by NZ Christian Network | 18 Oct , 2013 | FOCUS, Marriage and Family, Media Releases
MEDIA RELEASE NZ Christian Network is pleased to announce the launch of the NZ Marriage Week website.
In announcing the launch, NZCN National Director Glyn Carpenter said “It’s good that New Zealand can now join with other countries around the world where groups are working to strengthen marriages and the culture of marriage.
“Marriage Week is a joint initiative of Marriage Week International and the World Evangelical Alliance, of which NZ Christian Network is the New Zealand member.
“The purpose of this website is to feature articles and resources about strengthening marriage, and events related to Marriage Week which occurs each year from 7-14 February.
“It is not a website for debating contentious issues relating to marriage. The website is based on the concept of marriage as being between one man and one woman for life.
“Many people these days are simply not aware that when it comes to intimate relationships, marriage offers by far the best chances of a good and successful outcome.
“This website is intended to help get that message out”.
People with relevant information to share are invited to comment on this site or send in articles to be posted.
If you would like to register as a contributor to the site please make contact with the NZ Christian Network office.
by Glyn Carpenter | 26 Sep , 2013 | Church, NZCN
We understand Tony Anthony may be planning a trip to New Zealand and advise the following statement issued by EAUK- Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom
The Council of the Evangelical Alliance (United Kingdom) voted unanimously on 19 September to remove Avanti Ministries from membership of the Alliance with immediate effect.
The Alliance has worked with Avanti Ministries since October 2012 to seek the truth about allegations which questioned the veracity of Tony Anthony’s testimony. These allegations were very serious and included that Tony did not spend his childhood in China, he was never Kung Fu world champion and never worked in close protection. There were also questions as to how truthful Tony had been about his involvement in a fatal road traffic accident.
The Alliance recommended that Avanti set up an independent panel who heard evidence over 3 months and compiled a substantial report. The panellists – John Langlois, Keith Civall and Robert Amess – were recommended because of their experience, integrity and character.
Following the report by the independent panel, Avanti have sadly chosen to only communicate with the Alliance through their lawyer. The Alliance worked with Avanti and their lawyer to agree a joint statement. Both parties agreed in the statement that the panel found that ‘large sections of Taming the Tiger which claim to tell the truth, do not do so’.
It became clear from evidence in the public domain that following the fatal road traffic accident Tony Anthony was convicted of careless driving, failing to stop, failing to report an accident and perverting the course of justice. He was also convicted of four separate harassment offences. He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for the above offences.
We have encouraged Avanti Ministries to release the panel’s report in the interest of openness and transparency. They have failed to do so.
We have asked Avanti Ministries to allow us to release the report. Avanti made clear through their lawyer they would not allow us to do this.
Avanti have issued a further statement that says the panel produced a report “challenging the integrity of some of the facts of Taming the Tiger. Tony has since confirmed that he is considering a revision to the book.” This statement is deeply disappointing as it is inconsistent with the report and the joint statement.
Avanti have indicated that they are closing their ministry. However, this may take some time and they are still listed on the Charity Commission website and with Companies house.
They have also indicated that their relationship with Tony Anthony has ended. However, Tony has since issued a statement purporting to speak on behalf of the Avanti Board which they have failed to correct.
In light of all of the above, and having heard an oral summary of the confidential report, the Council of the Evangelical Alliance has removed Avanti Ministries from membership.
The above statement is published on the EAUK website and can be viewed here.
by Guest Author | 18 Sep , 2013 | FOCUS, Missional Living, Regional Reports
Recently, we posted stories about how churches are making an impact in their communities around the world: Better than prayer in schools, and One Way Christians Can Respond to Secularism. Peter Cheyne, NZCN Otago Regional Advocate, brings us this story from his region that was originally posted on the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland site.
Roger Harrington speaking to the Council of Assembly about St Andrews, Invercargill
What I have to say I trust will encourage other churches to look outside of the church, seek ways to involve yourself in the community, build a relationship with people so that they may see Jesus Christ in what you do.
Paul said . “I will not boast about anything but what God has done.”
Joshua said “consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord we do wonders among you.”
3 years ago the church was on its knees, unsure whether we should close the doors or amalgamate with another church as the congregation’s age was 70 plus. Some said lets keep praying and re commit ourselves to God and ask Him to lead us into the future.
St Andrews had been a church that was inward thinking for many years, always Bible based and was content within itself, but numbers were falling rapidly.
Easter Buns:
3 years ago, to show the people in the neighborhood that we were still alive, we delivered, 400 packets of hot cross buns in the area with a simple message. ” The time of Easter is a special time for us that Jesus died on the cross for you and me. This is a gift from the church.” The people at St Andrews have given out over 1200 buns at Easter. This outreach was much appreciated by all. A number of people from the Elston Lea flats were given this gift. Some men living in the flats were invited to a men’s breakfast and 4 men came. Some had marriage, gambling and alcohol problems. Two of these men gave their lives to God, both of these men have joined the church, they attend prayer and study groups, one is Clerk of Deacons Court, a change only God can make.
Art Course:
I read in a Christian magazine about an artist, Graham Bradock, who was teaching young people how to paint and draw. We obtained some material and ran a class with the help of a gifted artist. This reached children from all over the city but not many from the South of the city attended. Later we approached two schools nearby and asked if they would put a notice in their newsletter about running an art course, one school did not want to know us, the other said yes . When at the school with Nyalle (our ministry Intern), we asked the principal if there was any other way that the church could help the school.
Garden:
She said that they had funding to build a school garden 20m x 10 with a high fence, shed and tunnel house but no parents would help. I asked her for a plan, Being a bit like Peter I said we would build it for the school. We took it to the courts and they said they would help. This involved us with the children and teachers at New River School.
This was the turning point for the church.
This year Environment Southland invited the men involved in the project to an evening when awards were given out for environment projects carried out from farming, forestry, water ways etc and for community work. St Andrews was awarded the Community award for Southland for our work with the school, plus $1000 from the Aluminum Smelter . This will be given back as a gift voucher of $250 to a senior pupil every year for the next four years. This person would have shown leadership and good achievements during the year. This award was on local TV, newspapers etc, great advertising for the church.
Reading Programme:
After finishing the garden we asked if there was something else we could do for the school. She said they have we have 6 & 7 children who have little understanding what they are reading, if one or two people would help these kids it would be great. 10 adults go to school weekly read to these kids. A marvelous opportunity to build a relationship with these young people, many of these kids go to the Inconz group. To think that a 76 year old man would go back to school and read and talk to them, unheard off.
When we go to school kids greet you, give you a hug, call out your name, even some teachers give you a hug , and I don’t mind.
The school holds its end of the year breakup , Anzac services and concerts at St Andrews. 90% of these children would have never entered a church with their parents. This year we gave out at Easter buns to all the children with a simple message about Easter. 10 Bible in School teachers go to that school, the highest number in the city. Why has this happened ? because God lead us out of our comfort zone and we took a step of faith.
Chaplain:
18 months ago Teina Marie, a Cook Island lady with some Bible training was asked to join the Ministry team, and with 3 year support from Synod she accepted this challenge. Teina has completed a school Chaplaincy course, meets regularly with the school and works along side the teachers. A large percentage of families are Maori or Island people and she has wonderful skills and understanding of these people. Teina is a very important person in the ministry team.
Valoa Jack:
A year ago Nyalle and I attended a Cook Island funeral held at St Andrews and a young man spoke how he had lead this man to Christ on his death bed. Nyalle and I approached this young man after the service and told him that God could use him at St Andrews. A week later he rang Nyalle and said, “Do you really mean what you said?”, Nyalle said, “yes.” This man is a social worker at a secondary school and a gifted musician. With the generous support from Synod for a year we employed Valoa for 3 years to work with youth.
We started a Inconz programme last year with 15 kids. When Valoa started the numbers grew and to date we have 60 young people attending every Wed & Thursday after school. The group has become too big so we have split it into year 1 to 4 and 5 year upwards. We believe that this time next year there will be 100 young people attending. But we can only do this with the help from Synod.
12 young people have given their lives to God and attend a weekly study group , and a leadership group, which Valoa and Nyalle take.
A youth service is held monthly and last time 27 young people sang , read the Bible and prayed with guidance from the leaders. This has not been seen at St Andrews for the last 25 years.
We believe that with these young people we can build a base for St Andrews.
Countdown:
A few months ago my wife was shopping at a Supermarket and overheard 2 staff people saying how sad it was that all that unsold baking was thrown out every day, she came home and told me, I saw the Manager and asked if we could have those goods to help struggling familes in the South of the City and he said “Yes.”
Marie and I pick up about 40 large boxes of food every week. We approached the school and asked them whether they would say in their newsletter, that St Andrews Church had access to bread etc and the Church would like to help families. Working though the school means that we are not Bible bashing families, but giving to them with love. Every day people from church deliver baking to these homes. We meet these people, this is a marvelous way to have contact with those outside of the church. A big number of children from these homes come to Inconz. There are always opportunities awaiting us, if we will take a step in faith and walk with God along the way.
This year we invited Mike Hawke, an Anglican Vicar from Christchurch to hold a Gospel Country and Western service in the Community Hall, the place was packed, next year we are looking at a City wide mission with this man.
We have become a multi cultural church, a family of 8 Samoan people have already joined the church, a family from the Marshall Is attends. Every week new people can be seen in Church.
The Future:
Teina Marie could be encouraged into Ministry training.
Valoa Jack has the ability to become a Youth Director for the Presbyterian Church’s in Invercargill..
A contemporary service will be started next year by Valoa. Jack
What has happened at St Andrews is beyond belief.
The Tois Toi parish approached other church’s to see if they could join with them, they said no, they approached St Andrews, we said yes. We will try and help this church with our Ministry team, it will be hard work, but we will try.
Many opportunities are there, Café group for parents bringing their children to Inconz. Teenage youth group,
With the support of Synod we believe that we can build a viable church in the South of Invercargill.
The steps we have taken are.
- Commit yourselves to God. It might be only a few, look outside of the church for the lost and lonely.
- Work through a school with practical work
- Don’t preach to them at school, build a caring relationship with the teachers and pupils.
- Make the church facilities available to the school and community.
- Work the opposite way the church used to do.
(a) Through school children to parents, Inconz is a good start. - Be a keen listener for opportunities.
- Be bold, don’t be put off by doubters in the courts and church, they will change when they see the results.
- The ministry team is a key part in growing the church. Using different giftsand fostering cultural understanding has been the gretest benfit to St Andrews.
Under funded church’s should be encouraged to join with another church, release funds and grow a Ministry based church.
by NZ Christian Network | 6 Sep , 2013 | Media Releases, WEA
New York, NY
On September 3rd and 4th, 2013, Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), spoke at a conference in Amman, Jordan, convened by King Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein to address ‘the challenges facing Arab Christians,’ in particular the situation in Syria and Egypt. Representatives of various churches in the region were invited to ‘unite and give voice to the leadership of Arab Christian Churches (…) and, together, to discuss and find possible solutions.’
In his speech, Dr. Tunnicliffe addressed the increasing suffering and persecution of Arab Christians in recent years, stating that “this is despite the fact that Arab Christians have been loyal citizens in all the countries of the Arab world for two thousand years.”
He emphasized the importance of religious freedom for a prospering society and that “Christians in the Arab world deserve to be treated respectfully and with honor.” He said: “All they ask is to be allowed to live in peace and to faithfully practice their faith, in the same way as their neighbors and fellow citizens are able to practice theirs.”
In both countries, Syria and Egypt, Christians have been victim of targeted attacks from Muslim extremists and have asked for continuous prayer.
In light of current discussions of a possible military intervention in Syria, Dr. Tunnicliffe sent a letter from the conference to the White House and the United Nation’s Security Council, stating that Christians in the region clearly oppose these plans.
“I think I can say that there is a major consensus amongst the Christian leaders in this region that any military intervention by the United States will have a detrimental effect on the situation and in particular for Christians in Syria,” he wrote, adding that “Christians have already been threatened in Syria by some of the opposition indicating that a post regime Syria will be Muslim and Christians will not be welcome.”
In regards to the Syrian refugee crisis, Dr. Tunnicliffe mentioned Jordan as example for the region and said: “Today Jordan graciously and generously bears the burden of many refugees from neighboring countries. We evangelical Christians are grateful to His Majesty King Abdullah for his country’s support and welcome of these refugees and we are encouraging Christians all around the world to support your efforts.”
Mark Burnett and Roma Burnett-Downey, WEA Ambassadors and producers of the TV mini-series ‘The Bible’, also attended the conference and spoke about the importance of the unity of Christians to face the current situation.
“As Christians of all traditions face discrimination, persecution and threat, now is the time to link arms together in a unified love to respond to these challenges together,” Mrs. Burnett said, after sharing of her own experience of violence and discrimination in the Northern Ireland conflict.
Mrs. Burnett concluded her remarks by quoting the Anglican Minister and Christian Statesman, Dr. John Stott: “I wonder if anything is more urgent today, for the honor of Christ than that the church should be, and should be seen to be, what by God’s purpose and Christ’s achievement it already is – a single new humanity, a model of human community, a family of reconciled brothers and sisters who love their Father and love each other, the evident dwelling place of God by his Spirit. Only then will the world believe in Christ as Peacemaker.”
“It is our hope and prayer that Christians in the Middle East in spite of their differences will be united together in a common bond of God’s love,” she added.
Dr. Tunnicliffe remains in Jordan for a few more days to meet with senior Jordan officials and evangelical leaders, and to visit refugee camps on the Syrian border.
The WEA is joined other world Christian bodies for a day of prayer for Syria on September 7th.
by Guest Author | 6 Sep , 2013 | NZCN, Regional Reports
Ron Brewer, NZCN Northland Regional Advocate, gives us this update from Whangarei.
Most people would agree that the Kiwi dream is fast slipping away from us. Christians -who believe they have answers- can sometimes be heard bemoaning the sad state of affairs apparent in our nation and seen first-hand in many-a-local community as poverty, substance abuse, broken homes, violence and other crime wreak havoc in so many lives. Where to get started and how to pull together to make a difference is a daunting task.
So it was a heartening sign of hope for change for the better when a sizable gathering from across the whole spectrum of churches in Whangarei freely came together on Sunday afternoon at Central Baptist Church to listen and to pray.
Can united prayer make any difference to our communities, our towns, our cities? Well-over 150 local folk thought so.
The title for the meeting was, Facing the challenge of a changing world. Four community leaders responded to the invitation to address the gathering. They were: our Mayor, Morris Cutforth, Dr Nick Chamberlain, the CEO of the Whangarei Health Board, Sharon Bain of the Salvation Army, and Morgan Allen of the Churches Education Commission.
Each speaker took a short session to lay out from their perspectives significant needs in the community and challenges in today’s world. Each session was followed by prayer from a different mix of Christian leaders on the platform, focussing on the needs presented and followed in turn with individual prayer in small groups of all those assembled.
The sense of unity and purpose in our calling upon God together in prayer and worship was certainly encouraging and we must hope and plan for it to be built upon and extended in the days ahead. Challenging times call for us to pray and work together as never before.
Ron Brewer is the NZCN Northland Regional Advocate
by NZCN Team | 28 Aug , 2013 | NZCN
What is a blog?
In technical terms, blog is a combination of the words web and log. Great… so what does that mean?
Well, a blog is pretty much whatever you want it to be: a personal diary, a place to share your thoughts, a collaborative space on the Internet, memos, a place to inform people of breaking news or recent events…
OK… so what is the difference between articles and blogs?
In most cases, none; however, on the New Zealand Christian Network website, we are looking at having both so, we need to define what makes them different. We are currently trying to sort this out these ourselves, but this is how we believe it will eventually work.
NZCN has a structure of networks or taskforces. These are areas of ministry or life in New Zealand in which we desire to influence in society in a way that honours God.
Articles on the website strongly fall under these network categories and are written by either the networks themselves or as a collaboration of discussions by members of NZCN (papers for example). They are not necessarily updated or added to frequently, but they are a collection of articles to inform people about a particular issue or ministry. They are often deep or rich in content and require time for the reader to process.
Blogs can be thought of as quick and often lighter reading when compared to articles – even though they may contain deep thoughts. Oftentimes, they would fall under the notorious category of ‘uncategorized’.
Let me illustrate:
An article is a bowl of fruit salad, some muesli, yogurt, a drink to help you wash it down… whereas a blog is a smoothie.
Same ingredients – different presentation.
Are there any guidelines for writing blogs?
We want our blogs to be short, quick, easy reads that don’t require a degree in theology to understand. The target audience for blogs is the general, wider body of Christ – which can include people in leadership. It is not intended as a place to preach online, rather it is a place to share thoughts and experiences about faith related issues and to inform the body of Christ of various events going on in our country.
As a guide… we’re looking for less than 1000 words. You may find this a challenge, but we encourage you to give it a shot. Somewhere around 500 words is brilliant!
If your blog is on the longer side, we recommend breaking it up into shorter chucks to make it easier for your readers to take in.
- This can be done with headings, pull-quotes, pictures etc.
- Make use of other formatting tools such as text colour for headings or bold text for the odd word or phrase you want to draw attentions to but without the fuss.
- Use italics for titles of articles, books etc. as well as in a closing statement that the reader who you are. This may also include a thumbnail image and links to your church, ministry, personal website etc.
- Remember to enter your name and any topical keywords into the Tags box in the right sidebar. This will make it easier for readers to find other things you have written as well as related content.
An image at the start of the article (between 200-300 pixels) will help draw people in. It actually makes the reading seem faster because the text width is cut in half, so they are already scrolling down the page and are more likely to continue reading – especially if they see indicators that they are quickly progressing through sections.
Try to close your actual blog with a call to action. Ask the readers to respond in the comment section, do something, or challenge them in some way.
Enough said. Please use the comment section below to share some of your pointers with us!
Blessings,
Gayann
Gayann and her husband, Stephen, have provided web design and email communication support to NZCN since 2006. She has home schooled their two children for the past nine years, but was ‘made redundant’ at the start of 2013. Since then, she has taken a more active role with NZCN.
