Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones”, his son and successor as senior pastor of Rhema Bible Church, Joshua McCauley, said in a statement released last night on behalf of the McCauley family.
The popular Charismatic preacher who founded the influential, 45 000-member Rhema Bible Church which was a leader in multiracialism during the apartheid era, died at 6.46pm on Tuesday.
“At 75, Pastor Ray had stepped back from active church duties but remained fully committed to serving the body of Christ. His enduring legacy as a servant leader will continue to impact communities far beyond his lifetime. Further details will be communicated in due course. The family appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time,” the family’s statement concluded.
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A champion bodybuilder, owner of a group of gymnasiums and a former Mr South Africa, before he came to faith in Jesus, Pastor Ray started Rhema in his parents’ house in Randburg in 1979 after he had returned from Bible school in the United States.
Times Live reports that a “comfort service” will be held on Thursday evening at Rhema Bible Church, Randburg, followed by an “honouring service” a week later. McCauley’s funeral service will take place on the morning of October 19.
Pastor Ray handed over the reins of the church to his son in 2022 and suffered bouts of ill-health in recent years.
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Speaking outside the church on Wednesday afternoon, Pastor Bert Pretorius, chairperson of Rhema Family Churches, said McCauley had celebrated his 75th birthday on October 1 and had been “quite strong these past couple of weeks”.
“It was sudden and unexpected but he went on peacefully to be with the lord, so we’re thankful for that,” he said.
The International Federation of Christian Churches, which McCauley served as president, hailed his dynamism.
“As the father of the Charismatic movement in Africa, McCauley’s legacy is profound. Today we grieve not only in South Africa but across the globe,” the organisation said.
“He was deeply committed to addressing the issues of poverty, inequality and racism in our country. He stood firm in his convictions, challenging these injustices at every turn.”
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to McCauley’s wife Zelda, his children, “extended family and the large community of the Rhema Bible Church”.
“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,” said Ramaphosa.
Others who have paid tribute to Pastor Ray’s memory include:
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela
“I will always remember him as a person who pioneered inclusive worship long before others did and a leader who stood resolute on matters of integrity in state affairs, supporting the Public Protector without equivocation.”
Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP, ACDP president
“Pastor Ray McCauley was one of the most prominent charismatic leaders in South Africa. When he came back from the United States around 1979, Pastor Ray together his first wife, Lyndie, started their church in their parents’ home with 13 people in attendance. He became a leader of note in the charismatic movement. As a result, Rhema Bible Church grew miraculously for numerous years, and he became a very popular guest speaker in many churches.
“Pastor Ray’s Bible School has produced many men and women of good faith, because Faith was the main subject that he loved to teach about. There had always been a few Pentecostal churches and the term ‘Charismatic’ church was very seldom used because only a few people were inclined to attend a church which was referred to as ‘charismatic’. In this respect, Pastor McCauley was a pioneer. He did many wonderful works in the Christian Faith and was highly respected in our country. He was a very well-balanced preacher who did not only care for people’s spiritual needs, but his church was and is still involved in helping the economically and socially challenged.
“Pastor Ray McCauley led in many areas and was sometimes deemed controversial, but this is the terrain where pioneers tread. He was also a voice in South Africa, particularly in the 80s and 90s – where his influence was felt all over as he interacted with politicians, even when some of us were still scared, and he also led several prominent people to the Lord. I greatly respected and admired him, while also being grateful for various advice he gave to me on various occasions. It was Pastor Ray who dedicated my son Joshua to the Lord, and I will never forget him for that. Although I was not a member of Rhema he accommodated, loved, and respected me.
“We pray that the Lord will heal and comfort the McCauley family, friends, pastors and the churches which he oversaw. We also pray that his influence and the impact of his ministry will live on for decades to come.
“We want to extend our thanks to Pastor Ray McCauley and his entire family for their contribution to the growth of the Church in South Africa. On behalf of the myself, my family, Hope of Glory Tabernacle, the ACDP and all our ministry friends, we convey our most sincere condolences on this huge loss. May we all continue the great work Pastor Ray began, and may there be continued growth of the Kingdom of God even in his absence.”
Angus Buchan, evangelist and author
Remembering Pastor Ray McCauley and sending our condolences to his family today. Thank you for the work you did here on Earth and the impact you had. Rest well with your Heavenly Father.
With love, Angus and Jill Buchan and the whole Shalom Ministries Team
Sipho Zondi, senior pastor Langa Baptist Church ·
“A Giant Has Fallen:
“The passing of Pastor Ray McCauley is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding generals and apostolic voices in South Africa.
“Pastor Ray was grounded in the preaching of the gospel of Jesus but also concerned with injustice. His fearless prophetic voice in this regard will be missed.
“His death is an unquantifiable loss, but he leaves a legacy that will reverberate across generations and around the world. Farewell servant of the Most High God, it was an honor to live during your time….Rest in eternal glory!
South African Friends of Israel ·
“In honour of the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, SAFI extends our deepest condolences to the McCauley family and the Rhema community.
“Pastor McCauley’s unwavering leadership, dedication, and commitment to building bridges between people have left a profound legacy that will continue to inspire us all. He was a shining example of faith, integrity, and vision, and his memory will live on in the hearts of many.
“Our prayers are with his loved ones and the entire community during this difficult time.
May his memory be blessed.”
South African Friends of Israel
Roberts Liardon, author of God’s Generals series of books ·
GOD’S GENERALS ANNOUNCEMENT!
Ray McCauley, pastor of Rhema South Africa died today at the age of 75 years.
He was a leader that I admired and respected as an apostle to South Africa.
Over the years had the honor to host him as a speaker in some of my conferences. GOOD TIMES!
Pastor Ray enjoy your first moments in heaven!
We all will see you in a little while.
Singaporean evangelist and senior pastor of New Creation Church, Joseph Prince
“Deepest condolences from Wendy and me. Pastor Ray was a pioneer and a true general of the faith. We honour his great legacy and hold you, the family, and the Rhema and Redemption Church family close to our hearts as we mourn with you during this difficult time.”
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