The Leadership Development Conference, held under the theme “Unfolding Leadership: Yielding Successes,” brought together fifteen Officers from various appointments across the Territory for a four-day transformational experience in Boksburg, Johannesburg. This conference formed part of the ongoing Territorial Strategic Plan, which emphasizes intentional development of people as beacons of hope, transformation, and sustainable future ministry.
The Territory acknowledges that effective leadership is foundational to building a legacy in mission—one that integrates spiritual depth, administrative excellence, financial stewardship, and mission effectiveness. The purpose of this conference was to ensure that Officers are developed, nurtured, and equipped to lead with balance, wisdom, and integrity across all ministry responsibilities.
The conference began with welcome remarks from the Leader Development Secretary, Captain Owen Mutize, and Secretary for Personnel, Lieut Colonel T. Dlamini. The Chief Secretary, Lieut Colonel Themba Mahhobo, officially welcomed all delegates and emphasized the need for intentional leadership development to ensure effective future ministry. He highlighted that developing Officers holistically aligns with the Territorial Strategic Plan, equipping them to lead in administration, mission, and stewardship. He also warmly welcomed Territorial Leaders Colonels Stephen and Theresa Malins, Lieut Colonel Nokhuthula Mahlobo (TSWM), and international guests—Commissioner Janine Donaldson (Territorial Commander of New Zealand) and Commissioner Robert Donaldson (General’s Representative for Mission Effectiveness)—who facilitated conference sessions throughout the week.
The Territorial Commander, Colonel Stephen Malins, expressed deep joy at being “home” and appreciated the Officers’ willingness to engage in this leadership journey. He emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy of excellent ministry, noting that the mission of the Territory must always remain in capable, Spirit-formed hands. His keynote highlighted the following themes:
- Leadership as Legacy: Effective leadership is not about title or rank, but about contribution, character, and service. The Territorial Commader emphasized that servanthood is central to true leadership.
- Alignment with Strategy: He highlighted the synergy between the Territorial Strategy and the Global Compass Framework, reinforcing leadership development as a strategic priority. Drawing on the example of the tribe of Issachar, he urged Officers to become leaders who “know what must be done” in complex and changing times. He concluded by challenging all delegates to engage deeply in self-discovery, pursue personal development, align their hearts with God’s will, develop upright character (Psalm 78:72), and allow God to shape them for generational impact. He also reminded Officers that comradeship without accountability can hinder growth and stressed the need for openness to transformation.
Commissioner Janine Donaldson commended the South African Territory for its diversity, noting that diversity creates opportunities for growth, innovation, and spiritual depth. Commissioner Robert Donaldson encouraged leaders to reflect on their journey and allow God, places, and people to shape them, emphasizing key virtues:
- Humility is essential.
- No leader knows everything.
- Growth requires vulnerability.
- Spiritual formation is central to leadership success.
Throughout the conference, delegates participated in group discussions, reflections, and robust conversations on effective leadership. Commissioner Robert highlighted the tension between the Kingdom of God and worldly kingdoms, urging Officers to lead with Kingdom values. He emphasized authentic leadership, warning against the influence of power and ego, and drew on Scripture to illustrate the kind of leadership God desires.
In sessions facilitated by Commissioner Janine, she emphasized creating space for women and ensuring gender does not define abilities, gifting, or responsibilities. Key insights included:
- Leadership must be communal and relational.
- Trust is leadership currency.
- Leadership is lived, not performed.
- People remember how you made them feel.
- Over-talking undermines shared leadership.
- Courage includes quiet wisdom.
- The brilliance of many is stronger than individual brilliance.
- Shaping the future is holy work.
She called women to rise into leadership roles and exercise the gifts God has placed on them, without waiting for permission.
The Leadership Development Conference provided a rich, transformative environment for growth, reflection, equipping, and spiritual renewal. Delegates were consistently reminded that authentic, humble, Spirit-led leadership is essential for ministry impact. The unified message across all four days was clear: God is unfolding leaders for a changing world—leaders whose influence will shape the future of the Territory for generations to come, grounded in His Word.