The Role of a Society Steward

In the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Society Stewards hold a position of vital trust and significant responsibility. They are the Executive Officers of the Society Leaders’ Meeting and play a pivotal role in the life of the local church.

According to the Methodist Book of Order, the primary duty of a Society Steward is to “co-operate with the Ministers and Leaders of the Society to promote its spiritual and temporal welfare.” They are the bridge between the congregation and the pastoral leadership, ensuring that the vision of the church is practically implemented.

A Shared Ministry

While each Society Steward at Midstream Methodist Church is assigned a specific portfolio (Ministry), they are not expected to bear the burden of leadership alone. Methodism is built on the principle of “Connection.”

Society Stewards work collaboratively as a unified leadership team, supporting one another in their respective duties. Furthermore, every ministry is a team effort; Stewards actively incorporate other church members into their committees and working groups. This ensures that the gifts of the entire congregation are utilised and that every project is a shared labour of love.

Our Ministries at a Glance

We have structured our church life into key ministry areas, each led by a dedicated Society Steward. Below is a summary of how each area serves our community.

1. Growth Ministry

Focus: Expansion and Integration Dedicated to raising the church’s profile in the community, ensuring the smooth induction of new members, and fostering the numerical and spiritual growth of all fellowship groups and volunteer teams.

2. Communications & Social Media

Focus: Connection and Visibility. Ensures a unified voice for the church across all platforms. This ministry manages communications, the website, social media, and the technical “Sound Desk” teams (AV and Music) to facilitate seamless worship and communication.

3. Mission Ministry

Focus: Evangelism and Partnerships The “Voice” of the church, focusing on the Great Commission. This ministry drives evangelism initiatives and manages long-term strategic partnerships with organisations like Ditshego House of Laughter.

4. Outreach Ministry

Focus: Community Projects and Aid. The “Hands” of the church, dedicated to tangible social relief. This ministry runs specific projects such as the “Empowered Girls” sanitary drive, “Mother Theresa” baby bags, and Prison Ministry to restore dignity to the vulnerable.

5. Worship Ministry

Focus: Sanctuary and Hospitality. Ensures that every service is a sacred, welcoming space. This ministry oversees the logistics of Holy Communion, manages the Door Stewards (Welcome Team), and coordinates post-service fellowship and refreshments.

6. Property & Maintenance

Focus: Stewardship of Assets Responsible for the faithful stewardship of our physical resources. This team ensures that our buildings, gardens, and equipment are safe, beautiful, and functional for all ministry activities.

7. Children & Youth Ministry

Focus: Next Generation Discipleship Nurturing young faith from infancy to young adulthood. Working closely with our Pastors, this ministry oversees Sunday School, Holiday Clubs, and the Youth and Confirmation programmes.

8. Events & Fundraising

Focus: Fellowship and Sustainability Organises large-scale church events (like Bazaars) that build community spirit while raising the essential funds needed to sustain the church’s mission and operations.