The vision and mission of PE Churchnet was born 20 years ago with a single page posted to the internet on 27th November 1998 ( see that page here:
https://www.pechurchnet.co.za/post/oldhome.php )
Shaun Gouws posted the page out of a growing frustration with the lack of communication (and therefore unity) between local churches and their member Christians. The idea was to use the Internet - then relatively new - as a medium to provide a universally accessible platform where information could be made available about anything and everything relevant to Christians in Port Elizabeth and surrounds – what is now known as the Nelson Mandela Metro.
With support from Erik Momsen and the leadership of Bluewater Bay United (Community) Church, Shaun’s vision expanded rapidly. Over the next couple of months he met with close on 50 pastors and leaders to discuss ideas, many of which were implemented and remain a foundation of PE Churchnet’s activities today. In May 1999 Shaun was released to go into the ministry of PE Churchnet full time. The last 20 years have provided many challenges and seen some extremely tough times, but by the grace of God we have been able to persevere through these.
We believe that the services PE Churchnet provides to our local community are unique and to the best of our knowledge there is nothing similar anywhere else in South Africa. Our online Christian Business Directory has been running since February 1999 and we believe is the longest-running of it’s kind in the country and possibly the world. Our primary tools are our website, which now comprises several thousand pages, as well as regular email communication with churches and individuals. We interact on a regular basis with a wide range of Christians from almost every denomination.
Over the course of the last 20 years we have, at various times and ways, partnered or worked alongside ministries and Christian organisations active in the Nelson Mandela Metro including the Transformation Christian Network, Nelson Mandela Bay Prayer Network, Kingfisher FM, Gateway News, OM, African Enterprise and many others.
Our prime mission after 20 years still remains to be an agent for unity among believers in Jesus Christ in our metro, hence our slogan, “Linking Local Christians”. With God’s help and by His grace alone we are building the net, one link at a time.
For more information, please contact Shaun Gouws at info@pechurchnet.co.za or 082 979 9412.
If you would like to support PE Churchnet financially, either once-off or on a regular basis, please see our website at