The History of Evangelical Christian Network
Our Story – The Origin of the ECN
The ECN (Evangelical Christian Network) began from a group of faithful friends concerned about global changes undermining the Christian faith.
In September 2019, spiritual leaders from across the country gathered in Bloemfontein to reflect and pray. This gathering was in response to 2 Chronicles 30, calling the remnant to seek the Lord’s face in unity. Thirteen people gathered at the Ebenhaeser congregation to find an answer to the question in Psalm 11:3: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” It became clear that cooperation and prayer were needed for greater breakthroughs in equipping and revival.
In September 2020, we held our first conference in Bloemfontein, with 26 attendees. Two task forces were created: one for academic equipping, exploring options for an evangelical conservative academic institution, and another for grassroots equipping to help the congregation meet contemporary challenges. The ACN Council was also established to guide the network’s vision. (Initially, our name was the Africa Christian Network.)
The 2021 Bloemfontein conference focused on spiritual cooperation in the body of Christ, featuring spiritual leaders like Cassie Carstens and Harold Peasley. We continued to address the question from Psalm 11:3. Ben van Vuuren created a virtual platform for involved ministries, and an identity document outlining the ACN’s vision and values was drafted.
The 2022 Bloemfontein conference featured young pastors discussing the role of Christians in a time of significant change. Encouraging stories from growing congregations were shared. Dr. Chris van Wyk led discussions on establishing an independent academic institution, and Simon Brace from Ratio Christi highlighted the challenges posed by the Marxist WOKE movement. Dr. Willie McLoud provided tools for sharing the gospel in a post-modern society.
The 2023 Bloemfontein conference’s focus was “The congregation as a body. How can the church be equipped for true body life to meet contemporary challenges?” We emphasized the importance of the remnant as described in the Bible, aiming to “equip, empower, and encourage.”
We changed our name to ECN (Evangelical Christian Network) due to cyberspace issues with our previous name.
We look forward to the 2024 Bloemfontein conference focusing on “The body of Christ as a movement of God.” Regional conferences have also begun to expand local contacts and grow the network. Conferences in the Western Cape and Gauteng are planned. Ds Willem Badenhorst was chosen as ECN chairman, with Ds Richard Verreynne as vice-chairman and editor of our magazine, “Faithful Witness.”
Partner organizations include Veritas College International, Bybelskool.com, World Thrust, Jericho Walls International Prayer Network, Ratio Christi, COREideas, and The World Needs a Father.
We believe the Lord is uniting His children across the country to build His kingdom together during this time of great change.
ECN COUNCIL MEMBERS: Ds W Badenhorst, Ds N Bornman, S Brace (M.Phil.), Dr. L de Coning, Ds D du Toit, Dr. WS McLoud, Ds C Smith, C van Graan, Dr. ACV van Wyk, Ds RM Verreynne.