A note from the President

Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

It gives me great pleasure and honour to be part of something so wonderful and magnificent.

I would like to congratulate the editorial team on such a beautiful body of work. It shows that commitment, dedication and hard work produces good results.

We sat for our plenary in January 2023 at SP Maarohanye in Klerksdorp and put forth our plans for the year. We are slowly working towards the realisation of our plans, God being our helper.

We still have strides to make and ground to cover on the plans we made. We are intent on making history and leaving behind a legacy of wins and strong-willed winners. The advent of this newsletter, will assist in ensuring that we are the ones to tell our stories our way. We record our history and we leave behind trail for our successors to follow.

Let it not die in our hands.

Weareourbrothers’keepers. Weare about our Father'sbusiness.

Yours in Christ

8th President of the West Annual Conference.

Leadership is an essential quality that shapes our individual and collective behaviours, actions, goals, and aspirations. Being a leader provides the necessary guidance and direction that any organization needs to achieve its potential especially in the West Conference of the Richard Allen Young Adults Council. Leaders inspire, motivate, and empower people to work together towards a common vision, while also providing a sense of direction and purpose. Leaders also bring valuable skills and traits to the table such as communication, decision-making, empathy, and accountability.

Being a leader can have a monumental impact on an individual's career prospects, personal growth, and development. Leaders are known to possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills that facilitate smooth interactions and collaborations between people. They have a significant influence on the decisions and course of action that any company or organization undertakes. Hence, leadership qualities are critical in not only managing but also effectively navigating the challenges that arise in any given situation. Leadership skills are also vital for personal success, as they help individuals gain credibility, self-confidence, and respect from their peers and colleagues.

A leader's presence is indispensable in today's world, where companies, communities, and institutions require individuals with vision, passion, and determination to bring forth positive change. Being a leader means stepping out of one's comfort zone, taking charge of one's destiny, and harnessing one's potential to create a better future. Lastly, being a leader is not just limited to influencing one's immediate circle of friends and colleagues. When we lead by example, we become an influential and profound force for good in the world. Therefore, being a leader is not merely a title, but an attitude, a mindset, and a way of being that helps us not only achieve our goals but also inspire others to do the same.

Sis Neriah Puleng Mojaki West Conference Editor

Public relations can play an important role in shaping how a church is perceived by its members, the broader community, and the media. Here are a few ways that public relations can influence a church: Building trust and credibility: A church's reputation and credibility are essential for its success. Public relations can help a church build trust and credibility with its members and the broader community by promoting positive news and highlighting its contributions to the community. Community engagement: A church is often a hub of community activity, and public relations can help the church engage with the community and build relationships with local organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Promoting events and initiatives: Public relations can help promote events and initiatives hosted by the church, such as charity drives, community service projects, and religious services. This can help increase attendance and engagement. Sharing the church's message: Public relations can help share the church's message with the media and the broader community. This can include promoting the church's values, beliefs, and mission, and helping to dispel misconceptions or misunderstandings about the church. Overall, public relations can help a church build a positive reputation, engage with the community, and share its message with a wider audience. Effective public relations can help a church fulfil its mission and reach its goals.

Overall, the use of social media in the church has proven to be an effective way to connect with members and reach new audiences, particularly during times when in-person gatherings are not possible.

The goal now is to continue with our Father’s business and continue the work of our ministry.

Fromme,yourconferencepaparazzi,continuetofollow;likeand shareallourpostsonoursocialmedia

SisSibusisiwe Ndlovu Public Relations – West Conference

The use of social media in the church has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many churches had to shift their operations to online platforms to continue serving their congregations. Some churches use social media to live stream their services, allowing members who cannot attend inperson to still participate in worship. This has enabled churches to reach a broader audience beyond their local community. Social media is also used by churches to share announcements, events, and other information with their members. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow churches to create groups where members can connect with one another, ask for prayer requests, and share updates. Additionally, social media provides an opportunity for churches to engage with younger generations who may not be as active in traditional church settings. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be used to share inspirational messages, Bible verses, and other content that resonates with younger audiences.