Gilbert Filter

Born in 1962, Gilbert Filter grew up in North KwazuluNatal (KZN) as a descendant of the Hermannsburg missionary Johannes Filter. He went to school in Augsburg (Mpumalanga), Paulpietersburg and Vryheid (KZN). He completed his theological studies at the UKZN (1983-1988). Gilbert Filter was ordained in the ELCSA in 1991, followed by ministries in the parish of Moorleigh-Winterton (1989-1997), the parish of Durban (1998-2008) and in Hillcrest (2008-2013). Gilbert Filter has been Bishop of the ELCSA (Cape Church) since 2014. He is married and has three children.

Why is the ELM important to you/your church?

The ELM has played an important role in establishing the Lutheran Churches in South Africa. It is one amongst many mission societies that have served in our country over many decades.

R. Ottermann helps us to understand this complexity. Two distinct lines of development can be traced in the history of the Lutheran Church in South Africa, namely the immigrant or settler line and the mission line. In many, and sometimes fundamental respects, the two lines show strongly differing characteristic features…. a diverse and fragmented Lutheran Church was planted here, with Dutch, Moravian, Hanoverian, (partly) Rhenish, Berlin, Hermannsburg, Norwegian, Swedish, American roots … . This legacy of fragmentation, brought to us from the "old world", is a heavy burden, a problem with which the Lutherans in South Africa are still grappling with today. In 1865 some Hermannsburg missionaries came from Natal to the border area to serve the German settlers in this area. (ELCSA (CAPE CHURCH) The Centenary of the Synod 1895-1995)

I refer to the above to note that the ELM has played a significant role in the life Cape Church congregations, and it is still doing that through the partnership.

A formal agreement between the two institutions was reached on January 18, 1963. The relationship has grown from strength to strength.

The importance of this partnership and its continuation cannot be underestimated as it has become a forum through which we can jointly reflect on and understand the global impact the church has been called to. The ELM’s deep mission roots and traditions encourage and empower us not to give up on this calling.

In consultation with the other partner churches, we seek to understand the calling of the church by discerning together and sharing insights and resources. The financial resources that are made available for such gatherings are invaluable as we have been able to use our own resources to do the work locally at home.

What role does ELM play for you as a "partner in mission"?

Partnership Consultations are important. They are a place to discover methods, resources and concepts that can be adapted for the own situation. They give an opportunity to visit another church and context to see and experience first-hand what is happening.

Through the personal engagement a great co-operation and partnership has been established. The exposure affords an opportunity to exchange personal insights and experiences so that the learning becomes more concrete and enriching for both churches.

Has there been a particular event in your church that was influenced by ELM?

The Paarl Soup Kitchen is currently a significant ministry bringing members of Cape Church and ELCSA-COD together. It is a beacon of hope for the community and as well as for the partnership between the two churches.

4. What do you hope ELM will do with your church in the future?

- Create opportunities for continuous training for of laity and ordained ministers.

- Give opportunities and impulses to broaden the horizon in being church here and now.

- Empower the social and diaconic ministry.

- Assist in finding funders for the various ministries within the Church.

In which areas should ELM become involved?

Through creating opportunities to bring the different Lutheran Churches that have similar historical roots together to foster greater unity. This would require partnerships on the different levels of the church: congregation, circuit and Church Council. A starting point would be to create a joint meeting with the partner churches in South Africa and not just visiting each of the partner churches independently.

What else I would like to say to ELM?

Let us be church with and for the people where we are.

 

What is your church particularly committed to?

As the church was founded by German Settlers from as early as the presence of the Dutch reign, it still sees a responsibility to give a spiritual home to the descendants of the German settlers and the German speakers. The focus has moved from serving predominately German speaking congregations by finding ways to be church with and for the people. This is shown in the multi-lingual and multi-cultural profile of membership.

The diaconic and social ministries have grown on local and church-wide level. Ecumenical involvement gives us good exposure to the realities and challenges of our country. The ecumenical body enables us to be more involved as a small church by contributing resources and giving opportunities to our members to use their gifts and to live out their passion for people and God's kingdom.

Name: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (Cape Church)

Year of foundation: 1895

Number of members: 4000

Number of pastors: 13