The Protestant Reveille

The Protestant Reveille serves as the official publication of the Protestant Association of South Africa (PASA). Established in 1945, it was founded to maintain and promote the unchanging principles of the Protestant Reformation in the life of the church and in the public witness of Christianity.

Its name is derived from the French réveiller (“to awaken”) and reflects its purpose: a clear and faithful call to the people of God to return continually to the truth of Holy Scripture.

A Watchman for the Church

From its inception, the Reveille has understood its role in terms drawn from Scripture – that of a watchman, tasked with both warning and instruction. In an age marked by theological confusion and shifting religious opinion, it seeks to speak with clarity, conviction, and restraint.

Its approach has often been described as that of the “sword and trowel”:

  • defending the faith once delivered to the saints
  • while building up believers through sound teaching

This dual emphasis remains central to its identity.

Theological Foundation

The Reveille is grounded in the supreme authority of the Bible as the Word of God and stands firmly within the historic Protestant tradition.

Its doctrinal commitments are expressed in the great principles of the Reformation:

  • Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone as the final authority
  • Solus Christus – Christ alone as Mediator and Saviour
  • Sola Gratia – salvation by grace alone
  • Sola Fide – justification by faith alone
  • Soli Deo Gloria – to the glory of God alone

On this basis, the publication seeks to uphold the exclusive claims of Christ and to offer careful discernment in the face of doctrinal compromise, religious pluralism, and movements that obscure the Gospel.

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Reach and Distribution

Originally a print publication, the Reveille has adapted to changing circumstances and is now distributed primarily in digital form.

Today it reaches:

  • ministers and church leaders across South Africa
  • believers from a wide range of Protestant denominations
  • readers in international contexts, including the United States, Australia, and Europe

Published in both English and Afrikaans, it continues to serve a broad and diverse readership. Earlier circulation estimates indicated a readership of several thousand, and its digital format has further extended its accessibility.

The History

The history of the Reveille is closely connected with the men and women who have laboured to sustain it over the decades.
Among the most notable was Rev. A. H. Jeffree James, whose long association with PASA and as Editor helped shape both the tone and theological direction of the publication.

In more recent years, the current Editor and former Chairman, Rev. Craig Hounsom has guided the Reveille through a period of transition into the digital age.
Ongoing leadership within PASA, together with the work of contributors and translators, has ensured the continued publication and accessibility of its content.

Content and Contribution

The Reveille addresses a wide range of subjects, always with the aim of applying Biblical truth to both church and society. These include:

  • Doctrinal Teaching
    Clear exposition of central Christian doctrines from a Protestant perspective
  • Church History and Biography
    Accounts of figures such as David Livingstone, Robert Moffat, and Mary Slessor, highlighting the legacy of faithful witness 
  • Contemporary Discernment
    Engagement with modern theological trends, including concerns around doctrinal erosion, religious pluralism, and the influence of secular authority on the church
  • Public Witness
    Occasional contributions addressing moral and societal issues, including religious liberty and matters affecting the public expression of Christianity

In all of this, the aim is not controversy for its own sake, but clarity rooted in Scripture.