KCOT Alumni Seminar, 02 August 2025

We were blessed to present a succesfull seminar on church finances for our Alumni. Below is more information.

Report on KCOT Seminar, 02 August 2025

Introduction

Firstly, we must thank Mr Douwe Drijfhout for initiating and organising the seminar. His input was invaluable and a huge contributing factor to the success of the seminar. The seminar aimed to equip Alumni with practical skills for ministry, focusing on church finances.

2. Challenges

The invitation was sent to all Alumni via WhatsApp groups and initially received minimal responses. As the date approached, interest grew rapidly, including requests from non-Alumni. The topic attracted significant attention from churches, with attendees coming from as far as Cape Town and East London.

3. Preparation

We had 28 seminar bookings. Presenters ensured the material was clear, accessible, and useful. Attendees received KCOT gift bags with Bible Society materials, a Mukhanyo College flyer, and handouts of the presentations for notetaking. (Program attached).

4. Seminar

On 2nd August, attendees gathered in high spirits despite a power outage. Registration ran from 08:00 to 09:00 with refreshments, especially for those who travelled far. Students happily reunited, and Rev Garrie Schutte opened the program with a short devotion on 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, highlighting the theme: God bless the work of stewards, being done in church, according to His will.

Mr Douwe Drijfhout and Rev Erasmus Juta presented on the topic. There was also a practical session where the attendees were divided into groups for a discussion and feedback. Just before lunch Dr Dawie Oosthuizen from the Bible Society shared more about the work of the Bible Society. After lunch Rev Juta gave a short background on KCOT and Mr Drijfhout concluded with a short overview of the three forms of unity. IsiZulu Bibles (2020 translation) and a book on the three forms of unity were offered for sale at special prices.

Certificates of attendance were distributed to participants (example attached), and the event ended with a prayer led by an alumnus.

5. Feedback – summary of questionnaires completed by attendees

5.1 Active engagement in church

11 Attendees were pastors, 5 were church leaders, there were also student pastors, youth pastors/leaders, members of financial committees, home cell leaders, etc.

5.2 Active engagement in community

Over 90% of attendees participate in various community initiatives, including counselling, evangelization, community garden projects, work with orphanages and shelters for homeless children, youth awareness programs, soup kitchens, and other activities. Engagement with youth is a notable aspect of these efforts.

5.3 Need for further studies

Of the 28 attendees, 23 expressed interest in further training, and 9 specifically want to pursue a Theology degree, highlighting a strong need for both Bible teaching and academic study.

5.4 Necessary to have more occasions like this for Alumni

This was a unanimous and resounding YES – 28/28!

5.5 Expectations

Expectations ranged from the need for similar opportunities to learn practical ministry skills, to a desire for spiritual growth, fellowship, encouragement, motivation, and feedback from leaders about their roles in congregations or communities.

5.6 Possible topics for future meetings

Different topics of the Bible
Evangelism
Church planting
Conflict management
Church growth
Practical skills to enhance leadership
Proper Biblical way of running a church
The decrease in church numbers and contributions
How to work hand in hand with new converts and programs that can help discipleship.

6. Remarks from attendees

The general feedback was very positive, and it was clear that occasions like these are valuable and necessary for the Alumni. Below are some of the remarks from the students.

I would like to personally give a big thanks to the whole team for this program. It is so powerful.
Thank you for offering us this opportunity to meet. May we have more meetings of this nature.
We need it desperately.
It is very empowering and helps us to know each other.
It inspired us a lot on matters relating to Christ.
Only appreciation for the organisation to give us such an opportunity to learn, to connect and better us on our spiritual journey with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Information received has been an eye-opener to help correct our past mistakes.
It brings more clarity on the smooth running of the church and Jesus Christ as our Lord.
This occasion exceeded my expectation.
Thank you for all the love that you gave us yesterday.
Thank you so very much for everything. May the good Lord bless you abundantly and beyond your expectations.
Wow, thanks for a great seminar!
It was indeed a blessing.
Thank you, a million times, for the love that you are showing us.
Thank you for such an informative seminar and the food and coffee was good. Much appreciated.

7. Conclusion

We thank God and glorify Him for enabling us to hold this seminar and to bless it so richly. Not only were the attendees more informed about the topic, but the fellowship also served to strengthen them for their work in God’s service.

8. Photos

Thanks to Mr Drijfhout’s initiative, the seminar even made it to the local newspaper!