Nelson Mandela Bay Christian Transformation Network (TCN)
The Transformation Christian Network (TCN) in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) is a collaborative network consisting of church, ministry, and marketplace leaders. Its mission is to bring about spiritual, social, and economic transformation in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area, which encompasses Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Despatch, and Uitenhage (Kariega) in South Africa.
Established in 2003, TCN aims to foster unity among Christian leaders and communities, addressing systemic issues and improving the overall quality of life in the region.
Origins
Inception (1999–2003): The movement began in 1999, inspired by George Otis Jr.'s video on prayer and city transformation. In 2000, Graham Power initiated the Newlands Prayer Day, which sparked the Global Day of Prayer (GDOP) movement. The first transformation conference in NMB was held in 2001, led by Dave Thompson, followed by the establishment of a working committee under Lawrie Wilmot. The first GDOP in NMB took place in 2002, and TCN was formally established in 2003.
The Vision
TCN’s core vision is based on John 17:21, which emphasizes the need for unity among leaders to drive transformation in NMB. The network aims to foster a community where crime rates decline, per capita income increases, poverty is reduced, education improves, ethical governance is upheld, and unity thrives.
Visit the official TCN website →
The TCN Toolbox
The Toolbox positions the church as an active agent in societal renewal — combining spiritual practices (prayer, evangelism), practical development (farming, workplace excellence), values formation, and community governance (ward-level service delivery).
Key Resources:
- Ward-based Service Delivery Strategy – Churches taking a leading role in local service delivery.
- Farming God’s Way (and Gardens of Faithfulness) – Sustainable farming to break the cycle of poverty.
- Work 4 a Living – Empowering individuals to excel in the workplace.
- Heartlines – Moving from professed values to lived values.
- Evangelism – Sharing the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Prayer Watches – Burn 24/7 continuous prayer and worship.
- Unashamedly Ethical – Promoting ethics and clean living in society.
2025 Updates and News
- COGTA Media Release – Minister Engages NMB Business Chamber, Civil Society, and the Church
- Summary of City Dialogue April 2025
- Feedback City Dialogue Working Group 1
- Weekly Herald Column (Written by Church Leaders)
2024 Updates
2023 Updates
Documents Archives
- Background and Beliefs
- The Nehemiah Vision
- The Church of the City – Discussion Document (2015)
- The Church in the City – Discussion Document (2016)
- 2016 Annual Report
- 2017 Annual Report
- 2018 Annual Report
- 2019 Annual Report
- 2021 Annual Report
- 2022 Annual Review
Event Archives
Service of Reconciliation at South End Museum – 16 December 2016
Municipal Ward Service Delivery Teams (Updated 2022)
- Background to church-led “ward service delivery” Teams
- Formation of Church-led “ward service delivery” teams
"Against Hunger" Response (Updated 2021)
- Nelson Mandela Bay Churches in Wards
- Nelson Mandela Bay Informal Settlements List
- List of feeding schemes supported by Food Forward SA
For more info on the fight against hunger, visit TCN Against Hunger.
Prayer Focus 2020
GAP Ministries is dedicated to supporting the Transformation Christian Network in Nelson Mandela Bay to promote spiritual and community transformation in the region.