The college is named after the 18th-century English evangelist
George Whitefield. The precursor to George Whitefield College arose in the early-1970s when candidates for the CESA which is now called Reach SA
Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of South Africa ministry were trained at the Bible Institute of South Africa in
Kalk Bay as they had been for many years.
Bishop Bradley and other leaders of the Church became increasingly aware that future ordination candidates were not receiving adequate training and knowledge of the doctrines, practices and history of the Church of England. It was decided that these candidates would meet once a week in the library at the Institute for tuition on the
Book of Common Prayer and other issues central to the CESA worship. The Rev Barry Shucksmith from the
Pinelands, Cape Town congregation took these lectures in the capacity as tutor until his return to England, and to the independent Anglican church based in the UK where he was made a bishop. In 1976, Rev David Streeter joined the Institute and later became warden of George Whitefield House based at that same Institute. George Whitefield College (GWC) was established in 1989 on the initiative of Bishop Joe Bell, then presiding bishop of the
Church of England in South Africa, and GWC's founding Principal was
David Broughton Knox, who had been principal of
Moore Theological College for 27 years. In 1997 GWC became affiliated with
Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, now known as
North-West University, and with David Seccombe an accredited external New Testament professor of NWU. Up until 2010, most students of GWC were also students of NWU, and although they studied at GWC with GWC’s curriculum, they were able to graduate with the
Bachelor of Theology. Since January 2010, GWC has offered its own BTh program, one that has been fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education [CHE]. Since 2016 GWC has offered its own MTh (research) and since 2019 its own MTh (structured). Accreditation for its own doctoral program is being sought. Visiting scholars spend time at GWC and conduct Post-Graduate modules: In 2011, Dr Paul Bowers (New Testament), in 2012 Dr Abel Ndjerareou (Old Testament), Dr George Athas (Hebrew), Dr Peter Bolt (New Testament) and as special guest in Feb 2013 Dr Mark Thompson, then principal elect of Moore Theological College. GWC has also employed new PhDs in a postdoc capacity resulting in the publishing of several books: Dr Vhumani Magezi on Pastoral counselling and Aids in Southern Africa (2011), and Dr Fabulous Moyo in the area of Church history in Malawi (2012). In 2023 GWC was visited by Vaughn Roberts, and by the past principal Dr David Seccombe. GWC often hosts a 'once a year' special lecture. This can take the form of a matriculation address, or what is called the annual lecture. In October 2009 the annual lecture was given by former member of faculty Dr James Krohn on the topic of Calvin as preacher of the Word. In October 2010 Dr John Azumah delivered this lecture. In 2012 this lecture was given by Dr
Ashley Null. In 2023 the matriculation address was given by Dr Gerald Bray. George Whitefield College is a non-profit company (NPC) overseen by a Board of Directors chaired by Mr Peter Willig (previously the chair incumbent was Mr David Shaw who succeeded Mr Dale Smith). The Board ensures that its own manner of operation is compliant with any requirements set out by the various King Commissions or other statutory bodies. The Board ensures that the college's books are professionally audited each year, and that the level of governance and educational standards operates at the highest level. In 2022, GWC became a founder member of AfCAA (African council for accreditation and accountability) based in Nairobi. The Presiding Bishop of Reach SA, currently Rev. Dr. Siegfried Ngubane, is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, as is the principal of the college. Two other members are also placed on the board by Reach SA. The Board agreed in 2022 to create the GWC title 'chancellor' which is automatically enjoyed by the presiding bishop (this is not to be confused with the office of chancellor within the Reach SA Executive). == Programs ==