Leading a Church Leadership Seminar at Umhlali Baptist Church

I recently returned from a mission trip to South Africa, serving as a Global Consultant for Theological Education with International Ministries. This journey took me to five churches: Brighton Community Church, Umhlali Baptist Church, Reservoir Hills Bible Baptist Church, New Hope Fellowship, and Tinley Manor Baptist Church. It also included addressing the executive committee of the Baptist Association of South Africa and leading a pastors’ conference—each experience revealing how deeply theological education can shape lives, strengthen churches, and spark renewed vision for ministry.

Leading a Marriage Seminar at Brighton Community Church

At Brighton Community Church, Eva and I led a Marriage Seminar for 20 couples and at Umhlali Baptist Church 30 couples. The theme, “What Are You Bringing Into Your Marriage?”, encouraged participants to reflect on the emotional, spiritual, and cultural “baggage” each person brings into the relationship. One week after the seminar, the pastor hosted a follow-up session and reported that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Below are a few of the responses shared with me by the pastors of Brighton Community Church and Umhlali Baptist Church:

“The marriage seminar has helped us to understand each other. My husband and I have been battling in the area of communication. We now sit together and talk about issues. We also spend time together in prayer.”

“I really enjoyed Dr. Rodney’s wife’s session on how we should relate to each other. I loved some of the personal experiences she mentioned.”

“My husband and I didn’t take Christian vows on our wedding day. We later gave our hearts to the Lord. The seminar really encouraged us in the area of possessing a godly marriage.”

Just before the Marriage Seminar at Umhlali Baptist Church. Eva and I co-led the seminar

The pastor at Brighton shared:

“Thank you, Drs. Rodney and Eva Ragwan, for the informative seminar. I want to challenge churches and organizations to support this initiative of God’s call upon their lives. It is encouraging to note that through this ministry, lives are being touched and changed.”

At Umhlali Baptist Church, I led sessions on Church Leadership and co-led a Marriage Marriage Seminar with Eva.  The leadership session focused on the theme, “We Lead from Within: Cultivating Inner Life for Authentic Leadership”, based on Psalm 139. One worship team leader reflected:

“What I learned is that as leaders we must lead from a position of understanding those that we lead. That way our leadership will be a more servant type of leading. I would greatly encourage others, as this type of leadership is lacking in ministry.”

Another leader shared:

“The leadership meeting opened our eyes to changes we can make. Praying together and for each other was one of the many examples. Leadership is part of ministry… having this leadership meeting with Dr. Rodney will definitely help with the smooth running of any church.”

Attendees at the Church Leadership Conference at Umhlali Baptist Church

The marriage seminar there was equally impactful. One participant said:

“I really enjoyed learning about the importance of understanding that people enter into a marriage with baggage—childhood and past experiences—and how that shapes them into who they are. I also enjoyed Dr. Rodney’s take on the mutual independence of man and woman and the equality they share in a relationship.”

Another shared:

“What a God-blessed leadership meeting. Much was spoken about prayer, which is very important in our daily living… to give God all the glory.”

Preached at my home church, Tinley Manor Baptist Church. With the church Pastor Valerie Reddy, and Eva

A women’s department leader added:

“It was such a blessing to be part of both the leadership conference and the marriage seminar. I learned so much—especially about how prayer is central to leadership. The marriage seminar reminded us how important it is to work together in our daily walk with Christ. I am definitely looking forward to being a part of more of these seminars in the future with Pastor Rodney and Eva Ragwan.”

And from the youth ministry:

“As a young leader and young wife, the sessions helped shape my thoughts and gave me greater understanding when it comes to our role in leadership within the church, and navigating marriage as a couple.”

With deacon Clinton Sheriff and Pastor Cedric John of Reservoir Hills Bible Baptist Church

At Reservoir Hills Bible Baptist Church, I presented a workshop titled “From Receiving to Giving”, focused on mobilizing the local church for global mission. Pastor Cedric John wrote:

“Your ability to biblically demonstrate the importance of missions for the local church was truly inspiring. You motivated us to shift from passive reception to active giving in support of the Great Commission. Your depth of knowledge, clarity of presentation, and passion for the mission field challenged us to rethink our approach to both local and global outreach.”

“The way you smoothly integrated Scripture with practical applications was especially impactful. Your message resonated deeply with our congregation, and we plan to review our ministry methods to incorporate mission-focused efforts.”

Preaching at the New Hope Fellowship where Pastor Stanley Naidoo is the Pastor

Each of these encounters reinforced that theological education is not just about academics—it’s about transformation. When teaching is contextual, Spirit-led, and grounded in Scripture, it renews marriages, strengthens leadership, and mobilizes the church for mission.

I am deeply grateful to the churches, leaders, and communities in South Africa who opened their doors and hearts, and to those who continue to support this ministry through prayer and partnership.

In my next update, I’ll share reflections and feedback from the pastors’ conference and two additional speaking engagements held during this trip. There is still much to celebrate about what God is doing through theological education in South Africa and beyond. Thank you for your prayers and for your support.