What motivated you to plant your church in the city that you are in?
Through a period of discernment we felt called to plant in Napier, East Coast of New Zealand. We had only been to this city once as kids, but we saw the need for a new life giving church in this region. It is a place with some of the worst domestic violence and gang stats, and also one of the most beautiful regions famous for great wine and lots of fun events.
What do you love about your church and community?
We love the diversity of our community, from ex gang (and some not so ex) through to prominent business people, we have a community that is united in Jesus! We make sure we have lots of fun – we don’t take ourselves that seriously, but we take Jesus very seriously.
What has been one of your greatest moments since planting your church?
Every baptism service is one of the greatest moments! But there is so much that makes church so great. One of the highlights since we planted in 2017 has been our church camps, lots of fun, dancing, laughing, silly costumes and times of epic worship and ministry.
What has been one of the toughest moments you’ve experienced in ministry?
We had all of our sound gear stolen at the beginning of 2018. It was a real kick in the guts. For a month we learn’t to worship God with our hearts and a very basic set-up. Matt Redman’s song “”heart of worship”” became our anthem!
The gear was tracked down a month later through one of our gang connections and we got it back alongside some other gear stolen from another church!
What is the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself or your church since planting?
A greater humility as a leader – this is my first time as a senior pastor and there is a level of complexity and stress that I hadn’t experienced before. And stronger devotional habits, it has caused me to become a deeper person in that regard.
What do you want to share with someone thinking about becoming a church planter?
You get ONE shot at launching, so do it well!
How has being a part of ARC impacted your life + ministry?
I am indebted to the training, coaching, support and systems that ARC has enabled me to engage in. I shudder to think how difficult this journey would have been without their support.
