A US missionary was dragged from the pulpit at gunpoint by armed kidnappers who forced him down the aisle in front of horrified worshippers.

Churchman Josh Sullivan, 45, was abducted in front of his wife and kids, as well as up to 50 of his flock at a sermon in South Africa.

His frightened family watched in horror as the dad was pushed out the church with a pistol aimed at his head.

One man escorted him out while three others robbed the congregation.

The four men then drove off in a getaway car and Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner.

The vehicle was later found abandoned several miles away with no sign of the gang of ruthless gunmen.

South African Police have put into place a 72-hour specialist kidnap procedure where they will not discuss details of the ongoing investigation except confirm basic details.

But police spokesperson Captain Andrew Beetge confirmed the pastor was kidnapped at gunpoint by four masked men while church members were robbed and ordered to keep schtum.

Beetge said: “Just to give assurance this case is taking top priority for the police and in all kidnapping cases certain protocols come into place as well as a 72-hour action plan.”