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.

I’ve just finished up my part-time teaching job to take up the role of Children and Families Coordinator here at Papanui Baptist.

I’m really excited to see what God is going to do in our church and our families. I have a passion for hands on learning and keeping families connected in the community.

I live in Shirley with my husband Kevin, and my 3-year-old son Zephram. Papanui Baptist has been my family church for 17 years.

May the Lord bless us in our endeavors to follow him and to support our families to grow in him also.

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.