Draft:Evangelical Alliance of South Africa
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| Evangelical Alliance of South Africa | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Interdenominational Evangelical |
| Associations | Association of Evangelicals in Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg |
| Origin | 1997 Johannesburg |
| Members | 3 million |
| Official website | teasa.org |
The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) is a Christian fellowship that unites evangelical believers across South Africa, providing a platform for collaboration in mission, evangelism, and advocacy. TEASA seeks to amplify the voice of evangelicals on public issues, foster unity within the church, and empower local congregations to be agents of social and spiritual transformation.
Mission and Vision
[edit]TEASA represents millions of evangelical Christians in South Africa who, despite their diversity, are united in their shared faith. The alliance focuses on:
- Upholding biblical integrity in faith and practice.
- Advocating for social justice and reconciliation.
- Promoting institutional partnerships to address national and global challenges.
- Equipping the local church as a transformative presence in communities.
Historical Milestones
[edit]TEASA has its roots in the Evangelical Fellowship of South Africa, established in 1974. The alliance formally emerged in 1995 after the reunification of black and white evangelicals who had been divided during apartheid. Key milestones include:
- 1997: Submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- 2005: Hosting a regional HIV and AIDS conference for the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
- 2010: Co-hosting the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town.
- 2018: Launching the Decade of Evangelism.
Leadership
[edit]TEASA's leadership reflects its commitment to unity and diversity. Key figures include:
- Rev. Sphiwe Ndebele (President): A leader with a background in industrial inspection and extensive pastoral experience.
- Rev. Moss Ntlha (General Secretary): A passionate advocate for evangelical unity and social justice.
- Mrs. Esme Bowers (Chairperson): A founder of TEASA and a global advocate for women's issues in the church.
- Other leaders bring diverse expertise, from church planting and theological training to finance and public advocacy.
Programmes and Commissions
[edit]TEASA operates through a range of programmes designed to advance its mission:
1. Advocacy
TEASA provides a unified evangelical voice on national issues, engaging in advocacy for justice and ethical governance.
2. Connecting the Church
The alliance fosters unity among churches, promoting collaboration through initiatives like the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI).
3. Capacity Building
TEASA organizes its work through specialized commissions:
- Church Planting and Evangelism Commission: Facilitates the establishment of healthy churches in every community.
- Mission Commission: Supports collaboration among mission networks.
- Theological Commission: Provides theological reflection on societal and ecclesial issues.
- Women's Commission: Empowers women to contribute significantly to the church's mission.
- Disciple-Making Movement: Encourages a culture of discipleship to transform communities.
Advocacy and Resolutions
[edit]TEASA actively addresses pressing issues within South Africa and beyond. Recent resolutions include:
- Palestine-Israel Conflict: Advocating for justice and addressing theological challenges related to Christian Zionism.
- West Papua: Supporting evangelicals and advocating for the region's independence.
- Theological Training: Committing to reduce the deficit of theologically trained pastors in Africa.
Partnerships and International Engagement
[edit]TEASA collaborates with global evangelical bodies such as the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and regional networks like the African Evangelical Alliance. These partnerships enable TEASA to address global issues, mobilize resources, and share best practices.
Impact and Legacy
[edit]For nearly three decades, TEASA has played a pivotal role in uniting evangelicals across South Africa, promoting social justice, and advancing the mission of the church. Its commitment to discipleship, theological training, and advocacy continues to shape the evangelical movement in South Africa and beyond.
For more information, visit the TEASA website.
References
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