We long to see independent churches (and the regional campsites and national ministries that serve them) working together to point people to Jesus, through the gospel from the Bible. For that reason, I loved being at the Nelson Summit on Saturday.
More than 90 leaders from 4 churches along with leaders from two camps gathered in Grace Church, Richmond, for the event.
It was a delight to have ministry teams from Grace Church, Tasman Church and Hope Community Church, along with a representative from Glentunnel Chapel gather together for the day. So much of the day was a blessing.
It was encouraging to hear that the three Nelson-Tasman elderships meet together in the year. I was also encouraged by the intentional gospel partnership these three churches have with their nearby campsites Curious Cove Christian Camp and Teapot Valley Christian Camp.
CCCNZ South Island Enabler Tim Hodge writes:
“It was joy to see churches and campsites from across Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough gathering for the CCCNZ Regional Summit on Saturday. We were so well hosted by Grace Church, led in sung worship wonderfully by Tasman Church, and Daryl Bay from Hope Community Church helpfully took us into Philippians 2 exhorting us to serve like Christ.
“Workshops from CCCNZ staff, along with friends from GC3 and Stewards', generated plenty of discussion, and we prayed together with the 'Magnificent 7' after lunch: seven stories of God at work in various contexts in the region. And over food, the building was buzzing with connections, conversations and prayers.
“I'm so encouraged by this, the first ever CCCNZ Regional Summit in Nelson. Whisper it quietly, but some are even saying that of the seven Regional Summits in 2024, this was the last and the best!”
As a service trust our mission is inviting local churches to work together regionally to disciple and grow leaders, who serve, replenish and grow churches. We can’t wait to see what flows out of the week as a result in 2025.
By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador
