Rivers Church Ballito places a premium on honouring God and living by His Word, while creating a space for human connection.
From the large welcoming foyer with long tables that encourage mingling, to vast children and youth areas, it is clear that thought has gone into every corner of the campus.
The Ballito branch of Rivers Church is one of five countrywide, alongside those in Durban North, Sandton, Kyalami and Centurion.
Photo: Rivers Ballito Facebook page.
Rivers was first founded by senior pastors André and Wilma Olivier in Sandton in 1992, and the Ballito branch opened in 2016.
It has been led by Devon and Natanya Fugard-Gous since December 2021.
“We took over the church from Adrian and Claire Olivier who were called to lead the Kyalami campus,” said Devon.
Photo: Rivers Ballito Facebook page.
“We are both originally from Johannesburg but have loved life here on the North Coast since moving.”
Devon and Natanya first met at primary school, but spent more time together when attending youth programmes at Rivers as teenagers.
They have been part of the church for 20 and 18 years respectively.
Now they have the chance to lead together and create an environment where other people might make similarly lasting connections through the church.
And there is always the ability to meet someone new after the three Sunday services at 8, 9.30 and 11am, along with the church’s various ministries.
“Our services are not motivational talks,” said Devon. “We are worshippers, we want to build our relationship with God.”
To do so, Devon and Natanya take guidance from the church’s four pillars, namely worship, reach, connect and volunteer.
Part of that connection to the community comes in outreach work, which is facilitated countrywide through the Rivers Foundation.
“Church is not a spectator sport, it is important that we all play our part as we grow our faith and discipleship,” he said.
“There is an emphasis on worship and preaching of the Word during services, while the children and youth have age appropriate teachings – it is not just a babysitting service.”
Devon estimates there is an average weekend attendance of 650 adults, with another 200 children or so.
Rivers Church Ballito is also currently hosting a programme called Hot Winter Sundays, where guest preachers are invited to lead a service.
To find details on the services or more general information on the church, visit rivers.church/ballito, call 032 940 0420 or visit the church in person at 6 Gourly Road, Ballito.
You can also find them on social media at Rivers Church Ballito on Facebook and @riversballito on Instagram.
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