It’s been a month since the parish of St Stephen’s Sunninghill welcomed four new members into the service of parish ministry. They will be tasked with leading service along with the existing cohort of service leaders at the parish.
During a service held on the 23rd of November 2025, Reverend Sharmain James licensed Andile Nene, Anne Schrenk, Thabo Ngema and Sibusisiwe “Sebe” Buthelezi.
Anne and Thabo will be serving at the 7 AM service while Andile and Sebe will be responsible for the 8:30 service.
Following the licensing, an elated Thabo Ngema said, “I’m looking forward to the ability to serve and do Gods work, to help others and make a positive impact within our community”.
He further said he was looking forward to the opportunity to grow spiritually as an individual and development through service.
From January to November, the four attended rigorous sessions at the School of Ministers, housed in the Anglican diocese of Johannesburg. The classes were led by various priests from Anglican churches across Gauteng, with one of the sessions led by former Bishop, Steve Moreo
It was during these sessions where the newly licensed ministers were taught, in detail, what the role would require of them and how they could be of better service to the church and the community at large.
When asked about what was the most exciting part of her new role, an excited Anne Schlenk said, “Can I say – wearing the robe? It’s such a privilege to wear a robe and to be part of the service in the sanctuary”.
“I feel closest to God when I am on duty and part of the Holy sacraments. I am looking forward to serving the community of St Stephen’s, initially as a service leader and then growing into other service ministries where the church requires”, she continued.
Like Anne, all newly appointed licensees expressed their commitment to contributing positively to the church and drawing more people closer to God.
Please keep them in your prayers as they settle into this new role.
