear and the fact that God’s love casts out all fear,” explains Ernie Smith.

I see the dark clouds disappear
Grace is restoring us again
A greater Hope than we had before
As we trust in your word Jesus
We know that you will not forsake us
You will not let anything shake us
As we trust in your name
‘cause you stay the same
…There’s a new day coming

Born in Durban, Ernie Smith speaks English, Afrikaans and a little bit of Zulu. He started playing music at the age of 13 when he became a Christian and was exposed to live worship in church. “Worship is my heart’s connection to our Father’s heart,” says Smith. New Day was written and produced by Ernie Smith, from his Child Of The Light Studio in Johannesburg. “I love writing at home in my studio or in the house. Songs come to me at different times. A lot of times after I watch a good movie or when I come back from a jog,” adds Smith.

In 2010 after a really dark period in Smith’s life and career, he went through a deep depression. God, by His grace, restored him and all that he had lost. Today Smith is a living testimony of the amazing love and grace of our loving Saviour Jesus Christ.

Ernie Smith’s outstanding accolades include winner of four South African Music Awards, one Metro FM Music Award and one KORA All Africa Music Award. Smith has performed in Malaysia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles and recorded with artists such as Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Neville D and BeBe Winans.

Through his life and through the message of his music, Ernie Smith wants to leave a legacy of grace, believing that all things are possible to those who believe. “It’s all about putting Jesus first in all things. It doesn’t matter your demographic; God will use anyone,” concludes Smith.

How have you been using your time during the lockdown?

I have been using my time during lockdown to bond with my family and help my kids with school work. I’ve been also learning to get to know myself in a way I never knew before.

What’s the first thing you look forward to doing when this is all over?

When it’s all over I look forward to getting on stage whether it be in a worship setting of just any musical setting and playing MUSIC!

I feel like the weight of the global pandemic and economic crisis has left many of us feeling overwhelmed, how do you rise above that and stay creative during this time?

I keep my eyes on God’s word and take that as the final verdict of how this will turn out! In Christ we live, move and have our being! He’s got the whole world in his hands!

Everyone is having to change the way they do things, as a result of the pandemic – how has your own industry changed, what challenges do you now face that you hadn’t before, and what steps are you taking to overcome them?

Well, the obvious change for creatives is the restrictions of live performances or ministry! I am doing a lot of production for people from home and then sending it to them to do vocals, as an example. Home broadcasts are also something to consider. I want to do a live broadcast of the single ‘New Day‘ real soon.

What is your message of hope to the people of South Africa?

Regardless of the obstacles, you are facing, ‘NEVER GIVE UP’ God always makes a way for us to triumph, so keep dreaming and seeing possibilities!

How can South Africans support artists during this time?

Demand that local music is played on local stations, and of course, by purchasing local music too!

Follow Ernie:

Instagram | Facebook

Megan Kelly Botha

literaryinspired.com/

The post Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Ernie Smith appeared first on Cup of Faith.

Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Chevelle

Megan Kelly Botha — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 06:00:37 +0000

Next is Chevelle.

Multiple award-winning Jamaican gospel singer Chevelle Franklyn is set to release Go In Your Strength, the debut worship single from her full-length album ‘South Wind Vol 1’, globally on the 3rd April, 2020.
Recorded in South Africa, the 13-track album features the voices of South African gospel singer Ntokozo Mbambo. Franklyn co-produced the album with Nqubeko Mbatha and Mojalefa Mjakes Thebe (Zahara, Yvonne Chaka Chaka).

“I initially travelled to South Africa for a short stint to record two songs but God had other plans – a few days turned into a few weeks and a full-length album! South Africa is one of my favourite countries, the richness of the cultures, the beautiful people and landscapes, and of course the incredible musicianship,” says Franklyn.
Having started out as a reggae artist when a teenager (known for performing on the global hit with Shabba Ranks, Mr Loverman), Franklyn’s turning point came during a live concert in 1998 where she was expected to perform Dancehall Queen. Instead, she performed the gospel song, Silver and Gold by Kirk Franklin, deciding to use the moment to announce that she had become a Christian and will be singing and recording Gospel Music exclusively. “I did not hear a message or anything, but I felt the calling of God. I just broke down on the stage and said, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ I knew there was something better out there.”

Chevelle gave her life to the Lord ending all her secular contractual agreements, walking away from the international hit song Dancehall Queen.

‘South Wind Vol1’ is Chevelle Franklyn’s first full worship album. “It is total worship, total exaltation and admiration for God. Where previous albums have been about testimonies, this one points solely to Him and who God is,” says Franklyn.

“You are my maker, you knit me in my mother’s womb.
You are my helper, when I call I know you won’t chase me away.
You are my keeper, through it all I know that I will prevail.
You are my armour, so my protection is guaranteed.
You are everything we need, everything we need, you alone will do.
We will go in your strength”

For more than three decades, Chevelle Franklyn has toured the world, to countries such as the United Kingdom, The Middle East, Asia, Austria, Germany, Holland, France, the US, and multiple African countries. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Micah Stampley and Lionel Petersen. It is South Africa that Franklyn keeps returning to, to produce music.

“Previously as a secular artist, I recorded songs during the apartheid era, themed around freeing Nelson Mandela. It was illegal for South Africans to produce songs of liberation and freedom. Often it was the songs from Jamaica that helped South Africans get through some of the toughest times. When I was able to visit the land I was singing about, I fell in love with South Africa. It is an inspirational and creative space and I’ve always been welcomed with open arms,” says Franklyn.

The official music video for ‘Go In Your Strength’ will also be released on the 3rd April 2020. Chevelle Franklyn will be visiting South Africa later this year; ‘South Wind Vol. 1’ will be available on CD and all digital platforms in 2020 date TBC.

Chevelle Franklyn has affirmed that this is her best work yet. “I can’t wait for the world to hear ‘South Wind’ – I also sing in Zulu on the album. It’s a dream come true; I’ve wanted to do this for so many years. I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right set of people,” concludes Franklyn.

How have you been using your time during the lockdown?

There’s a lot of detoxing. Reading The word much more. Its been an incubation time for me.

What’s the first thing you look forward to doing when this is all over?

Go to a lovely Seafood Restaurant. Also going back into my recording Studio.

I feel like the weight of the global pandemic and economic crisis has left many of us feeling overwhelmed, how do you rise above that and stay creative during this time?

I rise above fear my knowing God is with me. It is He who’s brought me this far and He will take care of me. I think about the scripture. – Philippians 4:8

Meditate on These Things

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Everyone is having to change the way they do things, as a result of the pandemic – how has your own industry changed, what challenges do you now face that you hadn’t before, and what steps are you taking to overcome them?

Gatherings were everything to the music-business but now as you know no social gatherings. Lots of cancellations that came with this territory but step-by-step day by day we are adjusting through social media.

What is your message of hope to the people of South Africa?

Affliction isn’t strange, it isn’t new and even though we haven’t seen anything like this before. God hasn’t change He’s the same yesterday today and forever. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. You’re not alone and I will be praying for you. I love you.

How can South Africans support artists during this time?

Purchasing our music through digital platforms, following us on our social media pages. Subscribing to our YouTube channel and pray for us.

Follow Chevelle:

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Megan Kelly Botha

literaryinspired.com/

The post Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Chevelle appeared first on Cup of Faith.

Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Ryan from Out Cry

Megan Kelly Botha — Mon, 18 May 2020 06:00:09 +0000

We’re fifty-something days into our lockdown here in South Africa, and admittedly, for the first time, I feel like I am starting to accept that perhaps life isn’t going to look or feel like it used to, or at least it won’t for a while. Coming to this acceptance has given me the opportunity to refocus and create a new normal and shake off the funk that I have been carrying around for the last few weeks. With this newfound energy and enthusiasm, I decided to reach out to local artists to see how they were navigating Covid-19 with the hope of sharing their stories, tips and most importantly, sharing ways that we, as a community, can support our local talent, especially during these trying times.

First up, is Ryan from Out Cry.

Out Cry is a group of young, passionate, driven individuals, who believe music has the power to unite and connect people across society’s self-made barriers. This multicultural and internationally acclaimed band originates from the small town of Piggs Peak, Swaziland and creates a unique blend of Indie, Afro Pop, Alternative and Rap to provide fans with an unforgettable visual and listening experience.

How have you been using your time during the lockdown?

I struggled to find a balance at first and had a couple of days where I started naming the walls in my apartment (haha). But finally, I have gotten into a good rhythm of work, quiet time, home exercise, video calls with family, and still an unhealthy amount of Netflix.

What’s the first thing you look forward to doing when this is all over?

Travelling to the ocean!

I feel like the weight of the global pandemic and economic crisis has left many of us feeling overwhelmed, how do you rise above that and stay creative during this time?

It’s great to have dependable people in the group that I can lean on for inspiration and creativity; and technology has made it easier than ever to collaborate with people, even though we are physically apart.

Everyone is having to change the way they do things, as a result of the pandemic – how has your own industry changed, what challenges do you now face that you hadn’t before, and what steps are you taking to overcome them?

I work as a musical director of a church that has had to move our entire Sunday service to the digital world. It has been an awesome, crazy, stressful and incredibly fulfilling time; taking the team on this journey. Given the unprecedented state that the world is in and the realm of constant uncertainty, I’ve learnt patience is really key; as we can only deal with what is in front of us and take it one step at a time.

What is your message of hope to the people of South Africa?

We are all in this together! The current crisis has the ability to unite us across barriers of gender, culture and religion as it affects us all equally as HUMANS. So, be considerate of our neighbours and bear with each other in this time and likewise after.

How can South Africans support local artists during this time?

Please share our videos and songs with your friends and family. They all have God’s heart of hope and love woven in them.

Follow Out Cry:

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Apple Music

Megan Kelly Botha

literaryinspired.com/

The post Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Ryan from Out Cry appeared first on Cup of Faith.