Pastor Neels Snyman joins AGS Church fulfilling a long-awaited calling
After years of running from his calling, the 55-year-old Neels Snyman has returned to lead AGS Church in Alberton North.
In a significant shift for the AGS Church in Alberton North, a new pastor has recently taken over the reins.
He has succeeded a long-serving leader who had guided the congregation for many years.
Pastor Neels Snyman, a 55-year-old born-and-bred Randfontein native, brings with him a unique and diverse spiritual journey that has led him back to a place he believes he was always destined to serve.
His journey into ministry began at the age of 16 when, after accepting Jesus as his Lord and Saviour, a prophecy was spoken over his life.
While he initially dismissed the prophecy, thinking it was just a joke, he later realised it was a serious calling. It was this calling that eventually led him to study theology at a university in Cape Town.
Determined to further his studies, he later pursued a master’s degree in pastoral studies in the UK. Although he began a PhD at North-West University (NWU), family responsibilities and other demands led him to put it on hold.
Despite these academic achievements, his spiritual path has been far from linear.
He feels that his calling was always intertwined with the AGS Church, particularly because of the deep connection his family shares with the church.
Johan Smith, who recently retired from his position at AGS, had been baptised by Neels’ grandfather, a bond that, according to Neels, aligned his spirituality with the church’s mission.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Neels has had a varied and impactful ministry career.
He was fortunate enough to take part in the Ministry Integrated Learning (MIL) programme in Kenya, although his time there was cut short when he was offered a job in Sudan. The outbreak of the 2023 Sudanese war disrupted his plans, forcing him to return home.
Since then, he has lived by faith, trusting in God’s guidance for his next steps.
In January, AGS Church approached him with an invitation to lead the congregation, but the decision wasn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
Another church in Primrose, Germiston, had also extended an offer to him, leading to a dilemma.
“I initially chose the Germiston church, where I had roots, but a prophetic word from a pastor in Roodepoort shifted my perspective. The prophecy, which spoke of my ministry being in the north, made me reconsider my decision,” he said.
He said that given that AGS Church is situated in Alberton North, he felt that this was the confirmation he had been waiting for. And so, in a move that many see as a divine calling, he accepted the position at AGS Church.
Neels’ vision is focused on the core values of connection.
He wants to connect people to Christ, connect people to fellowship, and connect people from the community to God.
“These simple yet powerful principles guide ministry as I aim to build strong spiritual connections among the congregation and the wider community,” the pastor said.
Reflecting on his journey, the new pastor shared his insight: “You can run, but not hide.” He believes that he was meant to become a pastor when he was a teenager or in his early twenties but ran from the calling at the time.
Now, he feels he has been found again, and his path has come full circle.
As the church embarks on this new chapter under his leadership, the congregation is excited to see how his unique experiences and steadfast faith will shape the future of AGS Church in Alberton North.
