The Spurgeon Fraternal in Southern Africa
Brothers covenanting together to build and defend
BACKGROUND AND RAISON D'ETRE
Twice during 1998 a number of men from Gauteng, Natal, the Cape and Namibia met for 3 days of fellowship and prayer. These retreats proved to be so meaningful and beneficial, that it was decided to develop the idea, in order that more brothers in Christ can be edified in this way.
The time has come for men who fear the living God to network together in order to stem the tide of unbelief, man-centeredness, worldliness, confusion, and anarchy in what passes as the church of our day. This will not happen unless those who are called to preach the gospel and pastor the Lord's flock, know, trust and love one another.
OUR NAME
We feel a close kinship with C. H. Spurgeon, and what he stood for. Apart from his biblical theology, Christ-centeredness and evangelistic passion, he was a big-hearted man with no parochial or sectarian tendencies. Even in his own lifetime he was widely respected and appreciated, although he never hesitated to nail his colours to the mast. And today he enjoys wide acceptance throughout the evangelical church.
That is what we stand for. We have strong and non-negotiable convictions, but they are in complete harmony with that which the true church has always taught. We can have no part in the ecumenical frenzy of our day, but we love all who love and serve our Lord in spirit and in truth.
PURPOSE
To develop fellowship between like-minded men in ministry in order to "promote peace, increasing love and mutual edification" (1689 Confession, Ch 26, �14) - and thereby to build up the churches of Christ and so bring glory to God.
To become real friends, appreciating and loving one another in a truly trusting, and mutually accountable environment.
To spur one another on in the work of ministry as we seek ongoing reformation and true revival.
To bring about a network of God-fearing men across this sub-continent who are willing to take a stand together for the sake of the faith once entrusted to the saints, and the church bought with the blood of Christ.
We do not in any way wish to replace the local church or to annex its function as the defender and propagator of the gospel.
MODUS OPERANDI
We gather 3 times a year for periods up to 3 days at a suitably located and equipped conference venue - for mutual edification through transparent sharing, encouragement, fervent prayer and fasting, interspersed by ministry of the Word.
We strive to do everything in an orderly manner, but are committed not to create an administrative and institutional structure. Consequently, there will be no office bearers. Members will be delegated to take turns in organizing and leading specific future gatherings.
In order to enhance the ethos of confidentiality, and the building of strong and trusting relationships, each member needs to commit himself to regular attendance of organized gatherings, as well as to mutual accountability, and integrity of life and ministry.
The character of our relationships and actions is completely overt. That does, however, not mean that we do not use discretion in what we pass on outside our circle. As men in Christian ministry we are used to handling information responsibly.
It stands to reason that observers are most welcome in our gatherings. We take it, however, that the attendance of two gatherings should be enough for anyone to decide on future involvement or not.
CONVICTIONS
Our essential convictions are set out in The Second London Baptist Confession of 1689.
This confession rests on the 5 pillars of Reformational truth: Tota et Sola Scriptura (Scripture, nothing more, nothing less); Sola Gratia (Grace Alone); Solus Christus (Christ Alone); Sola Fide (Faith Alone); Soli Deo Gloria (The Glory of God Alone).
In particular we hold to the inspiration, infallibility, inerrancy, and sufficiency of the Bible as God's particular revelation to man. We passionately preach the gospel of God's sovereign grace in Christ to sinners. And we are convinced that the local church, as the community of the redeemed, bears a heavy responsibility to fulfill its calling in the outworking of God's purposes in this world.
Having said this, we can summarise our dearest convictions no better than by quoting C. H. Spurgeon: "I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist; I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist; but if I am asked what is my creed, I reply, 'It is Jesus Christ!'".
CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
It is increasingly apparent that there are significant numbers of men who would be willing to be part of such a fraternal arrangement. We are therefore eager to gather as many of these men as possible, and we will heartily welcome anyone who can sincerely identify with our values. But experience has taught us that authentic Christian unity rests on a robust commitment to common convictions and shared values, rather than on common goals and joint projects. The latter can and will change with time, but the absolutes of our faith are universal, timeless and non-negotiable.
We deem the following as minimum requirements for meaningful participation in this fraternal:
In Christian ministry, and in good standing with and accountable to a biblical local church.
The particular local church's knowledge and support of participation in this fraternal.
Endorsement of The Second London Baptist Confession of 1689.
A life and testimony worthy of our high and holy calling as servants of Christ - as set out in the qualifications for eldership in the Pastoral Epistles.
Submission to a written code of participation and conduct - addressing our doctrinal purity, financial integrity, relational loyalty, moral dignity, and ministerial faithfulness.
CONTACTS
Gauteng: Christo Beetge [011-362 4176 (w); 011-363 1492 (h)]
Western Cape: Dave Stemmett [021-948 1656 or 948 0540]
Southern Cape: Errol Wagner [044-871 1091]
Kwazulu-Natal: Jonathan Holdt [031-765 7861]
Namibia: Jacobus de Koning [09264 61-22 0097 (w); 23 6915 (h)]
COMMITMENT
In the Name and fear of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the rule of His Word and the dictates of my conscience, it is my firm resolution to maintain by the help of the Holy Spirit the following in my personal and ministerial life, and my relationship with the brothers of this fraternal:
• I will make every effort to attend every fraternal gathering, and will offer an apology in writing should this not be possible. I understand that this is necessary for the reality and maintenance of our relationships. I agree that my brothers shall have the right to terminate my membership should I fail to attend three successive gatherings.
• I will make every effort in my life and ministry to live up to the high standards set out in God's Word - especially in the areas of doctrinal purity, financial integrity, relational loyalty, moral dignity, and ministerial faithfulness. I am deeply aware of my own weakness and proneness to sin, and therefore request my brothers to be my keepers by admonishing me should I fail in my high and holy calling. I agree that my brothers shall have the right to terminate my membership should I prove to be unrepentant.
• I will make every effort to remain loyal to my brothers. It means at least that I will in no way spread nor receive any negative rumours about any of them. My relationship with each one will be characterised by truth, openness, and integrity - according to Biblical norms. Should anyone run into trouble, I will employ whatever means I have to help or restore him.
• My commitment to this fraternal will never take priority over my commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, His truth, my conscience, or my local church and its elders.