About Abide
Find out who we are and what we’re about.
Our Brief history
A healthy church that
plants healthy churches
This is the vision Abide was born from. In 2020, Honeyridge embraced a single conviction: to be a healthy church that plants healthy churches. The heart behind it is simple but far-reaching, to see the gospel impact our city and our world through churches that plant, strengthen, and reproduce other churches.
In 2025, the elders of Honeyridge took the first step toward that vision by setting apart Shayne de Lange to lead a new church. What began with Shayne quickly became a family: two more elders joined, alongside a core group of seventeen households. In August 2025 we started meeting as a family in what we’ve called Gospel Groups, groups that gather in gospel community, to grow in gospel character, all for the gospel cause. From the outset, our aim was never simply to plant a pulpit, but to reach our community organically through these groups.
Why plant another church in Johannesburg North?
We are convinced that one of the most effective ways to fulfil our mandate (Matt 28:18-20) is by planting new churches. Each one becoming a fresh means of reaching, converting, and teaching people to follow the Lord Jesus. In Johannesburg, that work is urgent. The city is growing at 8.31% and is projected to add another 7.8 million people between 2024 and 2034. Reaching just 10% of that growth would call for 7,800 new churches of 100 members each, roughly 780 every year.
But the need is not only future, it’s present. The northern suburbs (Olivedale, Northriding, Jukskei Park, Johannesburg North, Douglasdale, Fourways, and Bryanston West) are home to an estimated 66,000 people, yet evangelical churches in these areas are reaching fewer than 5% of them. More churches, then, are not a luxury, they are a necessity.
So our desire is to see the gospel gain greater influence in our city, not by competing with the churches already faithfully serving Johannesburg North, but by joining them in a shared and urgent goal of making disciples of Jesus.
Meet our Leadership Team
The men below have been set apart by Honeyridge to lead and oversee the planting of Abide. Each brings a proven track record of serving as elders within the local church. Tested over time and trusted by those who know then, together they carry the spiritual oversight of Abide.
Shayne & Bronwyn de Lange
Both Shayne and Bronwyn came to saving faith at a young age and have served together faithfully in churches across Johannesburg and Centurion. After working several years as a Graphic Designer, Shayne accepted the call to full-time ministry and holds a Master of Theology from the Baptist Theological College. Bronwyn runs her own Speech Therapy practice and has served in youth ministry, Sunday School, and leading Bible studies. Besides serving the Lord within the local church, they have the added joy of raising two lively daughters in Sophia and Sioné.
Gary & Neeroshini Govender
Gary came to saving faith at the age of sixteen. He is married to Neeroshini, and they have one son, Joel. Gary has served in worship for many years and in various capacities. Alongside his work in worship, he is also a faithful Bible study leader. Both Gary and Neeroshini are grateful to God for the opportunity to serve God’s people at Abide Baptist Church.
Cliff & Bronwyn Marshall
Cliff is married to Bronwyn, and together they have an adult son and daughter who both reside in Cape Town. He came to faith in Christ at the age of five and reaffirmed his commitment at a Scripture Union camp when he was twelve. For more than 30 years, Cliff has served in leadership within the local church. His roles have included leading a Small Group, directing a Worship Team, chairing the Worship Committee of his sending church, and serving in various capacities within his congregation. Cliff’s primary areas of giftedness are teaching, leading, and guarding. Beyond his ministry involvement, he is also a practising attorney in his professional life.
Kevin & Jacqui Thompson
With over 30 years at Honeyridge Baptist Church, Kevin and Jacqui are passionate about serving the local church and helping people grow in their relationship with Christ. Kev is an architect and owner of Thompson Projects, while Jacqui is a teacher with a heart for guiding young people. Having raised three adult children, they value family and community, and are excited to be part of what God is doing through this new church.
Abide Baptist Church is a church plant of
