The Church of Christ Mission began in South Africa in December 1920, when Thomas Bambezi Kalane started preaching in the streets of the location in Kimberley.

Several years earlier, Kalane—who had grown up in Kimberley—traveled to the United States to study for the Methodist ministry at Wilberforce University near Xenia, Ohio. While in the U.S., he came into contact with preacher William Henry Book of Columbus, Indiana. Book converted Kalane and, through the support of the Tabernacle Christian Church of Columbus, facilitated his return to South Africa.

Unfortunately, Thomas B. Kalane lived only a year and a half after his return to Kimberley. Despite facing numerous hardships and ultimately dying in prison, his efforts sparked a movement that, by September 1923, had resulted in the establishment of a dozen churches across as many towns—thanks in part to the support of missionaries (brothers from the U.S.A.). That partnership remains vibrant to this day.