Rooted in Christ.
The Reformed Churches in South Africa: A history of faith, perseverance, and the pure ministry of the Word.
Our Identity
The Reformed Churches in South Africa (GKSA) is a church federation firmly rooted in Reformed theology as rediscovered during the 16th century Reformation. Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) is our starting point.
We believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God and that our entire life and service must be built upon it. It is not merely a historical document, but the living voice of God for today.
Our Confession
Not our own words.
Our confession is not a new invention, but the timeless truth preserved through the ages. It binds us together in unity of faith.
Discover what we Believe1859: A Return
On 10-11 February 1859, fifteen brothers near Rustenburg decided to separate due to the introduction of a new hymnal that contradicted the confessional documents. Rev. Dirk Postma from the Netherlands was called as their pastor, a return to the pure doctrine of Scripture and the church government as established by the Synod of Dort.
"In God's house, God's song."
From this humble beginning, 300 members registered. By 1904 there were 12,125 members with 17 ministers. Today the denomination consists of 371 congregations with 225 ministers serving in approximately 15 languages across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The Reformed Church Rustenburg, where the church federation was formally established under the syringa tree.
Missionary Calling
"God is busy for His glory gathering and uniting people from every nation, language, and tribe through Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, via the Holy Spirit equipping the church as His instrument, with word and deed."
The GKSA's mission work stretches across Africa and the world. Annual outreach to Mozambique and Botswana, a missionary in Burundi, and partnerships with churches in Korea, North America, Brazil and Vietnam bear witness to a church that crosses borders for the Kingdom.
African Outreach
Annual outreach to Mozambique, Botswana, and support for missionaries in Burundi and South Sudan.
Global Partners
Collaboration with churches in Korea, North America, Brazil and Vietnam for the gospel.
Training
Mukhanyo Theological College offers distance learning to pastors in South Sudan, Malawi and locally.
How we are Organised
The Reformed Churches are not governed from the top down. Each local church is autonomous, but connected to others through four levels of assembly, from the church council to the general synod.
- 1
Local Church Council
Article 37In every church there must be a church council consisting of the minister(s) of the Word and the elders. This is the only permanent governing body.
- 2
Classis
Article 41An assembly of neighbouring churches (10-15) each delegating a minister and an elder. They support each other and give counsel.
- 3
Regional Synod
Article 47An assembly of neighbouring classes. Meets annually to handle matters too broad for a single classis.
- 4
General Synod
Article 50The assembly of the entire church federation (triennial). Handles matters of national importance such as Confession and Church Order.
Order, not Hierarchy.
The church council, classis and synod are not "councils" that make laws, but "assemblies" that seek God's will together.
No Dominion (Art 84)
No church may lord it over another church, and no office-bearer over another office-bearer.
Decisions (Art 31)
What has been decided by majority vote shall be considered settled and binding, unless it is proven to be contrary to the Word of God.
Read the full Dort Church Order
86 articles governing all of church life, from offices and assemblies to sacraments and discipline.