Deaf Ministry in Suburban Johannesburg Church
Toekomsrus Church of the Nazarene, in the western suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa, is committed to making the church a welcoming space where all can access the good news of the Gospel, including those in the deaf community. Currently, 6 deaf members regularly attend the church. Following a Sunday School class specifically for those who are deaf, they join the rest of the congregation for their regular service. The church is very intentional about making worship services inclusive by providing sign language interpretation and encouraging their participation. The deaf community’s dedication to the church is evident in the fact that they were the only people from the church who volunteered to help renovate the building.
Church leadership first recognised the need because of the deaf people in their community did not attend church because they could not understand what was being said. The church has intentionally provided a sense of family to the deaf community who can often be ostracised by their biological families. Dylan Abrahams, the leader of the group, started attending services following the death of his brother. When one of the deaf members experienced the loss of his two-year-old son and another lost their grandmother, the church family was able to be there to provide comfort and support. Previously, they would have grieved in isolation as no one else from the community would make an effort to communicate with those who are deaf.
Additionally, the church offers South African Sign Language classes for those who can hear to help encourage and facilitate communication among all members of the congregation. Sign Language is one of the 12 official languages of South Africa. The congregation also attends a silent walk every year during Deaf Awareness Month in September.
Reflecting on the ministry Eunice Sedith, lead pastor, stated, “We are encouraged by the spiritual growth of the group and aim to continue growing in numbers and outside the borders of the community.”
