Lif Gemeente Ballito: The Power of Faith Community

In the rolling farmland inside Ballito you will find Lief Gemeente, a church built by and for the community.

Founded nine years ago, Leef Gemeente was originally located in Curro Salt Rock before moving to Ballito Business Park. But the church soon grew to such an extent that it needed its own space.

The land, off the R102 between Ballito and Tongaat, was donated by a church member, as was the building itself, which was completed in 2020.

“If I had to sum up what our church is about, I think the generosity that led to the creation of this building is a great example,” said Pastor Evelyn Hodgson.

“The church is the kingdom of God, and we believed that if God wanted it to happen, He would support it. Our community made this a reality.”

Lif Gemeente does not collect tithes in the traditional sense, in the hope that members will be generous within their circles inside and outside the church.

Pastor Hodgson said their position on the issue of membership is similar.

“We believe that people need to take responsibility for their spiritual paths and relationship with God,” he said.

“We don’t ask people to go through hardships to join us, but rather hope to meet them where they are and guide them as part of our community.”

This congregation has about 100 members, with Sunday services at 8.30am and youth services (ages 13 to 21) on Fridays at 6.30pm.

Lifa Gemeente’s motto is “Sy Woord in Jou Taal” (“His word is in your language”) and all services are conducted in Afrikaans.

“We are a Bible-based church and during our services we focus on the words of the Bible. Afterwards, we like to have a place to sit and be together in a less formal setting, which often forms small home groups.”

Pastor Hodgson attended Auckland Park Theological Seminary and lived with his family in Ballito for 13 years. He joined Leef Gemeente eight years ago.

To learn more about the church, visit Leef Gemeente on Facebook or email [email protected].

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