Shayne Philander
Calvary Presbyterian Church | Cape Town, South Africa
Tell us about your family.
I am married to Alex, and we have been married for seven years. God has blessed us with our young son, Solomon, who brings great joy to our family. We enjoy spending time together exploring Cape Town, sharing meals, and opening our home to family, friends, and members of our church. Hospitality is an important part of our ministry, and we love building relationships around our table. Alex is a faithful partner in ministry, serving our church with warmth and generosity. Together, we are thankful for God's grace and privilege of serving Christ and His church as a family.
How have you seen God working in your family?
Over the past year, we have seen God's faithfulness in deepening our trust in Him and strengthening us through the joys and challenges of church planting. He has continued to grow our marriage as we learn to serve Christ together, support one another, and depend on His grace daily. We have also been encouraged to watch our son, Solomon, grow and thrive as part of our church family. Through every season, God has reminded us that He is building both our family and His church, teaching us to find our joy, strength, and hope in Christ alone.
How have you seen God working in your life?
Over the past year, God has been teaching me to depend more deeply on His grace and faithfulness. Through the opportunities and challenges of church planting, He has reminded me that lasting fruit comes not through my strength, but through His power. He has grown my confidence in the sufficiency of His Word, deepened my love for Christ, and strengthened my commitment to prayer and disciple-making. I have also seen Him provide for our family's needs, encourage us through ministry partnerships, and bring spiritual growth within our congregation. These experiences have increased my trust in God's sovereign care and purposes.
How have you seen God working in your church?
Over the past year, we have seen God faithfully strengthening Calvary Presbyterian Church. He has brought greater unity, spiritual maturity, and a growing commitment to His Word among our congregation. We have welcomed newcomers, seen people take meaningful steps toward deeper discipleship, and continued to develop leaders who are serving with increasing faithfulness. God has also opened doors for new ministry partnerships and provided for our needs in remarkable ways. While we remain a young church plant, we are encouraged to see the Lord laying a solid foundation as He builds His church and advances His kingdom through us.
What is your church’s mission/vision
Calvary Presbyterian Church exists to reach and disciple people to serve Jesus for God's glory. Our vision is to multiply in people and churches by faithfully proclaiming the gospel, making mature disciples, raising up biblical leaders, and planting healthy, gospel-centred churches. We are committed to expository preaching, intentional disciple-making, authentic Christian community, and equipping every believer to live on mission in their homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods so that Christ would be glorified in Cape Town and beyond.
How can we be praying for you?
Ongoing evangelism efforts
Numerical growth doubling our current numbers
Intentional discipleship of current members
To send Shayne a note of encouragement, write to HelloCP@spanishriver.com.