What do you know about Regional Pastors?
North New Zealand Conference (NNZC) has five Regional Pastors in place, but because much of their work is done quietly in the background, their presence might not be widely known. Here are some quick facts. . .
Role description. . . . Regional Pastors are senior pastors in the field who provide added guidance, support, inspiration, training, and resourcing for pastors and congregations. Each Regional Pastor serves a selection of geographic areas, or alternatively may serve with a specific focus for the entire Conference. There is one goal—to help advance the Everlasting Gospel in our territory.
A change of direction. . . . The Regional Pastor model springs from a change of direction in NNZC—from a "departmental" structure to an "all hands on deck for spiritual health and growth" approach. Pastoral support resources are shifted as much as possible from the office to the field, leading to greater local presence, involvement and response. Regional Pastors began as a trial move in 2010, and leaders are finding it is proving its worth immensely.
In the southern region. . . . Anton van Wyk, based in Palmerston North. Serving Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Taranaki, and the Wellington area.
In the central region. . . . Bob Larsen, based in Whakatane. Serving Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, plus Papakura and Manna Park in the far south Auckland area.
Auckland region, plus Church Planting. . . . Paul Siope, serving in this role while he also pastors the Calvary Community congregation part-time. Leaders hope to be able to increase Regional Pastor support for Auckland in 2012.
Youth and childrenʼs ministries. . . . Lance Boulton, taking a "Jesus First" approach Conference-wide, with emphasis on connection and training in the field.
In Northland. . . . Beginning in July 2011, Ed Gallagher will serve as Regional Pastor for this area, while continuing his overall ministry as Sr Pastor for Healthy Adventist Churches.
A footnote on Guides. . . . In 2010 some churches were connected with "Guides"—additional supporters appointed by special arrangement. This has now been superseded and folded into the Regional Pastor model. Each Regional Pastor serves as a G-U-I-D-E . . . to guide, to understand, to inspire, to defend, to encourage. See 1 Corinthians 4:1, 4, The Message.
• Please pray for the Regional Pastors and all with whom they work.
• If you would like more information about this, please email Valmarie Young, ValmarieYoung@adventist.org.nz.
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Ed Gallagher Sr Pastor for Healthy Adventist Churches send e-mail |
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Paul Siope Regional Pastor for Healthy Adventist Churches Church Planting / Auckland send e-mail |
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Anton van Wyk Regional Pastor for Healthy Adventist Churches Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Horwhenua, Taranaki send e-mail |
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Bob Larsen Regional Pastor for Healthy Adventist Churches Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Waikato send e-mail |
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Lance Boulton Child & Youth Pastor NNZC send e-mail |