Back to Blog

'Living out of Christ in me'

By Roger OsbaldistonDuring my visit at Cornerstone International Bible Church in Dunedin, it was a privilege to witness two people being baptised, including Alex Kinley. I found Alex’s testimony to be a powerful statement of our participation in Christ:"I’ve spent most of my adult life being fiercely independent. I’ve always hated the idea of needing help or assistance in any way from anyone which is why I think it took me so long to get to here today. The idea of me not running ...

Knowing God's Goodness Everyday

Feilding Bible Chapel celebrated the baptisms of Liam, Nadia and Logan on Sunday 9 November. Youth and Young Adults Ministry Leader Mikaela Hosking shares:"It was a wonderful service on Sunday as we praised God and prayed for three of our youth who publicly declared their faith through baptism."Their testimonies spoke about not waiting for or relying on 'lightning bolt' moments from God, but knowing his presence and goodness in the everyday, ordinary life. Super encouraging to hear the wisdom sp...

Celebrating Growth and Grit

Isabella Winder, Hayley Spencer, Sarah Jensen and Lizzie Nepia. ...

Serving Together in Our Community

From Pete Rhodes-Robinson (Onslow Community Church)"As part of our regular rhythm at OCC, we hold ‘Serving Sundays’, where instead of gathering for our usual morning service, we head out into the community to serve in practical ways."Our final Serving Sunday for the year once again supported a local school with their annual fundraiser--a community fun run/walk up a local hill, followed by a fair at the school grounds. This year, around 65 volunteers of all ages from OCC took part, helping wi...

More Than Lollies: Light Parties Point People to Jesus

Hundreds of families took part in Light Parties across NZ last week. With fun, food, and gospel conversations, churches shared Jesus’ light in their neighbourhoods. We spoke to five CCCNZ churches about their highlights:...

Baptisms at Te Arai Beach

It was a great privilege to be present for the baptism of Sam Broadbent and two others at Te Arai beach, north of Auckland. Sam is the son of Chris & Tina Broadbent (Chris is our Board Chair at CCCNZ). Equally encouraging was the large group of friends and church family from Northcross Church who gathered around them to pray and support their journeys of faith. ...

In the community, for the community

Two original trustees cut the cake to mark 10 years of the HND Community Trust. ...

New Rally at Rowley Bible Church

There’s something special about seeing a ministry come back to life. At Rowley Bible Church in Christchurch, Rally has officially relaunched.Rowley Ave is in a more socially deprived part of the city and the church has a heart to reach out to their community with the good news about Jesus. Rowley Bible Church Elder Lieuwe Doubleday, who’s leading the programme, shared a few highlights:“We had 12 kids—13 are enrolled—with one still away at school camp in Hanmer. We had a great nigh...

Highland Home Joins Te Maru

Willow Park Camp Manager Michelle Willis welcomes Highland Home to Te Maru by cutting the ribbon....

Praying For Auckland Together

On Thursday 30 October, CCCNZ churches and leaders were among 650+ Christians from around 87 churches and Christian organisations who gathered together for the NZ Christian Network's 10th annual Auckland Prayer Breakfast.NZ Christian Network called the event "a powerful time of worship, unity, and intercession for the city of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland." ...

Reflecting On Our Heritage

Leaders from CCCNZ/Open Brethren Heritage churches across Auckland gathered together last night for an evening of reflection and discussion on the movement’s shared history and future.Speakers Dr Ian Payne and Dr Richard Goodwin explored the question that has shaped Brethren identity for generations: Is our unity based on separation from the world, or separation to the Lord? Reflecting on their recent trip to Ireland for the Brethren 200th anniversary celebrations, they shared stories and less...

Young People Equipped to Grow and Lead

In December 2024, the youth of Hope Community Church (Nelson) led an entire Sunday service—a result of intentional discipleship and equipping from the wider church community.The service was followed by the baptisms of David, Carter, Helena, Pieter, and James, and a picnic lunch at Aniseed Valley in the Tasman/Nelson region. Pastor Daryl Bay writes:“We’ve been so encouraged by the fruit in our youth ministry, with a steady stream of baptisms. This is the result of a long-term, intentional i...

Baptisms at Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church in Nelson came together last week to baptise Ashleigh, Craig, Luke, Richard and Lynne. It was a time of encouragement for the church whānau as they witnessed their joy and love for Jesus. ...

Growing in Every Way: God at Work Among CRC Youth

This year has been one of visible transformation for the youth at Clark Road Chapel in Whangārei. Two weeks ago, the church gathered to celebrate as four of them were baptised, sharing stories of faith and God’s work in their lives.Youth Leader Shane Coutts says it was special to see the youth take this step, share their testimonies, and see God at work, “It’s pretty cool to hear what God has been doing among the youth.”Shane says that when they started off the year the group was pretty...

Growing and Sustaining Gospel Leaders Across Generations at Lead Well

Ministry is not meant to be carried alone.Last week at Lead Well, teams of leaders from CCCNZ churches across NZ came together to explore what it means to lead with others, not just for them. Notably, these teams of leaders work with younger generations--serving in ministries with youth, young adults, camping, and children & families. They spent three days at Willow Park in Auckland focusing on building, equipping, and sustaining healthy volunteer teams across their areas of m...

How can we work together? Collaborating at the National Boards Retreat

Trustees and Staff from CCCNZ, GC3, GPH Foundation, GPH Trust, Hillview Trust, Lichfield Lands Incorporated Society, Pathways College Of Bible And Mission, Mission Rehabilitation Fund, NZ Every Boys And Girls Rally Trust, The Stewards’ Foundation, Te Maru Ltd. and Hako Tiaki Whenua Trust....

Developing Leaders Through Community Connection

This recent school holiday programme at Kingston Community Church (KCC) was bursting with life—60 kids, 16 leaders, and 5 helpers came together for a week focused on connection while having fun: connecting with the community, and connecting the community with Jesus.The KCC eldership was thrilled to see leaders emerging from within the church family, including the Lifeline youth group, and even from among the children who once attended the holiday programme who are now stepping up to help as le...

Consistency Builds Connection

Whitiora Bible Church is in the centre of Hamilton, and during Covid lots of families were placed in emergency housing in hotels in the area—meaning the local primary school had an influx of children with a variety of needs. Initially the church had a connection to the school through the school’s chaplain, who was part of the church. The families have since been relocated out of the hotels and the chaplain has moved out of town, but there are still a number of the children who rema...

Prayer and Planning for Kaikoura

The stunning point of view from Kaikoura Gospel Hall....

Stand Firm Conference Brings Encouragement

Lew Meyer speaking at the Stand Firm Conference....

Three Churches, Shared Vision

Three CCCNZ Manawatū churches came together for a combined youth event at the end of last term, organised by Church on Vogel’s Jack Graham. As part of his Diploma of Christian Sudies through Laidlaw, Jack Graham serves at the church 16 hours a week. This semester one of his assessments included heading up an event where he could learn some practical skills and gain practice in project management. Motivated by his desire to share the gospel with young people, Jack was ...

Who are we passing the baton to?

By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador...

Building Faith That Lasts: The Story of The Peverel Flats

Leaving home for the first time can be one of the most vulnerable seasons in a young adult’s faith journey. At Riccarton Community Church (RCC) in Christchurch, a group of young leaders asked themselves: what helped us hold on to faith through uni and how can we offer that to others?Their answer was to re-launch The Peverel Flats, purpose-built student flats in Christchurch where young adults live, study, and explore faith in intentional community. “Discipleship often looks like sharing life...

Anchored in Eternity

By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador...

Rutland Street Church Centenary

A plaque unveiling from the oldest (over 100 years herself!) and the youngest (a babe in arms!)....