Ordinary Justice
Sat Sep 24, 09:00 - Sat Sep 24, 15:00
Grace Presbyterian Church
ABOUT
Saturday, 24 September. 09:00 - 14:00.In a world so wracked with inequality and injustice we can often feel useless, overwhelmed and paralyzed by the enormity of the task and complexity of the issues. Ordinary Justice aims to help us by connecting our faith with some very practical, simple, first steps towards becoming a more just people. God’s perfect justice and mercy displayed in the cross of Christ give us the tools and resources to approach these complex issues.
Various books relating to these issues will be on sale during the course of the conference.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Cross-Centred Justice
For over a hundred years the church has had running debates as to which is more important, social justice or gospel proclamation. In this session John Scheepers will briefly trace the importance of justice throughout the biblical story and call us to rediscover a cross centred justice movement at the heart of the gospel.
A Living Wage
What would it take for a family to live comfortably without having to struggle for their basic needs to be met in South Africa today? It may surprise you to discover that figure is estimated to be more than double the minimum wage. In this session Brian Koela will explore how the Gospel ought to shape our considerations around paying a living wage to those who work for us.
Giving and Receiving with Dignity
What does it mean to give and receive in a context of massive inequality in a way that builds dignity for all people? Caroline Powell will help us think through the type of generosity that will enable us to give birth to exciting and achievable ways of giving and receiving with dignity.
Generosity Dinners
Generosity Dinners connect people who want to experience collaborative giving. Guests contribute money into a central fund, share ideas and opportunities about people, projects, or passions that they care about, and provide gifts with no strings attached. In this session Valerie Anderson and Nicole Joshua will share with us something of the how and the why of Generosity Dinners.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
John Scheepers
John Scheepers is the Director of Social Justice and Mercy Ministries at Hope City Presbyterian Church. He is a graduate of George Whitefield College and North West University. He is currently studying for a Masters in Missiology at the University of Stellenbosch with a focus on the church and inequality. Before joining Hope City John was involved in a number of church and parachurch ministries in a variety of contexts across Cape Town.
Brian Koela
Brian Koela heads up the Church Partnerships Team at The Warehouse. He is a graduate of the Bible Institute of South Africa. Brian brings a wealth of experience in gospel ministry and especially cross-cultural work. Previously Brian has worked for the Student YMCA and pastored a multi-ethnic church in Cape Town.
Caroline Powell
Caroline Powell has worked for the past 8 years, with The Warehouse, a worshipping community organization that walks alongside churches as they seek to respond to the issues of poverty, injustice and division. She is currently studying theology at the University of Pretoria, with a focus on leadership in Urban Transformation.
Valerie Anderson
Valerie Anderson gives leadership to Common Change South Africa and is producing The Justice Conference South Africa. She holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cape Town. Previously she served as the Operations Director for Common Change globally before launching Common Change in South Africa in 2015.
Nicole Joshua
Nicole Joshua completed her Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership, majoring in Biblical studies, at Cornerstone Institute in 2011 and then went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree at the University of the Western Cape in 2012. Nicole is a board member of Common Change South Africa. Nicole has previously been involved with crisis pregnancy counselling and taught Biblical Studies at Cornerstone Institute.