Eldership
The Message Church is led by a plurality of Elders as laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These are men well known by the church to be godly leaders called to shepherd, oversee, and teach the body of Christ.
Jp Van Wyk
Renier Coetzee
Will Hunter
Ntobeko Mjijiwa
Jp Van Wyk
JP grew up in Pretoria before moving to Cape Town in 2002 where he completed his studies and started his working life at the SA Cricketers’ Association. It was during this time, by God’s grace, that the ‘eyes of his heart were opened to the truth and the beauty of the Gospel and he became a disciple of Jesus. In 2012 he married Alexa and together they have three children: John, Lisa and David. They currently live in Pinelands where they share a home with a big fluffy dog named Jackson. The van Wyks joined The Message Church in 2013 and with the support of his wife, JP has served on the eldership since 2018
In his spare time, JP enjoys social sporting activities, reading, gardening and spending time with his family and friends. One of his favourite Bible verses is Colossians 2 v 6, which reads: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving”
Renier Coetzee
Renier grew up in Johannesburg, but moved to Cape Town to study Actuarial Science at UCT. He came to faith at the Message as a student in 2006 and has been a member of the church ever since. He is married to Helen and they have two daughters. After a ministry apprenticeship at the Message, Renier went to Mitchell’s Plain to start Trinity Children’s Centre, a donor-funded Christian school for children in adversity. Renier’s desire is to see children overcome adversity and become heroes in their community. He is currently serving the Message as an elder and Sunday school teacher, and in his spare time, he enjoys reading great books, learning new things and playing ultimate frisbee.
Will Hunter
Will grew up in Durban, then studied electronic engineering at the then University of Natal, before moving to Cape Town for work. He also took a few years off engineering work, studying for a BTh at GWC. Will is married to Gytha and they have three children, Ethan, Ryan and Lucy. He works in the Telecommunications industry writing software and at the Message Church is involved in the teaching in the Pinelands Gospel Community and preaches occasionally.
He enjoys grappling with the truths of the gospel, particularly in how they apply to the issues we face in our world today, both individually and socially. Outside of work he enjoys cycling, rock climbing and hiking.
Ntobeko Mjijiwa
Ntobeko was born in Knysna Western Cape, but grew up in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape. He came to faith by grace in 2003 while I was in high school.
He finished high school and tertiary studies in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha. Obtained his degree at Nelson Mandela University in Fine Art majoring in Painting, sculpture and print making. Also obtained a certificate in theology from George Whitefield College, Cape Town. Ntobeko is married to Siphokazi Mjijwa and we have a daughter Melokuhle.
He is part-time staff at Student Y student ministry, leading Y-Arts reviews and a full-time artist (Painter) and rapper. He released his first album titled “Hip hop and theology” in 2009, an EP titled” D. M. R (Dead man raps)” followed by a mixtape in 2017 titled” Hear me out” Ntobekos enjoys jogging, and playing soccer. A suffering supporter of Orlando Pirates and Wolves FC.