Pastor Ray McCauley, the founder of Rhema Bible Church and a well-known religious figure in South Africa, died on Tuesday, 8 October 2024. He was 75.
Story Summary:
- Pastor Ray McCauley, founder of Rhema Bible Church, passed away at 75 surrounded by loved ones on 8 October 2024.
- McCauley was a former bodybuilder and renowned religious leader, known for his role in South Africa’s religious and social landscape.
- His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and reactions from leaders and the public alike, celebrating his lifelong service to the church and community.
Pastor Ray McCauley dies: What’s the cause of death?
McCauley’s son, Joshua McCauley, confirmed his father’s death in a statement, revealing that Pastor Ray was surrounded by family and loved ones when he died at 18:46 on Tuesday evening.
“At 75, Pastor Ray had stepped back from active church duties but remained fully committed to serving the body of Christ,” said Joshua McCauley.
“His enduring legacy as a servant leader will continue to impact communities far beyond his lifetime.”
Further details surrounding his passing will be shared in due course, the family stated, while expressing their appreciation for the prayers and support during this time.
Pastor Ray McCauley biography
Born on 1 October 1949, in Johannesburg, Raynor McCauley’s early life took an interesting turn when he ventured into bodybuilding.
He achieved the title of Mr South Africa and placed third at the Mr Universe competition in 1974, a rare feat for South Africans.
McCauley also worked as a nightclub bouncer during this period.
However, it was in the late 1970s that McCauley’s life pivoted toward faith.
Alongside his first wife, Lyndie, he attended the Rhema Bible Training Centre in Oklahoma. Upon returning to South Africa, the couple started Rhema Bible Church in his parents’ home, and the congregation soon expanded.
By 1985, Rhema had grown into a 5,000-seater auditorium in Randburg, later upgraded to seat more than 7,500 people, becoming the largest single church congregation in southern Africa.
McCauley played a significant role in South Africa’s transition to democracy in the 1990s.
Alongside prominent figures like Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Reverend Frank Chikane, he was part of numerous critical events that shaped the nation’s future.
He remained an influential speaker at Christian events worldwide and held the position of President of the International Federation of Christian Churches (IFCC).
McCauley’s public life, however, was not without controversy.
From the divorce from his first wife Lyndie in 2000 to his remarriage to Zelda Ireland, McCauley’s personal life made headlines.
His church was often criticised for being a proponent of the prosperity gospel, and McCauley defended his earnings, likening them to that of a CEO of a medium-sized company.
Politically, McCauley raised eyebrows when he invited Jacob Zuma to speak at Rhema Church in 2009 before Zuma assumed the presidency.
His involvement in the formation of the National Interfaith Leadership Council (NILC), and its subsequent merger with the National Religious Leaders Forum (NRLF) to form NICSA, solidified his ties to the ANC government, which further fueled debate over his political alliances.
Reactions to McCauley’s death
McCauley’s passing has ignited a wave of reactions from leaders and public figures.
Here are some of the reactions we picked: