Jesus is the head of His Church and He has established a New Testament pattern for leadership as demonstrated in the early church.
We believe in the local church being led by an eldership team (Philippians 1:1). The elders, together with the deacons, lead and care for the people. The eldership establishes sound doctrine in the church, sets the direction and vision of the church as led by the Holy Spirit, and exercises discipline in the church. The eldership is to “shepherd” the people willingly, in love and in humility. Through relationship, the eldership team partners with those who carry Ephesians 4:11 giftings (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers), who help to equip and strengthen the local church.
Eldership Team
Milan and Susie Popovich
Milan is a teacher with his greatest passion being the Word of God. He loves to read and dig deeper to find some of the hidden truths found in God’s Word. He has recently completed a Degree in Practical Ministry from CFNI, Dallas. Susie is a Kingdom warrior, desiring to see people delivered from demonic bondages and released into a place of healing through counselling. She loves to hear the voice of God and release words of destiny and encouragement to those she meets. She’s a town planner by profession and a gifted administrator.
Milan led a church in Phalaborwa in his 20’s and was involved in two building projects for Africa Inland Mission in the Comores. Milan and Susie met in the youth at their church and married in 1991. They have served as elders in three churches in Johannesburg over the past 30 years, before planting Heartlands Church in Hartbeespoort in 2013. They have two amazing children, a son (and daughter-in-law) who serve at HCF Church in Hilton and a daughter who is currently studying at the University of Pretoria.
Gerhard and Landie Dempers
Gerhard is an amateur photographer, enjoys studying history and collecting coins. He is passionate about the Kingdom of God and is currently an independent contractor servicing the retail and consumer goods sectors. Landie is an avid baker, who enjoys creative projects, reading good books and homeschooling their children.
Gerhard and Landie married in 2007 and have 5 children. The Dempers family serve the church and community of Harties with humility and dedication, and give leadership, hearts and hands, to Heartlands Haven, our home that helps disadvantaged, neglected and abandoned children.
Bastiaen and Ursula
Bastiaen and Ursula are both teachers by training, with Bas serving as the principal of North West Christian School in Johannesburg for 20 years. Bas is a pastoral encourager, who loves to see people flourish. He is an accomplished flautist who has produced his own flute CD called “Gospel Fluit”. Ursula loves to make music, cook and sew. She has a certificate in a Christian Counselling and is a natural encourager.
Bas and Ursula married in 1982, and have two married sons and two grandchildren. They both completed three years of Bible School at Little Falls Christian Centre and retired to Harties in 2020. Having run many short-term missions, they are continuing their passion for missions through TeachBeyond, heading up the Sparrow Leadership Program, which aims to upskill and mentor principals of Christian schools in Africa.
