THE Highway Mail met with the Church on Route 5, a relatively new church in Westville, to find out what sets them apart.
According to its founder pastor, Hendan Wienand, the church celebrated its 4th birthday in September, and currently conducts sermons on Sunday mornings at the Roy Couzen’s Theatre at Westville Boys’ High School.
“In 2009 I decided to step down as an elder at the Glendridge Church in Durban to starts a new church with similar values and theology. I have lived in Westville practically all my life and have taught at the Westville Boys’ High School. Our aim with the new church was to have an impact on the Westville community. We are, however, not a separate entity, and the church is very involved with the Westville fraternal,” said Wienand.
The church’s unique name refers to a passage from Galatians 5: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”.
“Of the approximately 50 recorded miracles Jesus performed, 40 of them set people free, emotionally, spiritually, physically and demonically. Thus, we aim to free and transform people’s lives by introducing them to Jesus, our saviour,” said Wienand.
Another factor that sets the church apart is the importance that the members place on family, friendship and fun. “We try not to have meetings during the week, as it interrupts family time. Friendship and fun are also important, as people are more prone to learn and teach amongst friends,” said Wienand.
The church therefore encourages its members to host home groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Church members host the event at their home, entertaining other church members with coffee or meals.
Youth relationships are also important to the church.
Brian and Caitlin Barnes run the youth ministry, which is held at 7 Chester Terrace, Westville on Friday’s from 7pm. “Our youth ministry is called Freeway, which is a play on the church’s name. We organise socialising, relationship building, movie nights and other various activities that are Bible based. The aim is to build friendships and teach the youth about the gospel while having fun,” said Brian.
Angie Steyn, also manages the tiny tots ministry (0 to two years), Happy Nappies, and the children’s ministry (two to four years), Shining Stars, which are held on Sundays. The children and toddlers are educated and entertained with bible verses, songs and dance. Mothers are encouraged to be actively involved.
Contact Hendan Wienand on 083 268 1941.
