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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...

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...

Stand Firm Conference Brings Encouragement

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

Prayer and Planning for Kaikoura

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

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...

Rutland Street Church Centenary

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

Visiting the Brethren 200 Events in Ireland

Left: Ian Payne, and Richard & Hilly Goodwin. Right: Historian Tim Grass at Fitzwilliam Square....

Anchored in Eternity

By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador...

City-wide Hide and Seek

Legend youth leader Joseph Corrigan from Church on Ingestre in Whanganui developed this wide game for Fortify Youth. If you’re looking for something to do with your group, this might be something you’re interested in, Joseph shares how it went: “In term 2, Fortify Youth ran a city-wide game of hide and seek in Whanganui. Youth were divided into teams of seekers (each with an adult driver) and were given the contact details of our volunteer hider, along with a map and a ...

Your Jesus Time: Inspiring Creative Connections with Jesus

Emma Robinson (from Rutland Street Church) has created Your Jesus Time, a vibrant initiative designed to empower individuals to build a deeper relationship with Jesus in ways that resonate with their unique personalities and learning styles.While the Bible remains the cornerstone of fostering a strong connection with Christ, Emma emphasises that God invites us to engage with him through diverse and creative avenues.  The Your Jesus Time website offers a growi...

All Creatures: A Transformative Bible Study Resource

Caitlin Menzies (from The Orchard Church) has crafted an exceptional tool for personal Bible study with All Creatures.This innovative resource introduces readers to the Inductive Bible Study method through beautifully designed booklets.With a clear and engaging introduction, readers are guided to the All Creatures website for simple yet powerful techniques to deepen their understanding of this method of Bible study. The booklets lead users through studies of the books of Mark...

First Combined Elders' Breakfast

From left to right: Lawrence Narayan, Michael Cornwall, Vijay Prasad, Alastair McNaughton, Sam Tu’itupou, Tiko Tuifagalele, Bruce Carr, Garth Hattingh, Ken Hutchinson, Lloyd Vivian and John White....

Old Friends, Ongoing Ministry

It is encouraging to see ministry connections between friends continuing across the country. Some Auckland and Christchurch elders and pastors met in June in Henderson for dinner.(Above pic on left, L to R) Vavao Fetui (formerly with Au uso Christian Fellowship, Henderson), Lene Molia (Samoan Open Brethren, Ranui), along with Arona & Koreti, Luaiva & Falesa, and Fa'afetai Fa'avaoga and his wife (Ekalesia Au Uso Kerisia...

Getting To Know Au uso Kerisiano, Henderson

(Above pic, L to R: Saifoloi Robertson, Tuileva Robertson, Rosanna Robertson, Grace Robertson, Sione Robertson, and Ernest Robertson)...

'Your faith has saved you'

Erica Carey, Children’s coordinator at Auckland Bible Church shares how giving time and space for children to respond to Scripture led to surprising and beautiful results.Erica says, “After a recent catch up with Julie, I was challenged to think more intentionally about using ‘wondering questions’ and leaving room for children to reflect.”Wondering questions are open-ended questions designed to invite children to imagine and to think deeply about what is happening in the stor...

Knitted Together

Children and leaders at Rutland Street Rally recently discovered that knitting can do far more than make a blanket - it can bring people together and bless families in need.When Rally leader Tony Foster was looking for an activity for term 3 that met Rally objectives of learning a life skill and serving others, he connected with Rosalie Frost (Rutland Street Church) who coordinates knitting blankets for Mission Without Borders’ Operation Cover Up, an organisation that sends much-needed blanket...

Grounded in Love

By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador...