What to expect
We are unashamedly Pentecostal!AFM Houtkruis CONFESSION OF FAITH
AFM Houtkruis affirms the Confession of Faith as declared by the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa
We Believe in the Eternal, Triune God: Almighty Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all creation. We Believe in God the Father: The Author of creation and redemption.
We Believe in Jesus Christ: The only begotten Son of God the Father, the true God who came down from heaven for the salvation of mankind, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; who lived on earth, was crucified, died, and was buried; who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father.
We Believe in the Holy Spirit: The true God who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and leads all in truth.
We Believe in the Bible: The Word of God, written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We believe it is authoritative, proclaims God’s will, and teaches us all we need for salvation.
We Believe in the Creation of Mankind: Made in God’s image; though marred by sin, salvation is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.
We Believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Accompanied by the initial sign of speaking in tongues as promised to all believers. We affirm the operation of the gifts and fruit of the Spirit in the life of every Christian.
We Believe in Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church: United by the Holy Spirit, responsible for proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel and God’s will for all people. In charismatic communities, believers fellowship and edify one another.
We Believe in the Ordinances: The believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper, both established by Jesus and to be maintained by the Church.
We Believe in the Rapture: At the appointed time, Jesus Christ will come for His Church.
We Believe in the Day of Judgment: When Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead, with bodily resurrection for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked, and in a new heaven and a new earth where God will reign in glory.
Where We Come From
The dream of establishing an AGS church in Silverton was born in the early 1970s, inspired by Pastor Buddy Annandale (one of the former pastors of AGS Môregloed) and Pastor André du Toit, the first presiding pastor of our congregation.
The plot on which our church stands was identified, and building plans were set in motion.
Home-filmed footage from the construction shows how members actively contributed – from rolling up their sleeves to helping with foundations and even building benches. These film clips capture not only the beginning of our church but also the start of our cherished culture of genuine community involvement.
The church building was completed and finally dedicated on 16 October 1976 by Pastor Johan Smit.
Over the years, the church complex has been expanded on various occasions to meet the evolving needs of the congregation. Under Pastor Koos van der Merwe’s leadership, the church was transformed into a modern auditorium with comfortable individual seating. Continuous improvements have been made to audio-visual equipment, lighting, and more to meet the needs of our members.
Where Our Name Originated
During Pastor Koos van der Merwe’s ministry as pastoral leader of AFM Houtkruis, from 1996 to 1999, the congregation’s name was changed to “Houtkruis Gemeente” to align with the famous hymn he composed, “Daar Was ‘n Houtkruis.”
The Sacraments
Our church observes two sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ:
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Communion
The Lord’s Supper is truly one of the highlights of our church activities.
When do we celebrate Communion?
We hold our Communion service on the first Sunday of every month.
What is the focus of the Communion Service?
These services remind us of the incredible price Jesus paid to redeem each of us and restore our perfect relationship with God.
They also emphasize the promise that Jesus will return one day to claim His bride!
We strongly encourage you to join us at these special services. We look forward to welcoming you to these beautiful moments of remembrance and anticipation.
What It Is:
The Lord’s Supper refers to the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. It symbolizes the fulfillment of the promise of a spotless Lamb who would be slain for our redemption, echoing the deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Significance:
Christians partake in the Lord’s Supper to remember the great price Jesus paid with His life to restore our relationship with God after the fall of man. It also proclaims the promise that Jesus will come again (1 Cor. 11:23–24).
Symbolism:
The Table: Represents a place of fellowship, love, and community.
The Wine: Represents the blood of Jesus, which was shed as a perfect sacrifice to reunite us with God, and signifies the covenant.
The Bread: Symbolizes the broken body of Christ, just as bread is broken.
When and Who:
The Lord’s Supper is observed on the first Sunday of each month.
It is administered by any true disciple of Jesus Christ (in our congregation, usually by the Pastor and Church Elders).
Only believers with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are invited to partake (cf. 1 Cor. 11:23–29).
Baptism by Water
Purpose: Baptism is a powerful way for a believer to identify with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Redeemer. It is a public confession that the candidate has accepted Jesus and is obeying His command to be baptized.
Why Immersion?
The Greek word for baptism, BAPTIZO, means “to immerse in water.” This symbolizes the death of the old self and the resurrection into a new life with Jesus (cf. Rom. 6:1–6).
Who Should Be Baptized?
Baptism is not optional for followers of Jesus. All new believers who have repented (Mark 16:16; Matt. 28:19) should be baptized.
Who Can Administer Baptism?
Pastors, elders, and deacons may administer the baptism.
Biblical Requirement:
The candidate must first repent and confess Jesus as their personal Savior and Redeemer, willingly taking the step of faith.