By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The founder of Rhema Bible Church and a prominent evangelical leader in South Africa, Ray McCauley has passed away at the age of 75.
The church said on Monday night that McCauley, died at home, surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement released on behalf of the family, senior Pastor Joshua McCauley said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, founder of Rhema Bible Church, an evangelical leader. Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones at 18:46.”
He had stepped back from his role as pastor but “remained fully committed to serving the body of Christ”, the church said.
“His enduring legacy as a servant leader will continue to impact communities far beyond his lifetime.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to McCauley’s wife, Zelda, his children, his extended family and the Rhema Bible Church community .
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 within and beyond the Rhema community. May his soul rest in peace.”
Born on October 1, 1949, in Johannesburg, Ray McCauley had a journey marked by transformation and devotion.
Before he became a pastor, McCauley pursued a career in bodybuilding, earning the title of Mr South Africa and placing third in the 1974 Mr Universe competition in London.
He also worked as a nightclub bouncer in his early years, a far cry from the spiritual leadership he would later embrace.
In 1978, McCauley attended the Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, alongside his first wife, Lyndie.
Upon returning to South Africa, the couple founded Rhema Bible Church, initially holding services in the McCauley family home with just 13 attendees.
Under Pastor Ray’s leadership, the congregation grew rapidly, moving through a series of venues before settling in a massive 7,500-seat auditorium in Randburg, Johannesburg.
Today, Rhema Bible Church has over 45,000 members.
Beyond his church leadership, McCauley played a pivotal role in South Africa’s political and social transformation during the late apartheid years.
His influence extended beyond the pulpit, engaging in dialogues that supported the nation’s peaceful transition to democracy in 1994.