Strategy Update

Flourishing Small Parishes At the recent TPMC forum in Auckland, leaders from across Aotearoa gathered to reflect on what helps small churches flourish. The day was full of encouragement and practical wisdom – and much of it speaks directly to our journey here in Waiapu.

Three common threads emerged: raising our spiritual temperature, committing to growth and change, and deepening community engagement. Time and again, parishes that flourished were those that put prayer at the centre, empowered lay and ordained leaders, and created space for fresh experiments. Whether it was Alpha courses, intergenerational worship, or neighbourhood prayer, each story reminded us that God is faithful when we take small but intentional steps forward.

Community engagement was also highlighted. Flourishing parishes weren’t trying to do everything but instead discerned “the one thing” they could do well. From mental health support in farming communities, to elder care, to messy church for families, the message was clear: when churches listen deeply to their neighbours, they discover where God is already at work and join in.

As we live into our ADOW strategy of Discipleship, Koru,  Whakapapa, Vocation, and Connection, the forum reminded us that flourishing doesn’t mean becoming bigger, but rather becoming more faithful, prayerful, and relational. Our call is to be Christ-bearers in our context, trusting God with the fruit.

Ngā mihi maioha