South Africa’s Church of Beer is expanding to make room for converts

A church which encourages its congregation to drink mid-service is opening more branches to keep up with a recent surge of converts.

Bishop Makiti helps himself to a beer during his sermons at Gabola church. (Photo: Daily Sun SA/Youtube)

Gabola Church of International Ministries has a 500-strong demonination, and holds its Sunday sermons in taverns across Johannesburg, South Africa.

It takes its name from the Tswana word for “drinking”, and it both allows and encourages members of the congregation to drink during service.

Despite only opening two months ago, the church’s founder Bishop Tsietsi Makiti — who sits behind a 4.5-litre bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label as he delivers the Good News to his flock— has baptised some 2,000 people; each in their drink of choice.

Now, South Africa’s Daily Sun reports that the church is expanding to keep up with the high level of demand.

On Sunday, the church will open a second branch in Bloemfontein, the capital city of South Africa’s Free State province.

The African news outlet recorded this video offering a snapshot of life inside the alcoholic house of God.

Bishop Makiti begins delivering his sermon to a male-only congregation at 11am with the church session often lasting until late in the afternoon.

Members of the congregation can even have their favourite spirits blessed by the bishop.

Jesus turned water into wine, Makiti said, “so this church also prays for their drinks before they are served”.

Makiti helps himself to drinks throughout his own service, believing it brings him closer to God.

“People who drink beer are happy and peaceful,” he said. “This means they are living in the shadow of God.”