A US Pastor has been kidnapped whilst delivering a Sunday service in Gqeberha, South Africa, according to reports. 

Josh Sullivan was preaching on Thursday evening at the Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell, Mambalaza Street, which he founded with his wife, Megan.

Four armed men allegedly burst through the door of the church at around 7pm.

The family’s spokesperson, Jeremy Hall, told Times Live: “They knew [Josh’s] name.”

“The men came into the church and initially held Meagan and walked her towards the door before saying, ‘Josh, is this your wife?’ They then pushed her to the ground and took Josh before driving off in his vehicle.

“The car was found a few kilometres away shortly afterwards.”

The couple’s children were present at the time. Along with their mother, they were able to leave unharmed, but shaken.

Hall said the family are praying for Joh’s safe return.

Josh and Megan were church planting missionaries, and had been in South Africa for seven years, having moved from the United States in 2018.

Their church was in the Xhosa-speaking community.

Weeks prior, Josh wrote on his prayer blog: "[In February] a few troublemakers in the community tried to stir up trouble, and 'close our doors.'

"There was a community meeting. In this meeting, our church and myself were accused of many different lies. I had to answer against the accusations, and it seemed nothing ever came of it. It was stressful and discouraging, but we surrendered it to the Lord."

A kidnapping and armed robbery case has now been opened with Motherwell police.

Police spokesperson Capt Andre Beetge said: “Any person with information that could assist police with this investigation can contact the SAPS AGU’s Det-W/O Dudley Ferreira at 082-387-5957 or Crime Stop at 08600-10111 to remain anonymous.”