Durban pastor launches innovative app to enhance community engagement
During these challenging times, when conflicts are rife, tensions are high, unemployment continues to skyrocket and hope is often far from reach, a Durban pastor is using her unique skills to improve the lives of those around him.
Carlin Govender, the senior pastor and the founder of Word of Faith Churches (WOFC) in Chatsworth and Phoenix is launching a new groundbreaking WOFC App which is aimed at spreading the gospel and revolutionising the experience of church.
The family man and father of two also aspires to spread positivity by transforming faith through technology.
The 42-year-old, who was born and raised in Park Rynie, Govender has always had a passion for technology and this endeavour underlies his unwavering commitment to empowering his community and to empower people of all ages and from all walks of life to be a confident participant in the digital world.The pastor also wants to use the app to increase their outreach through modern technology.
With the use of Govender's support and his new app, his congregants and community members will be able to access spiritual content and to use this as a guiding force during challenging times.
This move is also a unification of Govender's two passions - spirituality and technology.
This is as prior to becoming a pastor, he intended to venture into the corporate world after pursuing diplomas in Information Technology (IT).
At the time, he was just a youngster and Govender had no idea that this was preparing him for a career that seemed destined for the tech realm.
However, at the age of 21, his life took an unexpected turn when he underwent a profound spiritual encounter that led him to pursue a career in the church and to commit his life to his faith and the service of his community. This pivotal moment transformed his career trajectory, shifting his focus from the corporate world to full-time ministry.
With a renewed purpose, Govender then began his journey in ministry at Word of Faith Umkomaas in 2005. This move proved to be so successful that a decade later, he was ordained in 2015 by Apostle Kelson Lochenberg.
But it has always been his passion for technology which has given him the edge.
Armed with his desire to uplift his community, Govender's background in IT provided him with unique insights into communication and digital engagement, which is now proving to be invaluable in his role as a spiritual leader.
And with this visionary approach, Govender founded the Word of Faith School of Ministry in 2018. This has become a space where he not only imparts spiritual wisdom but the pastor also embraces innovative methods to reach believers.
'My life verse is Ephesians 1:3, and my ministry is driven by humility and a relentless commitment to the Great Commission,' Govender explained, highlighting the foundation of his ministry's ethos.
Meanwhile, the launch of the WOFC App aims to not only facilitate member engagement at the organisation but it also aspires to open unprecedented doors for online discipleship and community building.
Govender said that it is designed as both a ministry and a tool, equipping followers to engage with their faith on a deeper level.
'This app is a manifestation of my mandate to take the gospel further and faster,' Govender said, blending his technological expertise with his spiritual mission.
'We aim to disciple nations, beginning right here in my hometown.'
As the app begins to roll out, its impact is poised to change the landscape of church as we know it - transforming how congregants connect, empowering believers in their spiritual journeys, and enhancing accessibility to church resources.
This initiative not only reflects Pastor Govender's passion for ministry but also sets a precedent for churches nationwide to leverage digital platforms for spiritual outreach.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE
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