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Ministerial Profile: Pr Paul Hopson

Posted on Mar 02, 2010

Pastor: Manna Park and Papakura Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Life Text: Romans 5: 6-11, "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ....And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation....So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."

Born to SDA Parents in Wahroonga, Sydney, Paul completed his early schooling at the Adventist Schools in Sydney.

Paul felt a call to the Ministry in 2000, when he was in his late 30's. Prior to this when any one suggested that he go into ministry he would laugh and think they were joking! He reluctantly answered the call by enrolling at Avondale. Upon completing his studies he accepted a call to minster in New Zealand at the New Plymouth Church.

Paul is married to Sarah Jane and says that his ministry is blessed by the great support she provides as a loving wife. On a personal note, Paul is a bit of a bookworm and would rather read than watch TV. He enjoys exploring the beautiful country of NZ, especially the Hauraki Gulf which is a personal favourite at the moment. He finds that the landscapes in New Zealand add a whole new dimension to his interest in photography. He is a budding gardener and has recently developed a passion for Skiing.

Paul pastors what he calls "Two beautiful churches in the southern part of Auckland and the Bombay Hills - Papakura and Manna Park; filled with lovely people with a passion for God and His Word, and a love for one another. In his short time as their pastor, Paul sees that both churches have a desire to be healthy and that they have the fundamentals right. They have a "love for God, love for one another, and desire to share the gospel and a desire for great worships." They also "practice hospitality and see the importance of being a welcoming and inclusive church as well as the need to be relevant and connected with the community."

As a pastor it is Paul's deepest desire to touch people's lives in a positive way. He believes that we need to model our evangelistic efforts on John 3:16. His vision for his ministry is to be ready for the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to encourage others to do the same.

We wish Paul and Sarah God's choicest blessings and grace as they settle into ministering to their new congregations whom they have already grown to love. Our prayers are with the Manna Park and Papakura congregations as they continue on their intentional journey to being healthy churches.

By Hana Isaac, Executive Assistant, NNZC Administration/ The Bulletin-Editor
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