Staff

Theo, Brenda and Caleb Groeneveld

Theo, Caleb, Brenda

Our Minister is the Rev. Theo Groeneveld (who likes to be called Theo, not Rev or Pastor — just “Theo”!) He studied Theology (BA Theol) at the University of Pretoria and then at Rhodes (BD in OT) where he met and married Brenda. They served a congregation in Grahamstown for seven years before being called to Emmanuel in 1997. 

Theo likes programming computers, and he’s also a keen cyclist. The Tour de France is the only thing he watches on TV! 

Brenda (housewife and Mom) has a BA Honours in English and Linguistics and is Theo’s partner in ministry. She is involved in almost every facet of the congregation’s life although the activities of their son Caleb (born in 2000) keep her busy too. Brenda likes all sorts of handwork. 

Craig and Tara Smith

Tara, Craig

Craig Smith is our Pastoral Executive. He is a registered chartered accountant and has also run a successful carpentry business. Craig is passionate about growing God’s work and his duties include strategy, admin, some pastoral work and preaching. His passion is keeping our congregations ticking over to the best of their potential. He is the vital link between our Board and Session and Theo’s right-hand person. He is married to Tara who is 100% behind him. They are parents to 2 dogs and 1 cat. 

Susan and Peter Hodgson

Peter, Susan

Susan Hodgson is our ever efficient and super-friendly admin assistant. She is also the Presbytery Administrator and brings friendly humanity to the business of the church councils!  She’s married to Peter and devoted to Lara and Nicholas and two labradors. She is a self-confessed scrap-booking and card-making addict who has recently become a “dealer” getting many other people “hooked” too. 

Lentikile and Thumi Mashoko

Lentikile, Thumi (taken by Helen www.helenduplessis.com )

Lentikile Mashoko is the minister at our twin congregation – Mamelodi Gardens. He did his probation at Emmanuel in 2007 and was ordained in 2008.  He shares office space with us at Emmanuel. 

Lentikile hails from Lindley in the Free State. He is also working on his Masters in Hebrew. He was married to Tumi in 2010 and they have a son and a daughter. 

Lazaros

Lazaros

Lazaros Mahlafunya is our helpful, friendly, dedicated and very hard-working cleaner and gardener. He works on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. He is married to Mpho and has a son and a daughter.