It is estimated that there are about ten million members of the African Independent (or Instituted) Churches in South Africa. Anyone, therefore, wanting to engage in Christian ministry among the African peoples of southern Africa must have some knowledge and understanding of these churches in order to engage in effective and fruitful ministry.
Kevin Roy, author of The Story of the Church in South Africa, gives a short and insightful overview of South African church history highlighting the key stages and influences on the development of the church in the rainbow nation. The history of the church in South Africa falls into three distinct periods and understanding each of these will help in understanding and assessing the churches in South Africa today.
