by Dr Malcolm Falloon | 17 Jul , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity in New Zealand, The Church
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul gives Timothy a striking instruction: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:1).
“First of all” speaks of priority. Before Paul discusses church leadership, false teaching, or public worship, he calls God’s people to prayer.
Notice also the breadth of these prayers. They are not limited to our own needs, our local church, or even our own denomination. We are to pray “for everyone,” including “kings and all who are in high positions.” Why? Because prayer reflects the heart of God himself. Paul continues, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (vv.3–4).
Prayer, gospel proclamation, and God’s compassion belong together. We pray because Christ “gave himself as a ransom for all” (v.6), and because God longs for men and women everywhere to hear the good news of his Son.
That gives us a healthy agenda for prayer in New Zealand. We certainly pray for revival, for the faithful preaching of God’s Word, and for the strengthening of our churches. But Scripture also teaches us to pray for the wider life of our nation—for those in government, education, health, business, justice, and every sphere of society. Like the exiles in Jeremiah’s day, we seek the welfare of the place where God has put us (Jeremiah 29:7), praying that our nation may enjoy peace and stability so that the gospel may continue to flourish.
Aotearoa New Zealand Prayer Breakfasts
This vision lies behind the Aotearoa New Zealand Prayer Breakfasts taking place around the country annually. These Prayer Breakfasts are organised in partnership with NZ Christian Network and key regional Church and Christian leaders. Believers from many churches, ethnicities, and denominations come together, not to advance one denomination or ministry, but to seek God’s blessing on our communities and nation.
Pray As One
It is also the vision behind Pray As One, the New Zealand Christian Network’s weekly online prayer gathering. Every Monday evening from 8.00–9.00 pm, believers from across Aotearoa gather on Zoom to pray for our nation. Each week we hear from a guest who helps shape our prayers before we divide into small groups to pray together. We pray for our regions, for Christian ministries, for our political leaders, and above all that God would bring many people to the knowledge of the truth through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The disciples once asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” That remains the prayer of every generation. May God continue to teach us to pray—not only for ourselves, but for our nation and for the advance of his gospel.
by Dr Stuart Lange | 3 Jul , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity and Social & Moral Issues, Christianity in New Zealand, The Church
In the last couple of weeks, there has been some public concern about words spoken in a video by Bishop Brian Tamaki on Facebook. Asserting that in India the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has fostered a purge of Christians and church burnings, Brian Tamaki said: ‘I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat’.
Was Bishop Brian really advocating what he said? Is it possible he was just speaking rhetorically, tongue-in-cheek, and in effect asking: ‘How would they like it if we did here what they do to our fellow Christians over there?’
Inevitably, however, Mr Tamaki’s words came to the attention of leaders of New Zealand’s Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities, who expressed considerable alarm – as did Race Relations Commissioner, Dr Melissa Derby. They felt that his words contributed into a growing and disturbing wave of prejudice and hostility towards Indian and other immigrants, which upset many and made them feel less safe. They also feared Brian Tamaki’s words could dangerously prompt someone to take his suggestions literally, and then to act on them. Obviously, that would be a highly tragic outcome, and counter-productive in all respects, both here and overseas.
In response to all this, a number of points…
1. As Christians, we firmly believe in the one true and living God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), as revealed in Christ and the scriptures. We do not need to feel threatened by those who hold to other religions, or to none. Our responsibility is to remain faithful, and to share the love of God in Jesus with everyone, both in word and in action.
2. Jesus calls his followers to love others, not to take revenge. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love those who hate us, and to seek reconciliation and peace. Vengeance is not endorsed by Jesus.
3. The largest religious allegiance in New Zealand is Christianity. But New Zealand has never been a wholly Christian nation. Christians in New Zealand are now a minority. Our society is a pluralistic and increasingly secular society, allowing freedom of religion (or non-religion) to everyone. If this country becomes more Christian again, it will above all be a work of the Spirit of God.
4. From a Christian perspective, cultural, ethnic, and religious minorities are all welcome in New Zealand, and should be treated with respect and goodwill. We are all human beings, we are all made in God’s image, and we – or our ancestors – were all migrants from somewhere else.
5. Christian faith transcends culture. The largest faith community in New Zealand is Christian, and Christian faith is held here by people of every ethnicity and culture. Many migrants (including Indians) who come to New Zealand are themselves strongly Christian. Many other immigrants to New Zealand come to faith in Jesus. Love and friendship shown by Christians can often be part of that.
6. It would be great in New Zealand if both Government and media paid much more attention to violence and injustice towards Christian communities in multiple overseas countries, if they advocated on their behalf, and if they made it significantly easier for persecuted Christians to enter New Zealand as refugees.
As Christians, members of New Zealand’s largest faith community, we need not only to love God and have great zeal for his honour and glory, but also to love our neighbours, showing God’s love in Christ to all.
by NZ Christian Network | 23 Jun , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity and Social & Moral Issues, Christianity in New Zealand
The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading, and is now in the Select Committee phase. The Bill requires the language in New Zealand legislation to recognise that a woman is an ‘adult human biological female’ and a man is an ‘adult human biological male’. A similar Bill has now passed into law in the U.K.
Submissions close very soon, on Thursday 2 July 2026, at 11.57 p.m.
We recommend that Christian people make a submission in SUPPORT. Please ensure that any comments you make are clear, considered, and respectful in tone. Submissions which are hostile, or which demean others, or which could easily be construed as ‘hateful’, are counter-productive. Use your own words, as cut and paste submissions carry much less weight.
The preamble to the Bill states:
‘This Bill ensures clarity and consistency in New Zealand law by defining “woman” as “an adult human biological female” and “man” as “an adult human biological male”, with corresponding definitions for “male” and “female”. By establishing these definitions in the Legislation Act 2019, the Bill provides a clear and biologically grounded meaning of “woman” and “man” across legislation’ and that ‘The purpose of this amendment is to uphold legal certainty, protect the integrity of sex-based rights, and ensure that language in law reflects biological reality. This definition will apply in all contexts where the terms “woman” and “man” are used, unless explicitly stated otherwise in specific legislation.’
The Bill itself (which is very short) amends the Legislation Act 2019 with two new clauses:
3Principal Act
This Act amends the Legislation Act 2019.
4New section 13A inserted (Meaning of woman or female)
After section 13, insert:
13AMeaning of woman or female
In any legislation, regardless of gender identity,—
(a)
woman means an adult human biological female; and
(b)
female means a human biological female.
13BMeaning of man or male
In any legislation, regardless of gender identity,—
(a)
man means an adult human biological male; and
(b)
male means a human biological male.
The Bill reflects the undeniable reality that there are two biological human sexes, male and female, and that the language, interpretation and application of legislation should fully respect that common reality and not distort it.
The Bill does not, however, affect in any way the right of people to self-identify with a ‘gender’ that differs from the sex they were born with (and implicitly recognises that right).
This law would help protect women from the obvious danger of biological males who self-identify as women being permitted in such contexts as girls’ and women’s changing and bathroom facilities, women’s sports’ events, women’s emergency accommodation, and women’s prisons.
More broadly, the proposed law could help protect in New Zealand important freedoms of belief and expression. In recent years, the increasing tendency in this country has been for law and policy to be seen through the lens of gender ideology, in which biological sex is unhelpfully conflated with chosen ‘gender’. This has led to ideologically-driven interpretations of the Human Rights Act (1993) and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act (1990), interpretations which pose a growing risk towards everyday freedoms of belief and expression of many people.
This Bill is not about ‘hating’ transgender people, as some claim. Nor should it be. From a Christian perspective, we are called to love others, and no one should be hated.
If enacted, the Bill would not restrict the existing rights of people who identify with a gender that differs from their biological sex to live their own lives how they wish, and – if they want – to access hormonal or surgical interventions. But in a just and free society, such a way of seeing things should not be imposed on everyone else, in either language or in law.
The Bill is limited in its scope, but we think it is very reasonable.
Submissions can be made here.
by Dr Malcolm Falloon | 6 Jun , 2026 | Articles
Few phrases are used more often today than “culture wars”. Depending on who is speaking, the term may refer to debates about gender identity, freedom of speech, religious liberty, family life, sexuality, education, or national identity. Christians are often told that these issues are distractions and that we should focus on more practical concerns such as the economy, housing, or healthcare.
Yet many of the issues described as “culture wars” concern fundamental questions about what it means to be human. They touch the nature of marriage and family, the raising of children, freedom of conscience, and the relationship between the individual, society, and the state. These are not trivial matters. At the same time, Christians should be careful not to become captive to the culture wars themselves.
A healthy society depends upon more than governments and markets. It is sustained by families, churches, schools, charities, businesses, and countless voluntary associations that help shape character, responsibility, and social trust. Christians have good reasons to care when these institutions are weakened or marginalised. Public debates about culture often reflect deeper questions about the kind of society we are becoming.
However, there is another danger. In recent years some commentators, influencers, and political movements have adopted Christian language and symbols as markers of cultural identity rather than expressions of living faith. Christianity can become a badge of tribal belonging, a way of signalling opposition to progressive ideas, or a tool in wider political struggles. Christians should resist that temptation.
The Church does not exist to provide religious branding for political movements, whether on the left or the right. Our calling is to bear witness to Jesus Christ, in submission to Scripture and with a settled commitment to biblical faithfulness. While Christians will often participate in public debates and may hold strong convictions on moral or political matters, our primary identity is found in Christ himself.
The challenge, therefore, is neither withdrawal nor obsession. Christians cannot ignore questions that affect human flourishing and the common good. But neither should we allow outrage, social media algorithms, or ideological loyalties to shape us more deeply than Scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship. Faithful engagement begins with the authority of God’s word, not with the talking points of any cultural or political tribe.
The Gospel calls us to speak truthfully, act courageously, and love our neighbours. We should engage the issues of our day thoughtfully and faithfully, but always remembering that our ultimate task is not to win a culture war. It is to bear witness to the Lordship of Christ in the midst of it.
by Dr Stuart Lange | 24 May , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity in New Zealand, The Church
On the day of Pentecost, we see the magnificent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, and on all subsequent believers in Jesus. And we see God birthing his worldwide Church.
The background to Pentecost, of course, was the suffering and death of Jesus, and his triumphant Resurrection. Immediately before the Risen Jesus ascended to the Father, he announced that “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).
The timing was significant. Pentecost was the Greek name for the Jewish festival of Weeks, the festival in which Jews celebrated the start of the harvest. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, God was that day beginning a massive spiritual harvest, that in due course would spread throughout the whole world, to “the ends of the earth”.
God heralded this day with miraculous signs: the sound of a roaring mighty wind that filled the building (a symbol of the Spirit and the breath of life), with tongues of fire (a symbol of God’s purifying and powerful presence ), and the Apostles miraculously speaking intelligibly in foreign languages (a symbol of the coming proclamation of salvation in Christ to all nations).
To the Jerusalem crowd, Peter courageously reproached his countrymen for rejecting Jesus, proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection, and called them to repentance and faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit powerfully moved, and 3,000 people repented and believed.
And so, the Church was born. In the power of the Spirit, God’s message of salvation in Jesus has subsequently been fruitfully preached to every corner of the globe, and billions of people have received new spiritual life in Christ.
Who receives the Holy Spirit? All who trust in Jesus. It is through the Holy Spirit that we first repent and come to believe, and receive new life from above, and are then empowered to live for Christ.
In so many ways, the Holy Spirit is at work in believers: in assuring us we belong to God (Rom. 8:16), in giving us God’s love (Rom. 5:5), in helping us pray (Rom. 8:26), in giving us understanding (John 14:26, 16:13), in changing us inwardly more like Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18), in helping us put to death what is wrong in us (Rom. 8:13), in growing in us the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), in giving us gifts for service (Rom. 12:4-8, 1 Cor. 12-14), and in empowering us to evangelise and disciple people of all nations (Acts 1:8, Matt. 28:19-20).
In this season of Pentecost, there is so much for which we can give thanks and praise to God. May all who believe in Jesus be eager to live “in the Spirit”, and may the Holy Spirit move in power across our nation and world.
by Ben Mai | 8 May , 2026 | Articles, Christianity in New Zealand, The Church
Church planting begins with a simple but often overlooked truth: at some point, the church you are part of was planted. Someone carried the vision. Someone chose a can-do attitude. There was a plan, and almost certainly sacrifice. And there you are. Proof that it was worth it!
At its best, the Church gathers the body of Christ, worships God together, forms people as disciples of Jesus, and reaches out to its community, sharing the Good News in both word and deed. That’s the kind of Church our nation needs more of.
So imagine this: what would New Zealand look like if there was a thriving, outreach-focused church within easy reach of everyone?
It’s a compelling vision. But it stands alongside a sobering reality. Right now, almost 600,000 people, around 10% of our population, don’t have a church in their local area. That includes fast-growing communities like Flagstaff in Hamilton, Whenuapai in Auckland, parts of Rolleston in Canterbury, Grenada North in Wellington, Pāpāmoa East in Tauranga. These are not empty neighbourhoods, They are full of people, but without an accessible Christian community nearby.
This is part of why we must plant churches.
Church planting remains one of the most effective ways to reach people not yet connected to faith. New churches can be particularly effective at engaging new generations, new residents, and those outside existing church networks. They tend to be outward-focused, flexible, and mission-driven from the beginning. They create new front doors into faith.
But we don’t just need new churches. We need renewed ones too. Replanting offers a pathway for existing churches to rediscover purpose and reconnect with their communities. It honours the past while stepping boldly into the future, bringing fresh leadership, vision, and mission to places where a Christian presence already exists but needs revitalisation.
Together, planting and replanting create momentum.
In New Zealand, that momentum is being nurtured. Several denominations, dioceses and networks are outworking their planting visions. CATCH Network, Multiply and other organisations are equipping potential planters with best-practice assessment tools, resources, ideas and coaching.
For nearly three years I’ve been part of a nationwide church planting learning community. This community has brought together a broad range of senior leaders & planters: from the North and South Islands; from large and small cities. Groups from Pentecostal churches, independent churches, and from Wesleyan, Open Brethren, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches.
Rather than planting in isolation, this approach brings leaders together to learn, share, and grow. It fosters a culture of encouragement, accountability, and practical support.
A key insight from this learning community is that healthy church planting is not accidental – it’s intentional. In simple terms, planting requires four elements: authority (permission to plant), a planter (or team), a date (a clear launch point), and a location (a place to gather).
Another emphasis is sustainability and multiplication. The goal is not just to start churches, but to start churches that can eventually plant others. This kind of thinking shifts the mindset from addition to multiplication — from maintaining to sending. This was the mindset of the early Church!
And crucially, it reinforces the need for a blended ecology of churches.
New Zealand is diverse, and so the Church must be too. We need resource churches that can train and release leaders, campus locations that extend into growing suburbs, and autonomous churches shaped by local context. We need missional churches embedded in their neighbourhoods, micro-churches meeting in homes, churches on marae reflecting Māori identity and tikanga, and churches on or near university campuses engaging the next generation.
No single model will reach everyone — but together, a range of initiatives can reach everyone. The twelves groups participating in our first two-year cohort of our learning community have planted or replanted thirty-two churches across that time.
The opportunity before us — helping grow the Church in this country — is significant. A church planting movement is not built on a few standout leaders, but on many ordinary people saying Yes: yes to going, to sending, to supporting, and to praying.
The truth is, someone once did that for your church.
Twelve months ago, someone planted a church that a mother and her family joined. We heard her story this week…
My church has been an answer to prayer. Our family is here because God made it so. I’ve been a Christian all my life, but when my kids were young, we stopped going to church for about eight years. It wasn’t that we’d lost our faith, but life became overwhelming, and church felt like too much. Over time, my faith became sidelined. I still believed, but it had stagnated, inseparable from guilt and inadequacy.
But, even when I felt far from God, He wasn’t far from me. God was paving the way for my church long before it started. Particular people and events had crossed my path that God was using to draw my heart back to him.
Yet, I thought coming back to church was impossible. Sunday mornings were our only family morning and how would my older kids even respond to church? It was all too hard.
I remember praying: God —can you make it possible for us to go back to church? And He did.
My sister in law sent me a video about a new church starting up just around the corner. But we quickly dismissed it: what difference would it make? It was still going to be a massive undertaking to get my family in those doors and I wasn’t up for the challenge.
But this church was different. We could do 5pm. And the kids already knew and loved the school playground where the church meets! Long story short, God took my list of reasons why not, and turned them into reasons why we couldn’t say no. And it was effortless. The boys loved kids’ church. This was my answer to prayer.
And the impact of my church continues. God is still tugging at my heart, and I have a joy in God that I’ve never experienced before. When I first arrived, I saw that joy in so many of the people here. It’s in their eyes, it’s in their welcome, it’s in the worship and the sermons, it’s in their lives. Faith at my church isn’t a result of “shoulds” and “ought to”s” like I had felt in the past: this is real, genuine faith, filled with love, not fear…I’m thankful that this church surrounds my family with so much love.’
