Bishop Mosa Sono

Senior Pastor · Grace Bible Church

Ministry Profile and Brief Biography

Grace Bible Church had its beginning in the early 1980's, after the former church was handed over to Bishop Mosa Sono in 1983. Early 1982, Rhema North under the leadership of Pastor Ray McCauley, commissioned a young couple Andra'e and Edna Knoetze to start a church in Soweto. The mayor of Soweto Mr. David Thebehali was instrumental in securing Mavis Hall in White City Jabavu to be used for the church services.

As the church grew, there was a need to have more full time workers and thus in 1982 Bishop Mosa Sono and the late Jerry Lechela were approached to be associate Pastor's to Andra'e and Edna. The unique thing about the church at this point was the voluntary service that was offered by several church members like Mrs. Nonceba Mnquni, Mr. Levy Cebisa Dwaba, Mrs. Jane Shuba and others.

The preparation of the hall for the Sunday service was done the day before, the Peveay Sound System, etc. the Sunday morning prayer meeting which preceded the service was introduced at this point, only a prayer distinctive that the church now embrace as of its values.

In mid 1983, Bishop Knoetze sensed a leading to move into field ministry and thus the signing of the church was on the 1st September 1983 and officially handed over to Bishop Mosa Sono on the 4th September 1983. This became one of the "rough periods" for the church as the Mavis Hall venue agreement was unfortunately terminated and with the church having to relocate, many members were lost; several key leaders left the church also; and due to certain constraints to the use of the Rhema name, the church was also withdrawn. In the midst of these challenges, the first service in Isaacson Higher Primary School in Moroka was marked by an evident tangible presence of God. The name Grace Bible Church was adopted in 1984.

The church outgrew the facility at Isaacson Higher Primary School and with the help of Mama Seoko we secured the use of the Holy Ghost building, in 1984. This phase of the ministry was characterised by consolidating the church administratively- the ministry of helps was expanded and training began, the first ministry of helps retreat was held on the 10th October 1984. The Financial Board was elected amongst whom were Mr. Sono (Snr), Mr. Job, Mr. Ngakane and others, Kenneth Makopo also joined as an associate Pastor.

At this stage the prayer activity intensified with prayer meetings on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoon service, focusing on prayer.