Our Story
About RCISA Johannesburg North
Getting to know our branch, our roots and the congregation we belong to.
Our relationship to the Johannesburg Congregation
RCISA Johannesburg North is a branch under the RCISA Johannesburg Congregation, which in turn is part of the Reformed Church International South Africa (RCISA).
Our Story
Church History
The journey to our own Place of Worship began in 2014 with a dream given to Rev Dr Christopher Munikwa during a season of prayer and fasting, in which he saw himself preaching in a church building with aisles leading from the pulpit. At the time, the congregation met at the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk on the corner of Biet and End Streets, Doornfontein, and had few members and little in savings — the vision was not easily received at first, but the leadership and congregation came to embrace it as a strategic goal of the church's mission.
Over the following years the congregation moved between rented premises — Doornfontein, then Kensington, then the Seventh Day Adventist church on Commissioner Street in the Johannesburg CBD — while mobilising funds through a dedicated Projects account, a GoFundMe campaign, donation drives and a fundraising gala. The Youth, Varwi Vakristu, Wismo, Couples Fellowship, Women's Fellowship and Men's Fellowship all played a crucial role in raising funds for the property.
In 2021, the Die Gereformeerde Kerk Primrose Church Council offered the congregation first option to purchase their premises in Primrose, Germiston — a property RCISA Johannesburg had been renting since May 2018. The final sale agreement was signed on 16 February 2021 for R3,000,000, with Rev Christopher Munikwa, Prof Jubilee Chikasha and Mr Felix Kagura signing on behalf of the congregation. Despite the financial strain of the Covid-19 pandemic, the congregation committed to monthly instalments and completed payment in full by November 2022 — ahead of schedule, which reduced the purchase price to R2,800,000. Transfer of the Deeds was finalised on 23 October 2024.
The church was named Bethel — "the House of God" — after Genesis 28:16–19, reflecting the congregation's desire to experience God's presence in this place as Jacob did at Bethel. Bethel was dedicated on 20 June 2026 on behalf of the RCISA Johannesburg Congregation by Moderator Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi and Pastor in Charge Rev Dr Christopher Munikwa.
Mission
To make disciples of Jesus Christ in Johannesburg North and beyond, by preaching the Gospel, nurturing believers in the faith, and serving our community with the love of Christ.
Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8
Vision
To be a life-changing, faith, and communal church that ministers the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
Matthew 28:19–20
Values
Faith
We walk by faith and not by sight, trusting God to provide and to lead His Church.
2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1
Prayer
We are a praying church, depending on God in all things through prayer and fasting.
Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
The Word
We hold Scripture as our final authority for faith, doctrine and daily living.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Community
We are a communal church, caring for one another and welcoming all who come to worship with us.
Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:44–47
Service
We serve God and our neighbours with the gifts He has given each member of the Church.
1 Peter 4:10; Galatians 5:13
Excellence
We offer God our best in worship, work and stewardship of what He has entrusted to us.
Colossians 3:23–24
What We Believe
Statement of Faith
Scripture
We believe the Bible, as originally given, is the inspired and infallible Word of God, and the final authority for all matters of faith and life.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — who created and sustains all things.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 1:16–17
Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and His promised return in glory as King.
John 1:1–14; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11
Salvation
We believe that salvation is by God's grace alone, through faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and not by our own works.
Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 5:1
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who indwells and empowers believers to live a godly life and to build up the Church.
John 14:16–17; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22–23
The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all who trust in Him, called together to worship God, grow in faith, and make disciples of all nations.
1 Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 28:19–20; Hebrews 10:24–25