The Vision, Values and Leadership that help shape our church
Our Vision
United together, we seek to help people come to know Jesus Christ, flourish in Christian community, and experience spiritual growth. Supporting one another, we express to others the good news of God’s kingdom, locally and globally.
Our Values
Christ centred,
Gospel centred
Faithful to God’s word in the scriptures
Authentic relational community, hospitable and caring
Life-long learning as disciples of Christ
Holy Spirit empowered, serving the mission of God
Our Leadership structure
Our church began in 1954 as a plant from St Andrews Presbyterian Church on River Road. Today we are made up of two interconnected church communities - Discovery Christian Centre and Oaks Christian Centre in Gordonton (The Fairfield Presbyterian Parish).
The Parish is overseen by Elders who are known as the Mission Leadership Team (MLT). Each congregation also has their own Council who look after many of the day to day ministry responsibilities. The church is supported by an Office administrator and a Property and Finance Team.
We are part of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand and are accountable to the Kaimai Presbytery. But most of all we are fellow christians who belong to the body of Christ expressing worship and mission in this place.
Church Leadership Team
Jo Waugh
Discovery Elder (Clerk)
Kimsa Heng
Discovery Elder
Olive Adams
Discovery Elder
Mark Campbell
Discovery Elder
Ioana Campbell
Discovery Elder
Gayle Pearson
Oaks Elder
Donna Henstock
Oaks Elder
Ross Freeman
Oaks Elder
Garry Marquand
Interim Moderator
Stephanie Chernishov
Administrator
What we believe
Authority of Scripture
The scripture contained in the Bible is God’s words to us.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
God is the Creator
God created everything, including us, and declared it was good.
“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer and Creator: “I am the Lord, who made all things. I alone stretched out the heavens. Who was with me when I made the earth?” Isaiah 44:24
“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” Genesis 1:31a
The Fall: when creation lost it's perfect goodness
When we went our own way, and were separated from God because of our sin.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23
“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” Romans 5:12
The birth of Jesus Christ, Son of God
Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, and is truly human and truly divine.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14
“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin? ”And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” Luke 1:34-35
Trinity: God is three persons in one being
God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), God the Holy Spirit
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus died, in our place, for our sin
Jesus death on the cross made us right with God, he paid the penalty for our sin.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
Jesus' resurrection
Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive today
“He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:6a
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25
God is restoring us
As we turn to Him our lives are transformed.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
The Church, the body of Christ
The church is a community of believers united under Jesus Christ
“And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Colossians 1:18
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:4-5
The Church as a witness
The message of Jesus is good news, to be shared with all.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
John 13:35
