Church creates hope, one city at a time

IN keeping with the true South African spirit of Ubuntu, a Pinetown-based church is on a mission to break barriers, unify communities, ignite hope and create waves of change.

Speaking about the latest transformations at One City Church, Pastor Stephen Rothquel, 43, sat down with the Highway Mail to chat about his journey in ministry, future plans and reveal the exciting and new revolution at the church.

“One City Church, originally planted out of City Hill in Hillcrest, is based in Westville and we are now establishing a new branch of the church in Pinetown. It’s quite an interesting church because we are using the Dutch Reformed Church building, opposite the Old Mutual Towers,” said Pastor Rothquel.

“This in itself is an amazing story as there is an Afrikaans service in the morning, a Zulu service in the late morning and our service is an English one in the afternoon. We think that it is quite wonderful that this NG Church is now hosting these different expressions of South Africa in one building which is about to turn 60 in October.

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“The Dutch Reformed Church has been incredibly gracious by letting us start a church in the building,” said the talented and zealous Kloof pastor.

The church opened last month and there have been various launch events to mark the beginning of this incredible chapter. From Andre De Villiers showcasing his talent during a concert to congregants enjoying a gospel explosion with the Muller Brothers and being inspired by a powerful sermon by Greg Heasley, the launch events were well-supported and thoroughly enjoyed.

When asked about the reason behind planting a church in Pinetown, Rothquel, a father of one and three-time SAMA winner, who departed from his music band to fulfill his calling as a pastor and take up full time ministry, said, “I lead the church in Westville, but we have a passion for the greater Highway area, especially Pinetown which is actually emerging as a bit of a sleeper city.

“We feel it would great for us to play a part by providing a church expression in the community which is going to be a force for good. We want to be a place where we can grow with people over decades. We are here to link arms with other churches and compliment what is already being done and be another outlet of hope.”

With regards to the projects they intend on carrying out at the Pinetown church, Rothquel said, “Historically, we have been involved in feeding schemes with CAST, an organisation in Westville. We provide food parcels for families in need and we want to continue that among other projects. Holistically, we are always looking for any opportunity over and above the primary work of a church, to be a place of hope and comfort. ”

The church will be hosting two more launch events with Keir Tayler as the guest speaker on 7 October and 7 de Laan’s Frank Rautenbach on 21 October.

“We’re very excited about the possibility of a new church emerging in Pinetown and it’s a great place where people can find a home,” added Rothquel.

For more information, visit the church’s Facebook page at OneCity Church or call 031 266 2140.

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