Dear Friends

This is my very first Coffee Break (although I’m not allowed to call it that) as National Administrator and it is a real privilege to serve our Lord in this role.

One of my worries when I took over this role was the 17 years of experience Kelvyn had and the respect that he has throughout the Baptist Churches. The first morning I arrived in at work I opened my e-mails to find one of our hospital Chaplains, Graham Juden, welcoming me with the words “He who calls you, also equips”.  What real comfort to receive this.

I shared with the staff at our weekly devotions a passage I was studying during the time I was thinking and praying about applying for this role. In Acts 6 it talks about the Apostles appointing men to handle the administration side of things while the Apostles could (vs 4) “give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word”. For me I took two points from this passage. The importance of making sure we are supporting our Pastoral staff in our churches well so that they can focus on preaching and sharing the Word and for those of us in administration, that this is also an important calling from God, (vs 3) “choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom”. I pray that the Lord will give me wisdom as I take over this important role.

I have enjoyed my first four weeks here at 473 Great South Road and getting to know the staff.  I have been amazed at how connected the church is when people pop in to say hello and introduce themselves. Those that knew my father from 60 years ago at a church, to those who pastored my uncle at Milford Baptist in Auckland, to bumping into some of the young people from my own church studying at Carey Baptist College next door.

COMPETITION FOR NAME CHANGE

The staff here has suggested that I run a competition to think of a new name for the Coffee Break. I have been told in no uncertain terms, from those who shall remain nameless, that I cannot use this name for the newsletter as this was Kelvyn’s. We will run the competition for three weeks and the person whose idea for a new name is selected, will win two movie tickets.   

Please e-mail suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I am looking forward to meeting and talking to as many people around the churches as I can. Please, if you are passing by, drop in, and say hello or give me a call, I would love to have a chat.