Country
South Africa
The Spiritual Need in South Africa
Archbishop Desmond Tutu first called South Africa the “Rainbow Nation” due its diverse population. With this cultural diversity has come a history of intense conflict and inequality between segments of South Africa’s 56.5 million people. In terms of religious diversity, every major religion is represented (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and others), particularly as immigrants from other African nations, Pakistan, and India make their home in South Africa. Christianity makes up the majority religion, with 77% of people identifying as such. But among the Christian population there is significant and sustained syncretism with traditional African religions, affecting churches even at leadership levels and flowing down to regular daily faith practice among congregants.
The AIDS virus continues to take a brutal toll on South Africans both physically and emotionally. Very few families in under-resourced communities and villages are unaffected by this deadly disease. Many children are left to be raised by their relatives, siblings or to care for themselves entirely because their parents have died. The local church needs to be resourced to step into these hurting lives with hope.
From much-needed racial reconciliation, to theological discernment amidst cultural syncretism, to meeting physical needs with compassion, South Africa desperately needs the reconciling truth of the gospel.
Church Planting In South Africa
ABWE has teams serving in three major South African cities: Cape Town, Durban and George. All three of the teams dedicated to church planting in South Africa are working in multiple church plants in their areas, with the objective to plant reproducing, multi-cultural congregations led by national pastors and leaders. In addition, our missionaries are serving in various other ministries, such as chaplaincy, counseling, youth centers and coffee shops, children’s ministry, and leadership development for local believers.
While there are opportunities to work alongside the veteran missionaries who began these ministries, we are also looking for additional church planters and missionaries to continue establishing new Bible-believing churches and engage in community development opportunities.
Is the Lord leading you to learn a new culture, live among a new people group, and share the gospel in South Africa?
We'd love to talk with you about how God is leading you.
Opportunities
Accounting/Treasurer
South AfricaUse the gifts of accounting God has given to serve our team and ministries in Durban, South Africa.
Bible Study Leaders
South AfricaCome to Durban, South Africa and join our team by leading Bible Studies to various ages.
Biblical Counselors
South AfricaCome use your gifts with our Durban, South Africa team in Biblical Counseling.
Biblical Counselors and Trainers
South AfricaOur South Africa team is seeking Biblical Counselors to come alongside and minister to those in our communities.
Church Planters
South AfricaCome join our team in George, South Africa as we lead churches to be self-supporting.
Projects
7 Rivers Outreach
With third-world poverty, low education rates, and children orphaned and made vulnerable by the HIV pandemic and overall loss of hope, rural communities in South Africa stand in stark contrast to the modern and thriving urban and suburban areas in the country, even though they are only minutes apart. …
Agape Baptist Church Building Project
Agape Baptist Church is a new church plant in George, South Africa. The church plant is in need of a building—it is currently renting a hall on Sunday mornings and uses the pastor’s house for other meetings. They have been saving funds for this project, but seek additional help.…
Crossroads Community of Christ Building Fund
Crossroads has been meeting in a community hall for years. Recently, it purchased property near the current site of worship and is in the process of raising support for their own building. It will serve as a place of worship, evangelism, and discipleship.…
Durban Benevolence Fund
The lost are turning to Christ because they see the love of Jesus being shared at soup kitchens and home grocery visits. Already in poverty and desperate for work, our locals are in need of bread to eat but most importantly in need of the Bread of Life.…
Durban Bible Training Scholarship
It is difficult here in Durban to find a sound Bible college. Now there is one opening in our area! A number of Zulu men and women desire to further their Bible knowledge. We need your help to send these future pastors, teachers, and counselors to Bible College.…
