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.”
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.”
The ever-optimistic Pastor Ray McCauley is no more
May his family find strength and peace in their celebration of the long life lived by this giant
He was not without controversies, but he had a good heart.
He knew that one day SA will succeed
A man who built an ever growing… pic.twitter.com/m94f68FGRj
— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) October 8, 2024
Praying for God’s divine comfort for the McCauley and Rhema family in these trying times!Pastor Ray ran the race and kept the faith…He has left an indelible imprint in many of us for God’s glory!#RIP pic.twitter.com/1RwrBjaiO4
— Tsolo Seutloali (@SeutloaliT57449) October 8, 2024
I am proud to have called Pastor Ray McCauley my pastor for a number of years. He always insisted that the day he preaches outside the Word, we should leave the church.
He ran a good race and fought a good fight. While we grieve, heaven is rejoicing. A son has come home 🕊 pic.twitter.com/Dj0W6wlIPV
— Paul Kaseke Snr. (@paulkasekesnr) October 9, 2024
Pastor Ray McCauley. 🌹🕊️
“You have shared in the triumphs of our nation, you have shared in our disappointments, you have offered counsel and prayer.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa
Rhema Bible Church | South Africa pic.twitter.com/FfFosmT1FG
— Monwabisi Kete 🇿🇦 (@MonwabisiKete) October 9, 2024
All of heaven is standing up and applauding… Well done good and faithful servant 👏👏👏. You ran your race and finished strong! Welcome home… To be absent in the body, is to be present with the Lord. We will never forget you Pst Ray McCauley. #RIPRayMcCauley 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/pcQIc9GnDQ
— MoneyThulz (@ThuliMagubane) October 8, 2024
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pastor Ray Macauley. I will always remember him as a person who pioneered inclusive worship long before others did and a leader who stood resolute on matters of integrity in state affairs, supporting the Public Protector without… pic.twitter.com/M4O2aUuf6m
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) October 9, 2024
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the founder of Rhema Bible Church, Pastor Ray McCauley.
His visionary leadership and teachings will continue to inspire generations to come.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire South African faith community. pic.twitter.com/G7iozk9zuX
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) October 9, 2024
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family ,friends and congregation of Rhema Bible Church following the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley #RIPRAYMcCauley
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/eOkFZqHLch
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 9, 2024
[STATEMENT] President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley.
President Ramaphosa said: “Pastor Ray’s passing leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader whose impressive legacy lives on in the faith of hundreds of thousands of believers… pic.twitter.com/kHmiPkebGY
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) October 9, 2024
I will always remember his convicting altar call saying, “Don’t run FROM God, run TO God!!!”
Blessed are those who die in the Lord.
Now you get to rest with our Lord Jesus Christ Pastor Ray McCauley. 💐 pic.twitter.com/fLnW17PrVA
— Dr Asafika (@AsafikaMbangat) October 9, 2024
Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza
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