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McCauley hailed for changing lives on and off the pulpit

todayOctober 9, 2024 76

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General manager at Rhema Bible Church, Pastor Wayne Chaff, says the late Pastor Ray McCauley did not only change lives behind the pulpit but went out to make a difference in the world.

The 75-year-old spiritual giant passed away at his home last night.

McCauley started the Rhema Bible Church 45 years ago in his parent’s house and has now grown to become one of the most prominent churches in the Southern Hemisphere.

Rhema was one of the first churches to defy apartheid laws and have non-racial services years leading up to what has now become the new South Africa.

The renowned priest dedicated his time to changing lives, including ministering to recovering drug addicts.

In 2022, McCauley handed the senior pastor position to his son, Pastor Joshua McCauley and his wife, Pastor Tara.

Pastor Chaff says McCauley will be remembered as a giant in the faith movement, who loved people and God.

“He loved this country, and he loved the people of this country. He stood for many years in places of death and spoke life.”

Chaff says his pastor was a voice for the voiceless and he stood up against injustice.

Bishop Marothi Mashashane of the South African National Christian Forum echoed the sentiments of many that McCauley’s enduring legacy as a servant leader will continue to impact communities far beyond his lifetime in many ways.

Mashashane says he will be remembered as one of the great Christian leaders in the country.

“As we mourn his passing away, the SANCF recognises and remembers his invaluable contributions to the body of Christ.”

McCauley was the President of the International Federation of Christian Churches (IFCC).
 The organisation says he was a trailblazer and activist in his own right.
McCauley groomed a number of church leaders, including the likes of Bishop Mosa Sono and Pastor Bert Pretorius, who are now leading some of the country’s ministries.
In a joint statement by the IFCC, the church leaders remember McCauley for his passion in wining souls for the kingdom of God in any circumstance.
The international federation says McCaskey played an instrumental role in shaping the country’s democracy and fostering unity and diversity.
 “His impact extended into politics, civil society, business and the faith community. He was deeply committed to addressing the issues of poverty, inequality and racism in our country. He stood firm in his convictions, challenging these injustices at every turn.”

Mourners have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the 75-year-old, remembering him as a man who changed the cause of Christianity in South Africa.

Many say they will never forget his convicting alter call “Don’t run from God, run to God.”

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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