Perhaps you’ve noticed a sense of community and belonging emanating from this spot. This is the Afrikaanse Christian Church in Auckland. It stands as a testament to faith and the enduring spirit of a group of South African emigrants.
The Afrikaanse Christian Church began in 1998. White Afrikaans-speaking Christians left South Africa. They sought new lives in New Zealand. Driven by concerns about crime, corruption, and a desire for better opportunities, they brought their faith with them.
Initially, these emigrants formed small Bible study groups. They yearned for a place where they could worship in their native tongue. These gatherings led to monthly Afrikaans church services. These services were held in the Holy Trinity Methodist Church in North Shore Auckland. Reverend Dawie Kriel led these early services.
The demand for Afrikaans services grew quickly. Soon, monthly services became weekly. The attendees began to see themselves as a congregation. A working group formed. This group was under the leadership of Francois Schoeman. It aimed to formally establish an Afrikaans church.
The working group included several dedicated individuals. They organized themselves into sub-committees. These committees focused on church structure, Sunday school, finance, and weekly sermons. They also planned for youth and women’s ministries.
A proposal was presented to found a new Afrikaans church. It was not linked to any existing denomination. A questionnaire revealed that 68% of Afrikaans emigrant families preferred this independent approach. The mission was clear to accommodate Afrikaans-speaking believers and their children in New Zealand.
On November 1, 1998, the Afrikaanse Christen Kerk van Nieu-Seeland was officially founded. The service took place in the Trinity Methodist Church. The congregation voted on the church’s name. They deliberately avoided any connection to Afrikaans churches in South Africa. This was to welcome all Afrikaans-speaking Christians.
The first elders and deacons were chosen. Reverend Dawie Kriel chaired the first Church Council meeting. They focused on practical matters like worship and catechesis. They also set up a Church ordinance and registered the church officially.
Reverend Gawie Cloete became the first full-time minister on July 12, 1999. The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand welcomed the Afrikaanse Christian Church. They embraced them into the family of Reformed Churches.
The church experienced rapid growth. A second ministry point was established in Howick. Discussions about cooperation began with the Independent Reformed Church of Howick. The two churches unified. They formed one congregation with two ministry points.
Membership continued to increase. The church building in North Shore became too small. A second minister Dr Stephan Joubert was appointed. The church membership grew to over a thousand by 2005.
The Afrikaanse Christian Church expanded beyond Auckland. A ministry point was established in Hamilton. It became the second official congregation. Howick became the third congregation. The church evolved into a denomination.
More congregations were established in Rotorua and Wellington. A third congregation formed in Auckland. This was a result of a split in the North Shore congregation. By 2012, the church consisted of eleven congregations.
Today, the Afrikaanse Christian Church faces challenges. These include language barriers. The ecumenical nature of the church and socio-economic factors also present challenges. Staying true to its calling is also essential.
Despite these challenges, the Afrikaanse Christian Church remains a testament to faith. It shows the perseverance of a community. It serves as a spiritual home for Afrikaans-speaking Christians in New Zealand. It contributes to the wider New Zealand society.