Elliot and I are delighted to be the Co-Pastors serving at Papanui Baptist. We both studied theology at Carey Baptist College in Auckland. After completing my studies, we got married and moved into an “intentional living community.” This is where you live in close proximity with others, united by daily spiritual rhythms, with a desire to participate in Christ’s mission in the local community. Elliot and I believe God has made us to live in community where the highs and lows of life are shared.

I love seeing people participate in what God is up to in this world, when they’re united to Christ by the Spirit to give the Father glory. Whether this is in the work place, the home, the school, or the local dairy, Jesus is up to something in our neighbourhood and we want to join in!

We are enjoying living in Christchurch and have been blown away by “southern hospitality.” It is wonderful to have a new community to do life with and be on this adventure of following Jesus together.

Sarah and I have been serving here since Easter 2016. Prior to this we worked at Carey, where we ran the Intermission programme—a course designed for young Christians asking the big questions about life and living. During our studies we also job shared at Windsor Park Baptist in their Young Adults ministry.

I love it when people are surprised by God as he encounters them in Scripture, and they find their lives transformed through the invitation to join in his upside down kingdom. Because of that, I love preaching and teaching, so that people can taste and see just how great our God is, and can know the joy of participating through the Son in the life and mission of the Trinity.

We love the community here at Papanui. If you’re new to this neck of the woods, please send any of us a message—we’d love to connect!

Philip and I have been members of this church for about 25 years, serving in various capacities.  We are proud parents to 3 adult children and a growing number of delightful grandchildren.

We love encouraging people of all ages and stages to explore faith in Christ and to live this out with integrity, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Seeing people come to faith and become committed followers of Christ continues to excite and challenge us. We love relating to people over food and through activities like four wheel driving and camping.

I have the privilege of serving the Lord as Associate Pastor and have responsibility for our Engage Groups, Pastoral Care, and Alpha Courses.

My wife Zara and I both grew up in the youth group here at Papanui Baptist and have been involved in leadership at Y@P for about 5 years now, with me starting the Youth Pastor role in 2015. We love this church and the young people in our community.

I am passionate about fostering spaces where young people can feel supported, loved and like they belong. I also love giving young people a chance to shape their faiths and make sense of the world we live in.
I am blessed to lead a team of volunteer leaders who give up there time to see these things happen in young peoples lives.

សូមជំរាបសួរ!
ក្រុមជំនុំគ្រិសបរិស័ទ្ឋខ្មែរ បាប់ទីស្ទផាប់ផានុយ សូមស្វាគមន៍
សូមជំរាបសួរ
[Chum reap sour]
which means “Greetings”.

My name is Samoeun Mom and my wife is Channimol Mao.

God called us to come from Cambodia in January 2012 to pastor the Cambodian Fellowship which is part of Papanui Baptist Church. We are here to reach out to Cambodian people who have settled in Christchurch. It is a great privilege for me to share God’s Word in Khmer so that the people can understand the Gospel message.

We have a leadership team who help in our services and support Nimol and myself in this ministry.

Please join us at 5:30pm on Sundays or contact me on 03 352 4227 or on email.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14

My name is Anna Sapsford, and I am the new Children and Family Intern.

I am 18 years old, and just finished high school last year at Burnside High. I’m having a Gap year this year, which looks like working full time at New World, and organising kids church each week. I’m also hoping to go to Cambodia later this year to live with the Hutchinson’s for a few months.

I am excited about this role and the impact that I can make in the kid’s life. I believe that a child’s faith is important, and that if it gets nurtured properly it will follow them through into adulthood and become a true source of comfort and security for them.

I hope to give the children a place in which they get to know God on a personal level as well as getting to know the bible better.

Rebecca loves all things Admin, paperwork and events, you will find her in the Papanui Baptist Church office during the week supporting staff and ministries with in the church and community.

Rebecca and Richard have been with Papanui Baptist for 4 years and have three children Tyler, Myah and Flynn.

As a family they love the outdoors, 4 wheel driving and Geo caching.