The Dutch Reformed Church was founded in 1652. They have 1,184 congregations, consisting of 1,200,000 members. They are served by some 2,000 qualified ministers.

The Dutch Reformed Church adheres to a presbyterial-synodical system of church government, with its subdivisions of offices, church assemblies, activities, exercising of supervision and ecumenical relationships. Congregations are grouped into presbyteries (circuits) and the congregations of a number of presbyteries constitute a regional synod. The eleven regional synods have specific responsibilities within their own geographical areas. These regional synods form the General Synod that meets every four year. The General Synod determines policy for the whole church. The General Synodical Committee functions between the synods, and deals with urgent matters.

The DRC is from Reformed origin but has been influenced by the broader Evangelical Movement during the 19th century. Today there is a strong presence of both a Reformed and an Evangelical spirituality. They have adopted the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort and the Ecumenical Creeds as their doctrinal standards.

Various indigenous churches grew out of the mission work of the Dutch Reformed Church. In the years following 1948 and the institution of the policy of apartheid, the relationship between the DRC and these churches was often seriously disrupted. Since 1994 the ideal of unification with the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa and the Reformed Church in Africa has gathered momentum although a lot of work still remains to be done.

The DRC finds itself in exciting times in the New South Africa. We witness as prophets, priests and kings to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Website: www.ngkerk.org.za