The People’s Church bids farewell to beloved pastors Geoff and Wendy Bond

The People’s Church in Constantia has bid farewell to senior pastor Geoff Bond and his wife, pastor Wendy Bond, who retired from full-time ministry at the end of June.

The couplebegan serving in 1981, with ministry roles in Johannesburg, Knysna, Germiston, and Sea Point, before leading the Constantia congregation for the past 25 years.

Mr Bond, 70, said: “We can honestly say we had a blessed and happy time at the church. The church and community feel like family. We know the people loved us, and we loved the people.” Ms Bond, 68, said they had always chosen to celebrate the good times at the church rather than focus on any difficulties.

Mr Bond’s connection to the church runs deep, with his father, John Bond, having established it at its current site in 1978. Before then, services were held at the Assembly of God church in Harfield Road, and later at the Meadowridge town hall and library hall, due to growing membership.

Under the Bonds’ leadership, the church grew from 300 to around 1,000 members. “We have seen the demographics of the church have changed in all ways across diversity, age, and economics,” said Mr Bond. During this time, the church underwent three renovations, including significant upgrades to the children’s ministry area, known as Kids Church.

Mr Bond said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, they kept in touch with congregants via online YouTube services, which continue today. The church also holds small lounge meetings and sends weekly letters of encouragement.

“We have cake and tea after the first Sunday service, a lunch after the second, and a dinner or braai after the evening service,” he said. The church also runs youth programmes, a support group called Celebrate Recovery, and an activities group for seniors named Not Going Quietly.

The Bonds began planning their transition out of leadership five years ago. “We set a date and prepared documents and we said by June 2025, we will be out of the saddle and Hans and Laura will be in the saddle,” said Mr Bond. He added that the entire church was made aware of the leadership change.

Hans and Laura Antonio, aged 38 and 34 respectively, from Kirstenhof, have been part of the church for 11 years and officially took over as senior pastors at the beginning of July.

Mr Antonio said the Bonds had been like parents to them. “They stretched us and added dimensions to our life that we didn’t have, in showing us more about caring and humanity.” Ms Antonio added: “They taught us practical things, how to navigate with wisdom.”

Mr Antonio said they felt “scared” during their first week leading the service, but later felt a “sense of responsibility.” Ms Antonio said: “This is a mix of understanding in taking over something that has been built up for a long time. We don’t own it, though we are not doing this on our own. We can call on our elders and Geoff and Wendy if we need support.”

In retirement, Mr Bond will work on a podcast titled Some Say, where he will interview leaders from across Africa, and write a book called Goldfish. Ms Bond said she looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren.