In Alexandra Township, known as Alex, residents build tin houses just to have somewhere to lay their heads, while spending most of their days in the city as part of the working poor. Five minutes from Alex is the richest square mile in the country, Sandton. Alex and Sandton are a picture of the economic divide of Johannesburg, visually reflecting the wounds of the past.   

South African pastor Thobi Sithole is planting a church on the southwestern edge of this golden mile, in the suburb of Rosebank, where materialism has led to brokenness. Many young professionals turn to drugs to keep up with the demands of climbing the corporate ladder in competitive industries. Corruption is rampant. Though 80% of South Africans claim Christianity, the bulk are in syncretistic religions where idolatry and animism mix with tenants of Christianity.

In Johannesburg there’s a huge need for healthy churches, a need for Christians to apply the gospel to all of life, and for discipleship. So Pastor Thobi thought, “Let’s plant a church here that speaks to that need of people who are longing for meaning and identity.” Mhlengi “Redeemer” City Church launched earlier this fall. The church is already helping to immerse professionals and students in gospel rhythms through community groups, gospel friendships, and connecting with them socially. They’re also including outreach “rhythms” like investing in children at a local orphanage.

The 10-year goal is to plant six other churches in this region, plus many other churches across the metropolitan areas, and multiple presbyteries.