The past history of the Bellville Church of the Cross (BCC) and what this may teach us for the future:

Prior to this year’s Synod, Prof Pat Keifert (prominent Lutheran US theologian) conducted a historical review exercise with representatives of the Western Cape Lutheran Churches. This entailed the construction of a historical time line for each congregation listing major events – both positive and negative – as well as those showing hope. For the Bellville congregation (BCC) which was founded in 1890, three major stages were identified:

1) 1890 – 1950: Kasselsvlei (subsidiary congregation to St Martini/Cape Town)
2) 1950 – 1963: Teddington Street (rental of Dutch Reformed Church hall)
3) 1963 – present: Middle street (own church building)

The fifties were characterized by the influx of German immigrants and in 1963 the church building (minus the large hall) was inaugurated. The 1980s till the turn of the century can be seen as the golden years where the congregation flourished, having a choir, children’s church and an active youth group. Hereafter a steady decline in numbers was observed coupled with financial challenges, difficulties in obtaining committed co-workers and some quarrels within the church committee itself. Through inter-marriages, more Afrikaans and English speaking members were added. This in turn promoted the appearance of three language groups within the congregation – eventually culminating in Afrikaans and later English services besides the German ones. The language question invariably brought about some partitioning within the congregation. In 2017 – after three years of having had a 2/3 pastor (Bellville-Paarl parish) – the congregation became vacant. The positive side of the coin is that this has encouraged talent in the congregation to come to the fore promoting the priesthood of all believers. As part of a missional outreach, regular English services were introduced each Sunday at 09:00. These are characterized by less traditional liturgy and more interaction with congregants.
In retrospect it seems that part of the previous challenges of BCC can be attributed to the fact that German culture and Faith had been confused.

The pivotal question confronting us from this historical review is: what did God give us/show us in the past which we can take along into the future and nurture? We came up with five points which warrant further reflection:

  1. Good communication and mutual support between congregation and pastor (and vice versa). Co-operative attitude to admit failures and mistakes (sin) and willingness to seek forgiveness before God.
  2. Over the years, God has given dedicated pastors to BCC who brought out the message of the cross (balance between law and Gospel) which portrays mercy, love and unconditional acceptance of us as sinners.
  3. Congregants from BCC display a fundamental, positive attitude of joy and mutual caring, irrespective of tradition and liturgy. This can be contagious for those seeking a new spiritual home.
  4. BCC has in the past – especially around the 1950’s (influx of German immigrants) – provided “a home away from home” for many uprooted people. This gift has been nurtured at BCC and can bear fruit in the foreseeable future when other people are welcomed in our midst.
  5. BCC has some active groups (Haus der offenen Tür, Bastelkreis and Backgruppen in preparation for bazaars) who socialize and who constitute strong human fellowship. This hospitality and caring attitude could invite outsiders to join in.

E-G B