New Bishop Inducted in Central District of the Methodist Church of South Africa

It was a momentous occasion, attended by the other Bishops of the Methodist Church and presided over by Presiding Bishop Zipho Siwa.

The district is located within Gauteng (from Midrand to the Southrand and through to the Westrand), North West (from Lichtenburg to Vryburg) and Christiana in the Northern Cape.

Rivas has held various leadership roles, including being the superintendent of the Fourways Circuit within the Methodist Church and was elected as Bishop of the Central District earlier this year.

Rivas was born and raised in Germiston and felt a calling to ministry early on in his life and began training as a Methodist Minister in 1996. He served in Germiston and then East London, after which he was stationed in the Fourways Circuit.

In 2003, his wife, Jacqui was also ordained as a Methodist Minister and in 2004, they planted Lonehill Methodist Church, now known as Gracepoint. It grew quickly from a tiny congregation that met in a school hall, to a congregation with thousands of members who make an impact on the community.

Rivas’ induction had a moving service that blended the centuries-old traditions and customs of Methodism with modern expressions of worship. It set the tone for his term in office as Bishop as he seeks to lead the Methodist community under his purview to greater unity, connection, relevance, authenticity and faith.

Details: www.centralmcsa.org

What do you think of religious leaders playing a role in the community? Share your views on the Fourways Review Facebook page