Mighty Men Conference inspires spiritual renewal

Held from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14, the conference drew attendees from as far afield as Cape Town, Kroonstad, Klerksdorp, Limpopo, Sabie and eMalahleni.

Johan Fullard, the spiritual director of the Lowveld conference, said the turnout reflected a growing hunger among men to reconnect with their faith and redefine their roles in their families and communities.

“This year’s conference was deeply moving. Men came from all corners of the country, some driving through the night to be here. It’s a testament to how God is stirring hearts,” Fullard told Lowvelder.

The Mighty Men movement began in 2003 under the leadership of farmer-evangelist Angus Buchan and has since grown into one of South Africa’s longest-running revival gatherings. The Lowveld conference launched in 2019 and has continued annually, except for 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic forced a pause.

“We should have been celebrating our seventh conference this year,” Fullard explained. “But because of the lockdowns in 2020, we’re now on our sixth. We held our first in 2019, resumed in 2021, and have continued every year since.”

This year’s theme, ‘The Lion of Judah Roars’, was a deliberate echo of last year’s message. Fullard said the decision to repeat it was inspired by what many attendees described as a divine sign during the 2024 gathering.

“Last year, Lourens Kriel, the owner of Klipspringer Lodge, left the conference late one night and encountered a lion that had been roaming the Lowveld. He even found its spoor the next morning. We don’t believe that was a coincidence. It felt like a confirmation of the theme – that the Lion of Judah truly roars.”

The weekend was filled with moments of deep reflection and spiritual renewal. Friday evening began with a communal braai and open-air fellowship that stretched late into the night. Saturday featured worship sessions led by a live band, powerful testimonies, and teachings focused on personal accountability, healing and leadership in the home.

International Mighty Men leader Jannie Moolman, who was handed the baton by Angus Buchan himself, also attended and delivered a stirring message on the role of husbands as spiritual leaders.

“Mighty Men is not just a conference – it’s a call to action,” Moolman said. “Men are being challenged to rise as priests, prophets and kings in their homes. This weekend, many recommitted their lives to the Lord and made vows to lead with integrity and love.”

Sunday marked the emotional climax of the event, as wives and families joined the men for a closing service that included baptisms and prayers of blessing.

“It was beautiful to see families reunited in worship,” Fullard said. “The baptisms were especially powerful – men stepping into a new season of faith and responsibility.”

Looking ahead, Fullard confirmed that the next Mighty Men Conference Lowveld is scheduled for September 11 to 13, 2026.

“We’re already praying and planning. Each year builds on the last and we believe God is preparing something even greater for next year.”