Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :
Remembering Pastor Ray McCauley: A Legacy of Faith and Controversy
The recent passing of Pastor Ray McCauley at the age of 75 has left a profound impact on the South African Christian community. Known as a spiritual leader and founder of Rhema Bible Church, McCauley’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his congregation.
Born in Johannesburg in 1949, McCauley’s journey to becoming a pastor was a unique one. Starting as a professional bodybuilder, he found his calling after a spiritual transformation led him to Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Returning to South Africa, he established Rhema Bible Church in 1979, defying apartheid by holding non-segregated church services.
Throughout his life, McCauley was a vocal advocate for social justice and unity. He played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement, signing the Rustenburg Declaration in 1990. His church has since planted 500 churches worldwide and graduated 10,000 students from its Bible school, making it the largest congregation in South Africa with over 45,000 members.
Despite his impactful legacy, McCauley faced criticism for preaching a prosperity gospel and living a lavish lifestyle. His views on politics, media, and community service also sparked debate within the Christian community. However, his commitment to serving others and spreading the gospel remained unwavering.
As South Africans mourn the loss of Pastor Ray McCauley, his son Joshua and daughter-in-law Tara are set to continue his legacy at Rhema Bible Church. The nation’s leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have praised McCauley’s dedication to faith and social change.
In the end, Pastor Ray McCauley will be remembered not only for his controversial teachings but also for his unwavering faith, commitment to justice, and dedication to serving others. product.
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Ray McCauley, founder of South Africa’s largest congregation, dies at 75
What was Ray McCauley’s role in the National Interfaith Council of South Africa?
McCauley, a former co-chairman of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa, died on Tuesday, 8th October, at home surrounded by friends and relatives, days after celebrating his birthday, according to a statement released by his family.
How did Ray McCauley’s family announce his passing?
“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, the founder of Rhema Bible Church [and] an evangelical leader,” Pastor Joshua McCauley, his son and the current senior pastor of Rhema, said in the statement.
What was Ray McCauley’s impact on the church community?
“He always believed the best is yet to come and that God is a generational God whose heart is to see the gospel preached from generation to generation,” said the senior pastor in a church statement, which described Ray McCauley as a spiritual mentor to many and a servant leader.
**Early Life and Bodybuilding Career**
Ray McCauley was born on 1st October, 1949, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He had a successful career as a professional bodybuilder, winning Mr. South Africa accolades multiple times and even achieving a bronze medal in the Mr. Universe competition in London in 1974. McCauley also worked as a nightclub bouncer before his life took a spiritual turn.
**Spiritual Transformation and Ministry**
After what he described as a spiritual transformation, McCauley enrolled in Kenneth Hagin’s Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon completing his studies, he returned to South Africa and founded the Rhema Bible Church in 1979. The church, a predominantly white neo-Pentecostal congregation, stood against apartheid by holding nonsegregated church services. McCauley’s commitment to social justice and unity was evident when Rhema was one of the signatories of the anti-apartheid Rustenburg Declaration in 1990.
**Legacy and Impact**
Throughout his ministry, McCauley planted 500 churches globally and saw 10,000 students graduate from Rhema’s Bible school. The church, with over 45,000 members, is the largest congregation in South Africa. McCauley’s leadership style emphasized service to the community, leading initiatives such as providing food for the hungry and establishing a Christian college.
**Political and Social Engagement**
McCuley was actively involved in social and political issues, believing that the church should not remain silent on matters affecting society. His ecumenical approach and media savvy set him apart as a leader who understood the importance of engaging with various spheres of influence.
**Controversies and Criticisms**
Despite his significant contributions, McCauley faced criticism for preaching a prosperity gospel and living a lavish lifestyle. His divorce from his first wife and subsequent marriage to Zelda Ireland, who had been divorced twice, raised eyebrows within the Christian community. Additionally, his financial practices, including the church’s income sources and assets, were subject to scrutiny.
**Tributes and Memorial Services**
Following his passing, tributes poured in from various quarters, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who acknowledged McCauley’s profound impact on the nation. The Rhema community and beyond mourned the loss of a spiritual leader, mentor, and visionary. The church announced two memorial services to honor McCauley’s legacy and impact.
**Conclusion**
Ray McCauley’s life and ministry were marked by a commitment to social justice, community service, and spiritual leadership. Despite controversies and criticisms, his influence on the church in South Africa and globally cannot be denied. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many who looked up to him as a mentor and guide in matters of faith and activism. As he is laid to rest, his legacy continues to inspire generations to come. I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, a truly remarkable leader who left an indelible mark on the religious landscape of South Africa. He is survived by his widow, Zelda, his son, Joshua, and three grandchildren.
According to a statement from the church, McCauley had appointed his son and daughter-in-law, Tara McCauley, as the incoming senior pastors of Rhema in 2022. Despite stepping back from the forefront, he continued to play a supporting role in shaping the future of the church. The younger McCauley shared that his father always believed that the best was yet to come and that God’s heart is to see the gospel preached from generation to generation.
The church will be holding two memorial services to honor Pastor McCauley – a comfort service on Thursday and an honoring service on 17th October. His burial is scheduled for 19th October.
Born on 1st October, 1949, in Johannesburg, McCauley had a diverse background before his spiritual journey led him to become a pastor. He was a professional bodybuilder who won accolades and even competed internationally. However, his focus shifted after a spiritual transformation that led him to study at Kenneth Hagin’s Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Returning to South Africa, McCauley established the Rhema Bible Church in 1979, which later defied apartheid laws by holding nonsegregated church services. The church grew exponentially under his leadership, becoming the largest congregation in the country with over 45,000 members today.
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised McCauley’s impact on the nation, highlighting his legacy of faith and leadership within the Rhema community. Rev Mzwandile Molo of the South African Council of Churches lamented the loss of a significant Christian voice at a time when moral guidance is needed.
Professor Tumi Senokoane of the University of South Africa commended McCauley for revolutionizing the church in South Africa, making it modern and community-oriented. Despite criticism for preaching a prosperity gospel and leading a lavish lifestyle, McCauley’s contributions to the church and society were undeniable.
The late pastor’s approach to media, politics, and community service set him apart as a forward-thinking leader. He understood the importance of engaging with contemporary issues and using the church as a platform for positive change. His belief in ecumenism and social outreach endeared him to many.
While McCauley’s views on prosperity and wealth garnered controversy, his commitment to serving the community through initiatives like Christian education and food distribution was widely praised. He believed that the church should be actively involved in addressing societal needs and promoting a message of abundance and generosity.
McCauley’s personal life also faced scrutiny, particularly regarding his divorce from his first wife and subsequent remarriage. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his ministry and his vision for a vibrant, inclusive church that welcomed all.
In conclusion, Pastor Ray McCauley’s legacy is one of faith, leadership, and service. His impact on the religious and social landscape of South Africa will be remembered for generations to come. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the lasting influence he had on countless lives through his ministry at Rhema Bible Church. May his memory continue to inspire and guide us in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate society.
Sources:
– Rhema Bible Church
– Business Day