On the 25th of May we had our yearly AGM, and leading up to the day, I was quite excited. I felt we were moving in the right direction as a congregation, had seen many new faces at our services, and there was a general positivity among us as a congregation. I also invited non-members who have been attending services regularly to attend the AGM to share their thoughts and insights.

But on the day, I was deeply disappointed. Attendance at the service was low, and even more disheartening, several people left immediately after the service — before the meeting began. It was hard not to feel discouraged, especially when I had come into the day with hope and anticipation. So, with a bit less excitement and an uneasy feeling, the meeting started in the normal fashion. I did a short dwelling in the Word to remind everyone that the meeting is not just for doing some admin, but to talk about our road and where God is leading us.

For the dwelling, we read from 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “But test everything; hold fast to what is good.” With this reading, I shared the need for discernment and courage as we continue our journey, trying to find where God is sending us. We know that at times we might follow a wrong off ramp or stray from the path, but God, who always stands ready to forgive, is there to help us back on our way.

We heard the reports — from our chairperson, from me as pastor, and from our finance team. These reports reflected the life of our church over the past year: the joys, the struggles, the work behind the scenes. But what followed was silence. No questions. The reports were accepted – but it felt hollow. I was very disappointed ! There were some bright moments. Two new members have joined the church committee. We also have someone stepping up as delegate for Synod and the CCW. That gives me hope. I am grateful for those who are willing to serve. Then came the discussion I thought might be the most uplifting: “How can we improve our church services?” In my report, I mentioned how we’ve seen many new faces at our services and that our welcoming nature on Sundays helps in this regard. We have also been experimenting with our music to see how we can best serve the congregation in worship on Sunday mornings, giving space for ideas and some creativity.

Unfortunately, this was not what happened. Our discussion was not at all about serving those members who regularly attend our services and the many new faces we’ve seen over the past year. The discussion ended with no progress being made, leaving me further in doubt about all I thought was happening to our congregation. As we journey through the rest of 2025 and look toward the next AGM, I want to invite you — again — to be part of shaping our path. Let’s keep testing all things, holding fast to what is good, and trusting that the Spirit is guiding us. May we be open, courageous, and hopeful as we move forward — together.

Ps Schalk Treurnicht