Fred and Lucille May founded the first Shofar
congregation in Stellenbosch (South Africa) in 1992. Since then the
ministry has been favoured with strong growth. It has transitioned from
a student-oriented fellowship to a multi-generational church. It has
also progressed from being a predominantly white, to a multicultural
church which now is spread across many cities and its presence extends
even beyond the continent of Africa.
The word "Shofar"
is a Hebrew word for the ceremonial ram’s
horn. The horn essentially symbolises the
strength of the Lord and His dominion. Its
symbolic significance is conveyed by the way
it was used in the Old Testament:
It was blown as a trumpet
to summon the men of valour to war. Today
it speaks of the Lord’s call for the
mobilisation of God’s army, the Church.
Secondly, it was blown to announce the advent
of times and seasons. Today, more than ever,
we need to heed Galatians 5:25 which says:
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us
keep in step with the Spirit." [NIV]
Thirdly, the horn served as pitcher for
the prophet’s oil of anointing. With
it prophets anointed kings and priests for
service in high, responsible office. This
act of anointing the head with oil meant
that the person receiving this commission
was consecrated (set apart for God’s
exclusive use).
Blowing the trumpet
is representative too of celebration and
festivity. The three elements of the prophetic,
the call to battle and that of celebration
and festivity combine to form the dynamic
ministry of praise and worship. The highest
privilege and calling of the church is to
serve God in the ministry of unreserved
praise and worship, both as a lifestyle-based
discipline and as a collective expression
of uncontainable love and adoration: The
Lord God Almighty alone is holy and worthy
to receive worship.