eMBALENHLE – Archbishop Petrus Ngcongwane (52), chairman of the local South African Council of Churches, is worried about people who are establishing churches as an easy way to make money from the poor.
He said many have been robbed and deceived by greedy preachers who twist the Word of God for their own gain.
Archbishop Ngcongwane said this trend has gone out of control and is made worse by preachers from other towns and provinces who come to the area to erect revival tents with the aim of collecting offerings.
He said any preacher, church or denomination that is demanding money from people to pay for their luxury lifestyle should know that it is a sin to rob people in the name of the Lord.
“I am not afraid to speak the truth.
“We must not fear any man, but the Lord God Almighty alone.
“Anyone who is troubled by the bad things that are taking place in the churches currently should be able to speak up boldly and come up with a solution.”
Archbishop Ngcongwane does not think people should be “talked into” giving offerings.
“The Bible says we should give because we want to, and ‘not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver’.”
Archbishop Ngcongwane is also the leader of the First Apostolic Church in Extension 20.
He urged church leaders to be part of the Council of Churches and to speak in one voice.
“Unemployment, crime, teenage pregnancy, HIV/Aids and women and child abuse are on the increase, as are other social issues.
“These are the issues which we should be worrying about and come up with solutions.”
Archbishop Ngcongwane said the reason why so many people are establishing churches or hosting revivals is because they lack humbleness.
He quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14-16: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
“Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
“I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever.
“My eyes and my heart will always be there.”
The Council of Churches has established a committee that will collect data based on all the churches in the Govan Mbeki municipal area.
Contact Archbishop Ngcongwane at 082 253 4248.
