Hillbrow & the Brethren in Christ Church

This morning Lois and I had opportunity to worship at the Brethren in Christ (BIC) church in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. With a recent history of disrepair, violence and overcrowding the suburb of Hillbrow is one many people still seem to avoid - except those living there!

However we had been wanting to worship with the BIC there for some time. So today we jumped into our vehicle, picked up another MCC family and headed to Hillbrow. Enroute we passed many Jacaranda trees in full bloom - they are spectacularly beautiful and transform the city scape.

Before long we had found our way to the church site - on the corner of Banket and Kaptjien streets. The church was already full. A sunday morning service usually has between 7-800 people in attendance. The church moderator, Frank Nkala, met us at the gate and  welcomed us in. After meeting the pastor Benedict Macebo we wound our way through the crowds to the front and into the church office. There we met the worship team and prayed together before heading out to the service.



Sunday school starts at 9:00am. Worship at 10:00. Announcements and Intros 10:30. Sermon at 11:00 Service ends around 12:00 or a bit later. All visitors are invited to bring greetings which will be translated into Ndebele/Zulu or English depending on which you choose to use.

The Brethren in Christ Church, South Africa, have just received their certification as a full conference this year so there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm. There are currently 4 churches in Johannesburg and 3 in Pretoria along with some others in Gauteng. Pastor Benedict is now the acting Bishop of the newly created conference.

main sanctuary

Pastor Benedict Macebo and worship leader 

Hillbrow turns out not to be as dangerous as outsiders think. Much has changed over the past few years: the government and police have attempted to clean things up, illegal landlords removed and services improved. There are still many issues but it is not a static community. When I asked a number of worshipers if they thought it was 'ok' for us to move in and around Hillbrow now they said - sure. So I guess it's time to let go of the past and move forward - as it so often is in life, eh?




So we celebrate with those who have determined to take back the community and transform it into a good place to live and to be. Hillbrow BIC-a faith community that is interested in reaching out and offering seeds of hope in a broken world.

post-service interaction