About — Grace Community Church, Pretoria

Where It Began

From twelve to four hundred.

In 1994, twelve believers gathered in a Pretoria lounge with one shared conviction — that the local church could be a place of genuine belonging, honest discipleship, and Spirit-led worship. What began around a dining room table has grown into a congregation that touches thousands of lives every year.

We have never chased numbers. We have chased depth — in our walk with God, in our care for one another, and in our service to the community around us. That posture has shaped everything from the way we preach to the way we welcome a stranger at the door.

Today Grace Community Church is home to over 400 families from across Pretoria East, representing more than 20 nationalities. We are proudly non-denominational, evangelical, and multi-generational.

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me." — Matthew 25:35 · The verse that started it all

1994

Founded as a home church by the Olivier and Van Zyl families in Pretoria East.

2001

Moved into our first permanent building. First baptism class of 32 new believers.

2010

Launched 12 Life Groups across the city. Community Food Bank established.

2018

Current building expansion completed. Second Sunday service added to accommodate growth.

2024

30th anniversary. Over 400 families. Church replanting programme launched nationally.

What We Stand For

Our values

Four commitments that shape how we gather, serve, and grow — not as ideals on a wall, but as daily practices.

01

Scripture First

The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We read it together, wrestle with it honestly, and let it shape every aspect of how we live and lead.

02

Radical Welcome

Every person who walks through our doors deserves to be seen, named, and known. We don't do programmes that process people — we do community that transforms people.

03

Whole-Life Discipleship

Sunday is the start, not the sum. Faith is meant to touch your work, your family, your finances, and your neighbourhood. We equip people for Monday, not just Sunday.

04

Serving Our City

Pretoria East is our home and our mission field. From our food bank to our youth programmes, we invest in the flourishing of our neighbours — regardless of who they are.

The Team

Meet your pastors

Ordinary people called to an extraordinary task — walking alongside this congregation with integrity, humility, and joy.

Pastor James Olivier

Senior Pastor

James has led Grace Community since 2008. A Pretoria native, he holds a ThD from the University of Pretoria and is passionate about expository preaching and family ministry.

Pastor Kefilwe Dlamini

Worship & Youth Pastor

Kefilwe leads our worship team and oversees all youth ministry. She holds a degree in Music Theology and has been part of the GCC family since 2015.

Elder Pieter van Zyl

Elder & Community Outreach

One of our founding members, Pieter heads our food bank and community outreach initiatives. He has a heart for the marginalised and a gift for building bridges.

Come and see for yourself.

Join us this Sunday. We would love to put a face to a name — and show you that everything you've read here is true in practice, not just on paper.

Plan Your Visit Listen to a Sermon First