Methodist minister Dr Brian Jennings, who was renowned for filling up church pews, died yesterday. He was 71. Jennings served in several churches during his lifetime.
This includes the senior minister position at St John's Methodist Church in Central. His wife, Loraine, said he would be sorely missed by friends and family. "He was a very special man, a man of integrity who walked the talk. He really believed in what he preached," she said. Jennings struggled with his health after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2011.
He died at St George's Hospital at about 10am. Jennings met his wife while they were still at primary school in King William's Town. He matriculated from Dale College in King William's Town and went on to study at Rhodes University.
He received his doctorate from the Fuller Theological Seminary in the United States. "He was a well-loved person and managed to bring lots of new people into the church's fold," Loraine said. Jennings was responsible for the Methodist Church of Southern Africa Church Growth Division.
He also served as bishop for the central and Swaziland district for two years. Loraine said her husband did not play golf or watch much television but was an avid reader. "It was his favourite pastime after his faith and the church," she said. Jennings's daughter, Michele Velasquez, posted on Facebook: "Today my Dad got to see the place that Jesus prepared for him in Heaven. I am sure that there was much rejoicing." George Irvine, who directs the Institute for Spirituality, said Jennings would be missed by "many, many people". "Wherever he went [Jennings] did well.
He really knew how to grow a church," he said. Jennings leaves behind his wife, mother and four children. His funeral will take place at St John's Methodist Church on Monday at 2pm.
Photo Caption: SPECIAL TIMES: Dr Brian Jennings speaks with congregant Annelene van Rooyen outside St John's Methodist Church after a funeral
By: Michael Kimberley
Article Source: THE HERALD